Thanks for the advice guys. To be honest, I felt that breaking out of my shell and getting over my approach anxiety was a big enough step for me to try and take it to the next level ala Mystery's Newbie Homework: just get out there and talk to as many people as possible.
phoenix, I think I need clarification on your questions. What do you mean by having a strong identity? Do you mean a good sense of what I am as a person? Or what I do and the feelings and emotions that I send out? I'm not quite sure what you mean by grounding that identity and conveying it as well.
West, Zr0ne, zine, I have heard of the Attraction, Comfort, Seduction model, but I have never read into it, so I don't know what happens in A1 as opposed to A2, how to transition, or what to look for so you know when you've moved on. My tactic so far has been to just put myself out there, because I think I'm a fairly attractive individual. But with my latest girls, I bombed in spectacular fashion probably because of what you guys suggested, that I didn't build enough attraction before moving to comfort. Some guidance or material is appreciated.

Victory needs no explanation. Defeat allows none.