This is one of my big problems with the PUA mindset. They believe that self-improvement for the purpose of obtaining sexual partners is equivalent to self-improvement strictly for the improvement itself. I disagree. The former is far more likely to be discarded if the expected outcome is not obtained, or relaxed when it is obtained. In the latter, you are fulfilled by achieving a goal you yourself set. This leads to a desire to repeat the process and an increased feeling of self-worth.