Hey guys, I need some outside perspectives on how to proceed in my development. A bit of context:

I have been pushing myself to date more actively again, mostly on dating apps except for 1 or 2 approaches on parties. And compared to past attempts, this has been way more successful so far. I've already had more dates this year than I did in all my previous attempts at dating apps (met up with 8 different women, fc with one of them, kissed or held hands with some of the others). I know it’s not a lot but for me this is a huge improvement.

But I feel kind of stuck now. I know that I have improved in many aspects. I am more certain in asking for dates and arranging them, I improved my looks and photos, I actively challenge my belief of being unwanted and I am more brave in initiating physical contact. But it rarely ever gets past 2 or 3 dates and I honestly feel like there is something missing for them to be truly attracted to me. I know that I need to be more confident. But I don’t know how to get a breakthrough here. Because, there are really things that I lack in. I am 26 years old and finishing up my masters, so I am not there yet in my career. My physique, while fairly lean, is nothing exiting because I haven't been to the gym for long enough yet. My social life has improved but I am still not initiating enough conversations and I tend to overthink and overstress. My style and grooming has improved but still not enough to rely on solely.

So I guess my question is: how do I break through? I feel like I’m stuck in a limbo. I’ve made progress, but I’m still falling back to patterns of my old self. And honestly, I think I’m still a bit too comfortable to really push past my limits. I know the obvious answer is to constantly do cold approaches and to just be consistent with the other stuff. But I don't really know how to push myself to do that. I always get too comfortable once I make a bit of progress.