I am turning 40 in 2015. I have been lifting since I was 20. I am bigger and leaner than most people you'd run into. I fully subscribe to this red pill doctrine that I've picked up by lurking and digesting for a while.

Since I've been young I've been passive. I was raised by a single mother with no paternal model. Never had problems with getting women but I shy away from conflict. The women I am with eventually take advantage of my good nature or whatever you want to call it. I have been pretty successful at work and a good earner at that but I realize to make the leap to the next level of life I have to change.

So the question is how does someone who has been passive for such a long time make a substantive change. I know it can't be a 180 but no idea what small steps you would make to slowly get better at asserting yourself or protecting your self interests.