Why Quick Fixes Don't Work

There are no quick fixes or shortcuts you can pursue to develop your life. It’s not something you like to hear, but it is true.

When you journey down the road to success, you’ll discover self-improvement will take time. There is a need for commitment and self-discipline in order to achieve this. As humans, we want the fastest and simplest way to achieve results. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all set of quick fixes for everything. That is no matter how desperately we wish we had a video, app, or other item to help us with our quick fixes, nothing is out there.

Yes, the truth is that anyone who promises you these quick fixes is trying to do so with an improbable or unrealistic approach. The truth is, most of these items don’t work. Those that do appear to give you quick fixes in a short period of time are often short lasting, bad for you, or are something that you’ll never maintain. So it is nothing more than a momentary band aid that offers no real solution.

For long lasting solutions, you’ll want to ensure that you make positive changes.

The truth is that it takes 21 days of doing something frequently for it to become a habit. In order for us to change or to revise behavior, we must continue to make a conscious effort for at least 21 days. If we are dealing with an addiction it can take up to 35 days or more to make the change. That’s why there are no quick fixes when it comes to changing habits.

Habituation and homeostasis factors – Habituation is when you do something daily and don’t think about doing it. This is getting used to doing something. This is a regulatory function and essential for our organs. For example, when the temperature outside changes, or body works to keep things basic. Psychological homeostasis is when we use necessary mechanism to rethink about how we do something each time. That makes it difficult for quick changes as you will need to constantly change core parts to make a major change last.

There are certain things that will require you to do them numerous times and continue to focus and make an effort on the change. Such as losing weight, or having a positive relationship. If you want to lose 20 pounds for example, you cannot simply eat less and call it enough. You need to make an effort to exercise and watch the types of foods you are eating. Eventually, you’ll notice the weight will drop off slowly and this is a good way for you to lose weight in the long run. In turn, relationships take months and years to have trust, and to ensure they are fulfilling for both partners. You cannot simply meet someone and fall madly in love in a moment. While you might feel a connection, it isn’t the same as having a relationship.

As you work more towards your goals, you’ll find that you do achieve results. This means there are no quick fixes that will give you the results you want. So no matter how much bombarding, crash dieting, blitzing, or other spur of the moment things you try to do, it will continue to take time, effort, and energy on your part to make things happen. But when you reach those goals, imagine how incredible it will feel. While the quick fixes don’t bring you joy, there is a deeper sense of pride that comes with sticking with something and working on making it happen.

Here’s a good example. You wish you could be rich, right?

Suzanne Mullins won $4.2 million in 1993 through the Virginia lottery. At the same time, she went into debt with a company that allowed her to use the winnings as collateral for lending her money. Money didn’t solve her problems and provide her the quick fixes she wanted, instead, she ended up with more headaches as a result.

In New Jersey, Evelyn Adams won the New Jersey lottery two different times. Once in 1985 and other in 1986. The total for both wins was around $5.4 million dollars. Today, she lives in a trailer park without money.

William Post who won $16.2 in 1988 through the Pennsylvania lotter now lives on Social Security alone. He even openly admits he wishes he never had the money. Susan Bradley, a financial planner who wrote Sudden Money: Managing a Financial Windfall, says "People think windfalls are about money. But it's really all about change and transition ... and people need time to adjust." (i.e. quick fixes do not last, nor do they actually fix anything).

So what happens to us when we attempt crash diets as quick fixes to lose weight faster?

There is quite a lot said about this topic. Not only is it considered unhealthy, but it is unproductive too. Still people still attempt it. When you lose weight too quickly, it will strain your organs and cause damage that will take time to heal, if you are lucky. Instead of trying to go all out and starve yourself to deal, make sure you find a sensible nutritious diet and follow it. Yes, it will take time for you to lose the weight you need to, but you will ultimately be healthier for it in the long run.

After all is said and done, you’ll find that instead of quick fixes, you should focus on hard work. This is the best way to achieve self-improvement and to enhance your personal development. While it will take time to achieve, you’ll find that you will ultimately be rewarded. After all, there is a successful outcome to be had, you just need to stick with the process and ensure you are doing all you can.

Gregg Swanson is a peak performance consultant and human potential coach and has authored several books and numerous articles on peak performance. Gregg specializes driven individuals that have a burning desire to achieve their full potential including entrepreneurs, sales professionals and athletes.  He has developed a unique online training program “Develop the Mental Strength of a Warrior.”  You can find out more HERE.