“I need a quick fix to this! ”It’s something we all have probably thought or said at some point when faced with a challenge or uncomfortable situation that we would like to have resolved or removed from our lives.
A quick fix refers to the way people prefer the quickest but not usually the most effective solution to a problem. Primarily because society conditions us to expect instant results, whether it’s the latest weight-loss fad, finding true happiness, how to achieve our goals, and uncovering the secrets to wealth and everlasting success.
A quick fix mentality also aids in avoiding what is difficult or tiresome to deal with. It unfortunately can contribute to substance abuse, promiscuity, mental health issues and negative behaviours. People look for ways to numb what is going on in their internal world and seek to receive a shot of “happiness" or relief to alleviate their pain and discomfort. If something promises immediate results and instant gratification, people want it.
It seems easier to implement the quick fix, pop a pill, drink this alcohol, buy this gadget, sign up for this deal, alternative to what we inherently know will take process and time to get fast results, rather than choosing a healthier lifestyle choice and putting in processes to create lasting change, but it doesn’t help long term.
What Works To Bring Lasting Result
What is effective however to navigate our life well won’t make headlines or get a million clicks on social media — but it works. It's making small sustainable changes and taking the “I’m working towards being slightly better than yesterday” approach, with sufficient breaks to reassess and adjust progress.
While I was going through several years of counseling, group therapy and countless one on one sessions to deal with trauma from my past, there was no quick fix. It took determination, diligence and the willingness to experience unpleasantness to come out the other side. But it worked and I am a better, healthier person today because I chose to play the long game, and take the "Put the work" in route, rather than opting for the quick fix.
Likewise, when I started exercising I had to transition gradually from very little exercise to consistently being able to run 10km. I took the “I’m working to be slightly better than I was yesterday” approach.
A successful change model includes a focus on the:
So, the next time you come across a quick-fix program that promises instant results with minimal effort, run it past the key requirements for true change and answers:
· Will it help you to become the person you desire to be?
Will it educate you and grow you as a person in the direction you want to go i in?
· Will it teach you new skills?
· Will it support you?
· Does it accept that failure is a normal part of the process?
· How will it reinforce your positive behaviours?
· How does it create opportunities to reflect, refocus, and recommit?
"We all are looking for a quick fix, but God is after lasting change. "(B. Moore)
I encourage you to play the long game rather than opting for a quick fix and you will be better off in the end.
A steady and consistent approach enables you to slowly adjust your life towards health, wholeness, and a more sustainable, joyful life as a result. Slow and steady wins the race. 😊
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” (Proverbs 4:26)
'The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows" (John 10:10 Amp)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that it is in being consistent that the power lies to bring sustainable change and breakthrough in my life. Please help me to search not for the quick fix when I am faced with a situation or challenge, but rather what is going to be best for me in the long term. Then help me to choose wisely what I am going to do and be daily. In Jesus's name Amen.