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How do I improve, Can I even improve?

#1
Hi,
I am a Chess novice, I have only been playing a couple of months but I am struggling to see any improvement and it is incredibly frustrating.
My current ratings on Lichess confirm this:
Rating (Blitz/Classical etc) all are around 900, however my puzzle rating is much better up around 1500.

I understand the basics but find myself being drawn in to games where rather than try build my position and attack I seem to endlessly be defending and reacting to my opponents moves.
Being a novice I often get trapped in silly situations and certainly make blunders.

I guess I am asking how can I improve my game? Can I even improve?
Chess requires an abundance of natural talent, like anything, but hard work can help you improve.
Is it worth me paying someone to help me, I love Chess and want to improve, but if I do not have any natural talent then surely it would just be a waste of both my money and the tutors time.
I am over 40 so hardly a spring chicken and my mind is not as sharp as it used to be!

Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions would be greatly welcomed.

#2
I myself can not give you an answer on how to improve, but over the years I hardly heard any second opinion, that improving in chess is mainly hard work. Rather than talent (if that exists at all), it is passion&love for the game that makes this "hard work" fun for you. Not being a spring chicken might slow down the process, but not hinder you to become a decent player that enjoys the game.
And again, if you enjoy it, it is no waste of money or time, to seek a little guidance by a coach to learn on what work to focus at your current skill level.
#3
Thank your taking the time to reply @milliways
I guess I just need to play, play and then play some more!
I guess a couple of months is nothing and I am expecting too much, even Bobby Fischer was rated under 1000 once upon a time.

I think I may look in to having a few lessons with some of the lichess online coaches, that would probably be a wise move, and if they do not help there is no ongoing contractual obligation or subscription.
I guess I have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

#4
@synposis #3
Instead of "play, play, play", it makes sense to analyse your own games, preferably with stronger players. That can be done in a forum (Like a team forum or the main analysis forum) and also by joining a real life chess club.
At your level getting lessons from a chess coach can be good as well, since the lower your chess level, the more coaches can help you improve (A 1500 rated player can teach you a few things, even though it is good to be aware that the 1500 player might have developed some "bad" chess habits).
Good that your tactics rating is not too bad, but with puzzle solving alone you can't improve that much at your level. I suggest that you study annotated chess games, preferably ones that go along with the openings that you play. And use the "learn from your mistakes" option that Lichess offers at the analysis board, where Lichess Stockfish can also analyse your game afterwards.
Also, did you go through this already ? :
lichess.org/learn#/
lichess.org/practice
lichess.org/video?tags=beginner
And I suggest to start playing correspondence chess as well.
That gives you the option to use opening and endgame books while having loads of time to analyse chess game positions.
Make sure that you don't "blitz" your correspondence chess game moves, but take your time.
You can put the position of one of your corr. chess games on a wood chessboard at home, and from time to time look at it, before you decide on a move.

GL & HF !
#7
How about reading a decent book. I found years ago that Capablanca's Chess Fundamentals improved my game immensely.
#9
From 900 you can improve easily to 1500 or 1600 in 2 days. Just read a beginners chess book.

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