Tao of Badass vs The Obsession Method: Which Dating Course for Men?

Both courses teach men how to build attraction, but they come from different eras and different philosophies. Tao of Badass is an older, cheaper PDF-based system built around confidence and leading interactions. The Obsession Method is a newer, pricier video course built around genuine appreciation — making a woman feel truly seen, not managed.

Quick Comparison

	Tao of Badass	The Obsession Method
Best For	Early-20s guys who want one structured starting point in a PDF	Men new to relationship skills who want video lessons with a workbook
Method	7-step system: stop seeking approval, be direct, lead, use social proof	Genuine-appreciation framework: specific noticing that makes a woman feel seen
Formats	PDF guide (~200 pages) + video lessons + bonus reports	8 video modules + companion workbook + text bonus + approach bonus
Price	$41 one-time	$69 one-time
Recurring	Monthly upsell appears after checkout	No recurring billing
Refund	60 days, ClickBank-honored	60 days, ClickBank-honored
Era	Written 2010–2012	Updated 2025
Philosophy	Confidence-first, social dynamics	Connection-first, genuine appreciation

Tao of Badass: Best if you want a structured starting point at a lower price

Use this if:

• You are starting from zero and want one organized framework to read through
• You prefer PDF over video and like working through a book at your own pace
• You are in your early 20s and the social dynamics framing feels relevant to your situation
• You want to spend $41 instead of $69

The method: Joshua Pellicer’s system centers on what he calls the seven stages of attraction — move away from approval-seeking behavior, be direct about your interest, take the lead in interactions, and use pre-selection (being seen as valued by others) as a social signal. The core insight that men lose attraction by seeking constant validation is sound and backed by social psychology.

Strength: It is one organized document with a clear framework. The pre-selection and social-proof chapters explain real concepts in plain language. At $41 it is $28 cheaper than The Obsession Method.

Weakness: Written in 2010–2012 dating language, so some terms and examples feel dated. A monthly upsell appears after checkout and is easy to click by accident. Some of the texting advice is tactic-heavy and can come across as gamey with women who have seen this content before.

Cost reality: $41 one-time for the main program. A monthly membership offer appears at checkout — read it carefully before clicking. Decline it and your cost stays at $41.

The Obsession Method: Best if you want an ethical, modern video course

Use this if:

• You want a video-based course with a companion workbook, not a PDF
• You want skills focused on genuine connection rather than social tactics
• You want something written post-2020 that does not use pickup-artist language
• You prefer the concrete practice that a workbook provides

The method: Kate Spring’s 8-module course teaches men to notice specific things about a woman — her real interests, her actual situation, what she brings to conversations — and express that genuine noticing rather than generic compliments. The workbook turns the concept into a habit. The core mechanism is backed by decades of attachment and appreciation research.

Strength: No recurring billing. The workbook is the standout feature — it gives you exercises to practice the specific skill of noticing and expressing appreciation, which is a real habit worth building. Kate Spring is clear that there are no tricks and no scripts. The approach module covers real conversation mechanics without manipulation.

Weakness: $69 is $28 more than Tao of Badass. Much of the core idea exists in $15 paperbacks. The private Facebook group is quiet and adds little.

Cost reality: $69 one-time, no recurring billing at checkout. A few optional bonuses appear after purchase but are not required.

Which one should you choose?

Pick Tao of Badass if:

• You want a structured starting point at a lower price
• You are comfortable with older dating-community language
• You prefer reading a PDF to watching video modules
• You can evaluate the advice critically and take what is useful

Pick The Obsession Method if:

• You want a modern, ethically framed course with a workbook
• You want to build the specific skill of noticing and expressing genuine appreciation
• You prefer watching structured video lessons in order
• The $28 price difference is not the deciding factor for you

Real talk

These courses solve different root problems. Tao of Badass addresses men who lose attraction by seeking constant approval and not leading — it teaches confidence-first behavior. The Obsession Method addresses men who have not learned how to make a woman feel genuinely seen — it teaches connection-first behavior. Our The Tao of Badass review has the full breakdown.

If your issue is confidence and approval-seeking, Tao of Badass may be the more direct fix, especially at $41. If your issue is that interactions feel shallow or that women lose interest after a few dates, The Obsession Method’s appreciation framework is a better tool.

If you are not sure, The Obsession Method is the safer choice because the skill it teaches — noticing and expressing genuine appreciation — has broader application and no expiration date. Both come with 60-day ClickBank refunds. Start with the one that matches where you actually are, and ask for your money back if it does not fit after two weeks.