Looking for quick-fixes?

I recently heard a successful entrepreneur say that if you want to make it in business, you have to find out what problems people have that they need solving and that they’re willing to pay for. Yeah, that made sense at first. But then, while I was out running yesterday, another thought occurred to me:

Many times, people want their problems solved. They’re willing to listen to how it can be done. But they’re not necessarily willing to pay — whether that’s with their money, their time, their energy, or even their attention.

Take money, for example. Many people want to have more of it. They’ll wish for it, dream about it, and even talk about it. But how many are actually willing to put in the work to earn it? How many are prepared to be disciplined in maintaining a strict budget? How many will actively explore alternative and additional income sources?

Now, I know the playing fields aren’t even for all. It’s much easier to make money when you have Grandad’s inheritance or a trust fund to start with. But putting those realities aside, many of us are simply looking for quick fixes — ways to exert the least amount of effort while spending or investing the least amount of money and time. And that begs the question: How much do we truly value what we say we’re seeking?

We can apply the same logic to other "problems" people face — unhealthy living, toxic relationships, limited career options, feeling stuck. Reflecting on this a bit more, I reckon there are three mental barriers that stop us from actually doing what we know we should do:

1. The Cost of Change vs. The Comfort of the Status Quo

Many of us say we want change, but when faced with the actual cost — effort, discipline, discomfort — we hesitate. We talk about wanting to be healthier, but when it comes to making dietary changes or committing to regular exercise, the pull of convenience and comfort wins. We want better jobs but won’t put in the time to upskill or network. Change feels expensive, but have we considered the cost of staying the same?

2. Are We Really Committed?

Do we truly want change, or do we just like the idea of it? Maybe we’ve seen what others have, and it sparks a distant longing. But is it really our desire? If we genuinely wanted it, wouldn’t we be doing more to pursue it? Commitment isn’t about fleeting motivation — it’s about sustained, intentional effort. And when we’re committed, perseverance and resilience naturally follow.

3. The Myth of Quick Fixes

We live in an age where everything is a button push, click, or swipe away. We’ve been conditioned to expect instant gratification — crash diets, get-rich-quick schemes, overnight success stories. But real solutions take time, effort, and consistency. If something is worth having, it’s worth working for. The sooner we stop searching for shortcuts, the sooner we can make real progress.

So, What Now?

If any of this resonates, don’t let it stop at recognition. The hardest part isn’t knowing what needs to change — it’s following through. And you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re stuck, let’s talk. Not in a “here’s a magic solution” kind of way, but in an honest, practical way. Because change is possible — but only if you’re willing to make the investment. And the best investment you can make? The one in yourself.