This reminds me of some advice someone gave me about gaining the confidence to talk to women I'm attracted to. They said it's better to gain the confidence to talk to anyone, regardless of whether I'm attracted to them or not. Learn how to make it my default state, so that I don't have to suddenly switch it on when in a situation with an attractive woman. I suppose it's about building up a muscle so that the strength is always there if you suddenly need it.