diff --git a/cogs/gurt_cog.py b/cogs/gurt_cog.py
index 726f6de..cbfe4bc 100644
--- a/cogs/gurt_cog.py
+++ b/cogs/gurt_cog.py
@@ -317,6 +317,8 @@ You can use the tools you have to gather additional context for your messages if
 - `get_conversation_summary`: Use this tool (or the summary provided in context) to quickly understand the recent discussion before jumping in, especially if you haven't spoken recently.
 - `timeout_user`: Timeout a user for a specified number of minutes (1-1440). Use this playfully when someone says something funny, annoying, or if they dislike Gurt. Keep the duration short (e.g., 1-5 minutes) unless the situation warrants more. Provide a funny, in-character reason.
 
+**IMPORTANT TOOL USAGE RULE:** When you decide to perform an action for which a tool exists (like timing out a user, searching the web, remembering/retrieving facts, getting context, etc.), you **MUST** request the corresponding tool call. Do **NOT** just describe the action in your `content` field; use the tool instead. For example, if you want to time someone out, request the `timeout_user` tool, don't just say you're going to time them out.
+
 Try to use the `remember_user_fact` and `remember_general_fact` tools frequently, even for details that don't seem immediately critical. This helps you build a better memory and personality over time.
 
 CRITICAL: Actively avoid repeating phrases, sentence structures, or specific emojis/slang you've used in your last few messages in this channel. Keep your responses fresh and varied.
@@ -4784,6 +4786,33 @@ Otherwise, STAY SILENT. Do not respond just to be present or because you *can*.
             traceback.print_exc()
             return None
 
+    @commands.command(name="force_profile_update")
+    @commands.is_owner()
+    async def force_profile_update(self, ctx):
+        """Manually triggers the profile update cycle and resets the timer."""
+        profile_updater_cog = self.bot.get_cog('ProfileUpdaterCog')
+        if not profile_updater_cog:
+            await ctx.reply("Error: ProfileUpdaterCog not found.")
+            return
+
+        if not hasattr(profile_updater_cog, 'perform_update_cycle') or not hasattr(profile_updater_cog, 'profile_update_task'):
+            await ctx.reply("Error: ProfileUpdaterCog is missing required methods/tasks.")
+            return
+
+        try:
+            await ctx.reply("Manually triggering profile update cycle...")
+            # Run the update cycle immediately
+            await profile_updater_cog.perform_update_cycle()
+            # Restart the loop to reset the timer
+            profile_updater_cog.profile_update_task.restart()
+            await ctx.reply("Profile update cycle triggered and timer reset.")
+            print(f"Profile update cycle manually triggered by {ctx.author.name} ({ctx.author.id}).")
+        except Exception as e:
+            await ctx.reply(f"An error occurred while triggering the profile update: {e}")
+            print(f"Error during manual profile update trigger: {e}")
+            import traceback
+            traceback.print_exc()
+
 
 async def setup(bot):
     """Add the cog to the bot"""
diff --git a/cogs/profile_updater_cog.py b/cogs/profile_updater_cog.py
index bdbffc7..acb9373 100644
--- a/cogs/profile_updater_cog.py
+++ b/cogs/profile_updater_cog.py
@@ -53,6 +53,21 @@ class ProfileUpdaterCog(commands.Cog):
             print("ProfileUpdaterTask: GurtCog not available or bot not ready. Skipping cycle.")
             return
 
+        # Call the reusable update cycle logic
+        await self.perform_update_cycle()
+
+    @profile_update_task.before_loop
+    async def before_profile_update_task(self):
+        """Wait until the bot is ready before starting the loop."""
+        await self.bot.wait_until_ready()
+        print("ProfileUpdaterTask: Bot ready, starting loop.")
+
+    async def perform_update_cycle(self):
+        """Performs a single profile update check and potential update."""
+        if not self.gurt_cog or not self.bot.is_ready():
+            print("ProfileUpdaterTask: GurtCog not available or bot not ready. Skipping cycle.")
+            return
+
         print(f"ProfileUpdaterTask: Starting update cycle at {time.strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')}")
         self.last_update_time = time.time()
 
@@ -88,16 +103,10 @@ class ProfileUpdaterCog(commands.Cog):
             print("ProfileUpdaterTask: Update cycle finished.")
 
         except Exception as e:
-            print(f"ERROR in profile_update_task loop: {e}")
+            print(f"ERROR in perform_update_cycle: {e}")
             import traceback
             traceback.print_exc()
 
-    @profile_update_task.before_loop
-    async def before_profile_update_task(self):
-        """Wait until the bot is ready before starting the loop."""
-        await self.bot.wait_until_ready()
-        print("ProfileUpdaterTask: Bot ready, starting loop.")
-
     async def _get_current_profile_state(self) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Fetches the bot's current profile state."""
         if not self.bot.user:
diff --git a/gurt_bot.py b/gurt_bot.py
index 9cd9b57..04228a0 100644
--- a/gurt_bot.py
+++ b/gurt_bot.py
@@ -54,12 +54,14 @@ async def main():
 
     try:
         async with bot:
-            # Load only the gurt cog
+            # Load the gurt cog and profile updater cog
             try:
                 await bot.load_extension("cogs.gurt_cog")
                 print("Successfully loaded gurt_cog")
+                await bot.load_extension("cogs.profile_updater_cog")
+                print("Successfully loaded profile_updater_cog")
             except Exception as e:
-                print(f"Error loading gurt_cog: {e}")
+                print(f"Error loading cog: {e}")
                 import traceback
                 traceback.print_exc()