improving mass public transport to the point that its more expedient than taking a personal vehicle is key. kaso no shortcut to achieve that and it will pain a lot of people initially so it wont attract voters - even if it would solve the traffic problem
money. for motivation, i consider money earned towards my passion to be good enough, even if i never get to experience "never having to work for the rest of your life" aspect of following my passion
when lending - especially to friends, have a limit or an amount, over which, you ask for collateral. helps protect the friendship, and makes sure you don't lose everything by lending too much and not getting any back