Shortcuts tend to accelerate effort, not replace it.
Take fitness. You can pop all the supplements you want, get the right equipment, and even hire the best trainer. However, if you’re not consistently showing up and doing the reps, you’re going nowhere. The fundamentals are non-negotiable.
It’s no different in my line of B2B tech sales.
A new Salesforce tool, advanced lead management models, or flashy demo decks might make your sales motion more efficient. But they don’t replace the hard work of understanding the client’s business, building credibility, and asking the right questions. The deals come to those who’ve mastered the grind — research, relationships, follow-ups, and handling objections.
It’s the same with kids in school using ChatGPT to write their essays, trying to save time. If they haven’t grasped the basics of writing, critical thinking, and structure, the output will always feel hollow. And if they ever have to write essays without the tool, they will be exposed.
Bottom line: Shortcuts work best for those already doing the work.