I have been a long time reader of Red Pill, going on more than the age of my account at this point. This is my first submitted content to the community. It is long past time I sat down and shared ideas with everyone.

Candidates for special forces in any military organization typically exhibit a number of personality traits which make them suited for survival and problem solving in adverse environments. However, upon further examination, these traits are also exhibited by true red pillers.

Red Pill, to me at least, has always revolved around the improvement of man, to develop and strengthen the minds of ourselves and brothers into what some in this community refer to as the 'Alpha'. Remember, Red Pill is more than just developing a pick-up game to attain women. That is a benefit that comes with the understanding and implementation of the Red Pill. Think back to metaphor from which this community acquired it's name. Morpheus offers Neo two pills, one to allow him to see reality for what it truly is, and one to live in ignorance.

The truth of the reality that which a man must live in. Operators, SEALs, Rangers, etc all typically display the following characteristics to some degree. These traits are more than just useful to soldiers. A true red piller will typically find that they already show these traits, and to the new red pillers, read further to learn what you should be putting focus into.

Psychological Hardiness

"You have to let it all go Neo. The fear, doubt, disbelief. Free your mind." - Morpheus

The vast majority of these candidates have high resistance to stress. Given the nature of the schools one must pass, such as BUD/S or the Ranger school, these individuals naturally need to be able to suppress emotions which may impede from their ability to move forward. In high stress situations, a man finds out what he is truly made of. Many of you will hopefully never see combat, however high stress situations are not limited to those conditions.

Those who have ventured into altitudes beyond 26,000 feet enter what is known as the 'death zone', an area where your brain begins to receive less oxygen, stressing your entire body to a point where decision making is severely impeded, where mental auto-pilots can save your life. The death zone is an apt analogy to a high stress environment. SEALs live in the 'death zone'. It is an nigh uncomfortable place. Entrepreneurs and Executives more often than not are forged in the 'death zone' as well. From business negotiations to extremely competitive workplaces, high stress situations can be found in the business world as well. Quick thinking, and the ability to work with the stress is vital to success.

Of course, some of you may find even just talking to women to be high stress, or maybe moving to a city where you do not know anyone. I am not here to tell you what is and what isn't a stressful situation for you, I am sure you are able to determine that yourself. Working in those environments, constantly putting yourself in that uncomfortable state is critical to building a mind which can thrive in unfamiliar territory.

Competitive Nature

"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" - Vince Lombardy

Candidates show an extreme competitiveness, and usually it manifests itself in every situation they may find themselves in. A killer instinct, if you will. It would make sense, considering that these military groups are considered the best of the best. You have to hate to lose, the winner mentality. If you lose a race to your buddy, then he is better, and that is unacceptable, so you push to improve, and so the cycle continues. The competitive nature also goes past the desire to win. It is the idea that if you are going to do something, then you give it your best effort and all your effort.

Of course, excessive competitiveness is a sign of narcissism. Those who are able to keep their ego in check, the one's who are the prime competitors and are not socially destructive, are what embody 'Alpha'. Understand that there is no such thing as a friendly race. Naturally, competitors have countless hours of training under their belts, a work ethic which is essential to succeeding in their chosen field.

Self Reliance

"It is pointless for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself." - Epicurus

The old saying how men don't like asking for directions if they are lost is deep rooted. We do not like to ask for help. To ask for help is akin to admitting defeat. The only time we particularly accept advise is when it is coming from someone whom we respect as an authority on the matter. For example, if the kitchen sink breaks and your wife/girlfriend is trying to tell you how to fix it, she is easily dismissed. However if your friend who is a certified plumber wishes to share tips on how to fix it, you may entertain his ideas.

Going further, Self-Reliance is also the title of a work by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which discusses the need for an individual to avoid conformity and to trust his own instincts. Published in 1841, it is a remarkable series of essays. I highly recommend this as some light reading, it is only 21 pages in length. It is best you read it yourself and determine its meanings than to have me give you insight on the topic of self reliance.

Self Criticism

“Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent. He's weak... he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race.” ― Quentin Tarantino

Although many candidates will have high confidence in their abilities, often mistaken for arrogance, the most successful will understand the need for self reflection, to find what one can do better. It could be in marksmanship, in our athletic ability, or even in daily lives. The point is that this need for critical analysis on ourselves is applied throughout every aspect of our life. The critical thought process of evaluating oneself is essential to learning. Always be working towards an improved version of who you are.

There is also a fine line of criticism which one should be very careful of. Improvement is necessary, you are after all here reading this article, yet be wary that your inner voice becomes hateful. Too much self criticism can be destructive and mentally harmful. Also, self criticism can often manifest itself as criticism of others as you wonder why you the people around you aren't as motivated to improve themselves. Ironically, people don't like hearing blunt truths unless of course they are red pillers themselves.

Stoicism

"A Stoic is someone who transforms fear into prudence, pain into transformation, mistakes into initiation, and desire into undertaking." - Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Suffer in Silence. Navy SEALs learn this very quickly in BUD/S. More often than not, those in special forces will find themselves in bad situations, against terrible odds. Learning to deal with situations like this, to laugh in the face of danger if you will, is the core of stoicism. Throughout life, a man will find himself in situations where the odds will be against you, perceived or not. Suffer in silence, push through it, hold frame. The rock that which the ocean crashes against, yet does not move. Your willpower is what you use to move through the hardships life will send you.

Moreover, you can apply stoicism to your goals. Many people seek validation and approval from others, but not the stoic. Internalizing your goals is just as important as anything else. You are your greatest advocate and greatest critic. Let the results after you have accomplished goal and goal speak for themselves. Further, focus on internal goals rather than external goals. For example, the goal should be giving maximum effort on your project or race, rather than winning the race or highest marks on the project. Goals that which you have complete control over the outcome.

Being a stoic is an important trait for a red piller to acquire and bring with them through life. It becomes a very influential foundation to all other traits. Stoicism is more than what I have written here, and I highly implore newcomers to research into the topic from sources such as Marcus Aurelius.