reality checking

at the moment i have been doing reality checks quite a bit every day. i am wondering how long it takes to do one in an actual dream so lucid dreams can kick in

It took me three weeks before I did one in a dream before realizing it was a dream first. However, the real reason for reality checks isn't to automatically do a RC in a dream. The reason is to train your mind to question your reality so you do that in your dreams.

Did you know that poor typing is positively correlation to not giving enough effort? Reality checking doesn't work unless you follow all the steps.

Have you been keeping a dream journal? You should focus on recall. Once you keep a dream journal for a few weeks, you'll find reoccurring themes or situations, and one you find these situations, you will know when to reality check in real life. Reality checking without knowing what you dream about is like trying to put together a puzzle without a reference picture. You may get there, but it will take much longer.

Check the tutorials section for the semantics of reality checks (what you should be thinking as you do them).

abra got a point there.
If you don't got good recall you don't know if you got a lucid dream or not.
You can get pissed of all the RCing and think "why do i never get lucid" even if you have been lucid just forgotten it.
I recommend you to focus on getting good recall :)

It only took me about 4 days of reality checking before I had my first one... but I have been doing them A LOT every day.

I never kept a journal. Had my first LD in about a month. I loved it (even though it only lasted 3 seconds).

It took me a few days, but be prepared to have a 'fuzzy' first LD. Make sure to rub your hands and you will be golden. Just preparing you.