Every so often I'll see a comment that goes "I really know I should feel differently but I can't help but bluepill". The replies inevitably fall into 2 categories: "man up" and "it takes time". Which approach works? Is it a sudden turning-moment like a flash of lightning, or is it like water eroding a rock?

No kidding: it's both. No secret that as men, our minds and bodies are very much in tune with each other, for better or for worse. If you want to improve one, you improve the other. This site puts the red pill in your hand- how do you swallow it?

1: Entitlement, reflection, shame, and humility. Don't chase the moment of realization. Don't expect it to come to you. You're not some special snowflake who deserves to have their life magically become better just by reading the right people- you need to reach deep into yourself, confront all the shitty parts of your personality, and emerge a different person. Cringe at everything stupid you've done and said, then put it aside and look to your future. You're just getting started.

2: Think like a warrior monk. These bastards train, work, and meditate all day. They turn their minds and bodies to the same goal: self-improvement, though in TRP's case Buddhism isn't the point. You need to be able to do this first: focus your mind on a single goal you want to attain. If you've properly humiliated yourself before the tribunal of your mind, you'll know to set realistic goals and work your way up.

3: Like water eroding a rock. Training your body and mind will take years of hard, dedicated work, reading, and sacrifice. Building discipline comes hand in hand with that. If you've set your goals properly, you will build strength and discipline slowly. All this while you will have a shit social life, a shit love life, and a shit mentality, constantly telling you that you deserve much more for much less. Bullshit- the iron does not lie. 200 pounds is 200 pounds. You'll whine about how nothing's working for you, then look back at that in shame. Wash all of that away through honest sweat.

4: Like a flash of lightning. Sometimes it takes years of disappointment and rejection, sometimes it happens in an instant. Think of a Zen koan- a test of what you've made yourself learn and internalize. But always, the turning point comes as a challenge in the moment. If you're not ready, you won't pass it- hell, you probably won't even notice it as a challenge. But when you do, you will know that you've internalized the lessons. Step up and prove yourself with actions. This is the crux: you will not know you've made it until after you've made it. So roll up those sleeves and get to work.