Hey guys! Here's the thing: I have come a long way since my break up last year with a 3 year LTR. I've got rid of my chubbiness, got a nice job, approached a lot of girls and had STR with some women, got myself more vulnerable (still stings from time to time, but it is nice) and got myself a more interesting life altogether, even started therapy. Yet, I see some of my friends with sub par game having amazing results with women, and that is when I reflect on where I'm at in life...

Now for the brutally honest part: I am 25, and I seem to still have girl problems.

I am doing fine with women I perceive to be a 7 (disclaimer: I hate numerical system but i'm using it to help me explain my issue, these values are relative to my personal views and preferences) and a little older than me (28-35).

But as the girl gets near the 8, 9s, have tastes and personalities more alike mine and the same age bracket as mine, I seem to not having a good success rate (hooking up and not getting second or third dates, getting flakes on text conversation and numbers getting cold fast)

Have any one been in a situation like this?

Self assessment - Where I (think) am at now:

Approach: I do alright on clubs and bars and night game in general.

Daygame: This is something I know I have to work on better. As my schedule is very tight on weekdays, I tend to not do any approach on weekdays.

Texting: Nowadays, I tend to be direct and not beat around the bush. Its generally a hit or miss.

Sex: This is where I'm proud of myself: I have had my recent girls to thank me for having them, and stating that I have done a more than amazing job, and on some occasions they say that I was the best lay in their life, which is nice. So this is an aspect of dating that I can ignore, at least for now.

Where I live: I still live with my parents. In Brazil, its not cultural to get out of moms and dads asap and the city I live is crazy expensive (São Paulo). Do you think it's time for me to get out? Is it reeeeaaally a game changer as Mark Manson once stated? I have some doubts about it.

Hobbies: Music (I play the guitar and trying to compose and learn jazz improv), Gym, running the park near home, Movies and books.

So I need some tips on where I should focus my efforts now? Should I keep working on my self esteem/confidence? Should I approach more and more women? double my interactions? get a personal stylist? Other hobby? More reading and literature (I hope not). You see, I am talking about the diminished return effect, 20/80 and the one thing: What you guys think is the top action I should do to improve my game and life?

I'm happy to provide more info if that would help.

TL,DR version: I have accomplished much in self improvement the last years after a LTR. I seem to hit a plateau. I have trouble getting on with girls I find very attractive and have a nice fit with me, what seems to be my problem and what can I do to improve? I don't want to waste my 25-30 years not doing my full potential...

[Bonus: Is there a best way to approach women during lunch time near work place?]