Stop trying to make things happen with an expectation of what you'll get out of it. That distorts your motivations and leaves you grasping at the outcome; when your desired outcome doesn't come to pass, you're bound to get upset, or think that your time was wasted.
Start from the perspective of doing what you enjoy. Pursue the knowledge and skills that will make you the best and happiest version of yourself you can be. The people around you will take notice, and you'll find relationships begin to blossom without feeling like you've "done anything" to make them happen.