If you’ve done any amount of reading on socialness, seduction, pick up, etc., you’ve probably come across the phrase “attraction is based on ability to survive/procreate,” “attractive traits/behaviors are genetic fitness indicators,” or anything that explains attraction in a Malthusian/Darwinian way.

That’s all fine and good, but you’re brain probably glossed over that information because A) it’s trivia, and B) you were probably skimming to get to the techniques (it’s ok, we’ve all done it).

Well, the other day I thought of a mindset that makes this trivia actually useful: it’s to base your behavior (not all the time) on the belief and desire to MAKE YOUR KIDS EAT.

That’s right, you’re going out and meeting people for your kids, not yourself. First, this gives socializing a whole extra level of selfless motivation that’s more sustainable than “I just want to get my nut.” You’re trying to meet people and find the BEST person to have kids with. You want someone with the healthiest mindset to help you raise your kids so that your family can be fucking badass. What nobler purpose is there?

People are consciously and unconsciously scanning for anything that will make their offspring (kids) tough enough to survive in the jungle and socially savvy enough to thrive in the human tribe. A person’s good looks signify genetic ability that will help your kids outrun predators. A person’s good behaviors and good mindsets signify that their kids will be taken care of by someone who is positive and proactive and that, in turn, their posterity will also have the go-getter mindset of a high achiever.

So putting it into practice: whenever you do something (approach someone, walk around, make a presentation) roar the following declaration in your head: MY KIDS ARE EATING TODAY. Do you think a permission-seeker will get enough food for his or her kids? “Um, excuse me, can I have some more??” Hell no! Get that food! Get that paycheck, because your kids are eating today! When you’re walking around, walk with a posture that shows people that your family eats well because you’re a boss. When you’re working, be the best and the boldest because you are the one who brings the bacon home so the kids can be the strongest in the tribe. YOUR KIDS ARE EATING TODAY.

(Fun fact: this is what rappers are conveying when they talk about “eating.” They’re alluding to the basic desire to bring resources to their squad so that they can be full. In the old days, being full was the biggest luxury ever. Get full, get your squad full, get your kids full.)

In a truly animalistic sense, that’s what being the “alpha” really boils down to: doing whatever it takes to fiercely promote your genes so that your family line can continue on like kings. So act like it. Work like it. Become it. Walk into meetings like you’re the chief lion. Face down opposition and doubt like you’re the furiously-strong gorilla alpha (those sons of bitches are terrifying). Get your bread up and eat.