Most poker players are break even or losing players when they first start playing cards. Very few are fortunate or skilled enough at the start to grind out a profit, let alone a profit that amasses into thousands, if not millions of dollars.
Now for those of you that fit into the former category of being a losing or breakeven player don't worry. Plenty of methods, resources and tools are available at your disposal that can turn you into a winning player and quickly. I have listed what I feel to be the top 5 for your convenience below.
Top 5 Methods, Tools and Resources to Quickly Improve Your Poker Game
Constantly post hand histories and/or individual hands for review. This is likely to be one of the fastest ways to improve your poker game because other players will give you insight about how to play certain spots that you never considered before. You might have leaks pointed out that can be quickly plugged as well. For example, maybe you suck at betting for value or it's possible that you're too passive in certain spots. Having others review how you play will help you to quickly figure all this out so you can plug these leaks. Another thing I like about having others review my hands or hand histories is gaining some insight to their thought process. Not everyone will see situations the same as you do. This will improve your ability to analyze situations so that you make the most +EV decisions possible.
Always have a reason for the actions you're taking and constantly question these actions. You shouldn't be betting just for the sake of betting or bluffing because you have no other way to win the pot. You need to have legit and logical reasons for the actions you're taking.
In other words, you shouldn't bet just to bet, but you should be betting to get value from draws or betting to take down the dead money in the pot. Maybe you're bluffing because your hand has no showdown value, yet you can easily represent a stronger hand. These are a few reasons behind the actions of betting and bluffing.
Now, once you decide what you're going to do and have a reason for doing it, always ask yourself later on if it was the right play. If it was the best play possible, then good for you. But if not, try to figure out what you could've done better so that you can make a more optimal decision the next time you find yourself in a similar situation.
Study, study and study some more. There are so many resources out there to take advantage of. You can utilize hand replayers and review your hand histories. If you play sit n gos or tournaments you can use an ICM tool to review your late game push/fold strategies. You can always sign up to an instruction site where you can sift through tons of videos or articles. These are just a few of the many methods available to you that can help you study and improve your game.
Hire a coach. Most who offer coaching have been there and have done that. In other words, they have already made and corrected the mistakes that most beginners tend to make in their chosen games. So hiring a coach is definitely a quick way to plugging your leaks and to becoming a profitable player.
While this may seem like an expensive way to improve, it doesn't actually have to be. Many coaches charge as little as $20 per hour if they are first starting out and building a client base (great time to get a hold of them). More established coaches can be found around the $50+ level. To further justify the cost, just imagine all the money that won't be blown obtaining all of this education on your own dime.
Be humble. Always admit that your game needs improving. Realizing that your game always needs to be worked and improved on is going to be the largest step you take in becoming a better poker player. It's going to be the fastest too because knowing you can always improve will mean you utilize tips like those mentioned above as opposed to thinking you already know it all. Quite simply, players who think they know it all either become are already have become complacent.
Summary to Quickly Improving Your Poker Game
Quite honestly, becoming a better poker player simply boils down to how badly you want to improve and the effort you're willing to shell out. If you want to be a profitable poker player, be sure to put in the effort and utilize the tips above. You'll find that you're making money at poker before you know it.