How to be cool (according to science)

A psychological study, released earlier this year, found that cool people all over the world share six specific traits.

I got curious and dug into the research, and although I don't think "being cool" is something we all need to strive for, the study did reveal several things that can be useful for anyone who wants to improve their social skills or influence.

Since there was a lot to say, I decided to film this quick video about it instead of writing a long article:

‍Also...

Final reminder: The Early-Bird Discount for My Workshop is About to Expire!

Tonight is the last official chance to book your exploration call if you want the full $500 discount for my 5-day Centeredness Retreat for men in Las Vegas.

This is a carefully curated event, and to make sure it’s the right fit for you—and you to it—you and I will do a no-strings-attached exploration call before you even get the payment details.

If you’ve been thinking about joining, the text below explains what the retreat is, who it’s for, and what you’ll get out of it, so you can decide if now is the right time to book a call to find out if it’s right for you.

👉 Book your required exploration call here.

What the Centeredness Retreat is

From March 31st to April 4th, 2026, I’m hosting a small, exclusive retreat in Las Vegas for men who want to:

• Feel genuinely confident in social situations
• Improve their communication skills and get better social results
• Build a healthy and stable sense of self-esteem

We’ll work on all these things (and more) using proven frameworks, practical techniques and exercises, as well as personal coaching.

This isn’t some vague motivational seminar—it’s a practical, technique and strategy-based workshop that teaches you what to do and how to do it.

The retreat takes place in a beautiful 5-bedroom, 3.5 bath mansion just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

There’s a pool, a heated hot tub, two living rooms, a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and private bedrooms for each participant—and you’re welcome to arrive on March 30th and stay until the morning of April 5th to make travel planning easier.

Who it’s for (and not for)

This retreat is for you if you recognize yourself in any of these:

• You sometimes struggle to know what to say or do, and worry about what others think of you.
• You’re at times overly critical of yourself and/or want to like yourself better.
• You want to know that you’re getting the most out of your communication skills.
• You want practical tools and feedback, not just information.

It’s probably not for you if:

• You want a quick fix without making any effort.
• You’re not willing to participate in conversations and be honest about yourself.
• You prefer big, anonymous events where you don’t get any personal coaching.

The group is intentionally small, and I personally speak with each potential participant before confirming their spot to make sure that this workshop is right for everyone who attends, and that the group will work well together.

What you’ll walk away with

By the end of the retreat, you can expect to have:

• Clear tools for starting and maintaining better conversations and creating more solid connections
• A healthier sense of self-esteem that is less affected by other people or past experiences
• More ease and confidence around friends, colleagues, strangers, groups, and authority figures
• Communication strategies you can use for work, dating, building new friendships, and with family and friends
• A concrete plan for how to keep growing after you go home (including post-retreat follow-up coaching calls with me)
• And lots more…

How the retreat works

The workshop runs:

• Tuesday–Friday: roughly 10:00–18:00 (or as late as everyone wants)
• Saturday: roughly 12:00–20:00

Each day will have a combination of:

• Lectures
• Exercises
• Group discussions
• Q&A
• Personal coaching

I’ll also be at the house most days outside workshop hours, so there’s plenty of time for informal conversations and support. In our off time, you’re free to rest at the mansion or explore Las Vegas—on your own or with me or the other participants.

Pricing & today’s early bird deadline

Here’s how the pricing works:

• Early-bird price: (only through tomorrow, December 19): $2,750
• Tier 2 price (Dec 20 – Feb 1): $3,000
• Full price (after Feb 1): $3,250

(Payment plans are available, as long as you'll be able to pay in full before the workshop and a $500 deposit when you sign up.)

A few questions I’ve received already:

“Is the exploration call just a sales call?”

I give you my word that it’s not. I don’t do sales calls for one simple reason: if I have to persuade someone to join this workshop, they’re not the kind of participant I’m looking for. I only want to work with people who feel confident that it's the right place for them to be.

“I’m not very confident socially, and I’m worried I’ll be uncomfortable.”

Many feel exactly that way before they arrive. But between my 17 years of experience running workshops and the fact that everyone in this group will be there to learn how to connect and feel socially comfortable, I’m confident that you’ll quickly feel at ease in the group.

“Do I have to be outgoing or extroverted?”

Not at all. I work with introverts, ambiverts, and extroverts. And to tell you the truth, historically, most of my participants have been introverts. The workshop will teach you how to adapt your communication and social habits to your natural style, rather than try to turn you into someone you’re not.

A couple of words from past participants

“I learned things at this workshop that I didn’t even know I needed to learn. TJ is a fantastically good teacher, and you can feel how much he cares about you learning what he’s teaching. I definitely feel like I’ve gotten better at communicating.” — Jonas P., project manager

“After learning from TJ it wasn’t just my relationships that changed dramatically. I now have the confidence to follow my passions, and it’s been the most amazing adventure ever since.” — Navid, digital marketer

If this sounds like the kind of deep, practical work you’ve been wanting to do, I’d love to talk with you about it.

And again: early bird pricing is only available through today, December 19, so if you want the best rate, now’s the time to book your call!

(And yes, you’ll still get the discount if our call is after tonight, as long as you schedule it now).

👉 Book Your Call Here

All the best,

TJ