Have you ever wondered why people don't change?
We've seen this a lot on the forum lately.
Someone asks a great question, they get outstanding feedback from experienced people, and yet -- they don't change what they need/wanted to change...
Why?
If you were at the Fastlane summit this year, I briefly covered it... but let's break it down to a simple idea:
It's because they are addicted to the problem.
On an advanced level -- it meets the majority of their human needs.
On a basic level, what's the most addictive drug in the world? Is it cocaine? Alcohol? I'd argue it's problems.
People get ADDICTED to having problems because it gives someone a reason to be significant in a world that celebrates significance.
If you're unique, special, different, or you're the best in the world at something? Everyone adores you. They follow you on Instagram. They want to take pictures with you...
But the easiest and fastest way for someone to become significant is to have a big enough problem.
Someone posts a problem and says "I just *have* to solve this!"
Advice, advice, advice...
"Oh yeah... great advice!"
They didn't want the advice... they didn't want to fix it... they didn't want to change... they wanted to talk about their problem and get into the spotlight in the moment.
And it's not because they're bad people. It's not because they're assholes. It's because they are so addicted to the problem that they don't WANT to change it -- it's how they feel important!
Someone who constantly claims they are CLINICALLY depressed, they have THIS disease, they had THIS trauma happen to them -- it's probably all true -- and we should support them... however -- if they've had this challenge for any prolonged period of time it's no longer because they didn't have a solution to fix it... it's because they want to keep that problem.
This is a massive conversation and I can't do it justice in a short forum post -- but if you're frustrated with some posts on the forum right now I'd like to give you an alternative understanding to the psychology behind the posts:
They are addicted to the problem because it makes them feel important.
We've seen this a lot on the forum lately.
Someone asks a great question, they get outstanding feedback from experienced people, and yet -- they don't change what they need/wanted to change...
Why?
If you were at the Fastlane summit this year, I briefly covered it... but let's break it down to a simple idea:
It's because they are addicted to the problem.
On an advanced level -- it meets the majority of their human needs.
On a basic level, what's the most addictive drug in the world? Is it cocaine? Alcohol? I'd argue it's problems.
People get ADDICTED to having problems because it gives someone a reason to be significant in a world that celebrates significance.
If you're unique, special, different, or you're the best in the world at something? Everyone adores you. They follow you on Instagram. They want to take pictures with you...
But the easiest and fastest way for someone to become significant is to have a big enough problem.
Someone posts a problem and says "I just *have* to solve this!"
Advice, advice, advice...
"Oh yeah... great advice!"
They didn't want the advice... they didn't want to fix it... they didn't want to change... they wanted to talk about their problem and get into the spotlight in the moment.
And it's not because they're bad people. It's not because they're assholes. It's because they are so addicted to the problem that they don't WANT to change it -- it's how they feel important!
Someone who constantly claims they are CLINICALLY depressed, they have THIS disease, they had THIS trauma happen to them -- it's probably all true -- and we should support them... however -- if they've had this challenge for any prolonged period of time it's no longer because they didn't have a solution to fix it... it's because they want to keep that problem.
This is a massive conversation and I can't do it justice in a short forum post -- but if you're frustrated with some posts on the forum right now I'd like to give you an alternative understanding to the psychology behind the posts:
They are addicted to the problem because it makes them feel important.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today