Way back when I studied biomechanics at University, we learned about levers. And there are three main classes (1, 2, 3). The key thing about levers is that they provide leverage, which I now just describe as getting more done with the same or less amount of effort.
Of course leverage will be familiar to anyone who has done any sort of investing or who was even mildly awake over the last few years. Anyway, I’m sitting here thinking about leverage and how these important lessons I learned in a different context have more value for me today then when I first learnt them.
Where is the point of leverage?
When I first studied this stuff, I learned that a lever system has a fulcrum, some resistance (the work) and the effort (the action we take). I also learned that there are different types of levers and each behaves differently. I also learnt that the closer the fulcrum is to the resistance, the better, and the further away that effort is from the fulcrum the better. That’s why wheelbarrows and crow bars are so popular – they have good leverage.
The concept applies to life of course. Where is the leverage point. How can I manage that leverage point to get the most work done for the least amount of effort. Since focusing on leverage, I have been achieving much more in life. Since focusing on leverage I have been assessing situations differently.
For instance, why work hard trading my time for money when I can get other people to do the work for me (outsource). Look at the resistance or work that you have to achieve, look for the fulcrum – the point of leverage – and then look at your effort. How can you position the leverage and how can you lengthen your lever so that the effort becomes effortless.
Outsourcing is one of the key areas of leverage that I use. The internet is another great tool for leverage. Speaking is another form of leverage. Using the knowledge and skills of those around you is yet another.
Leverage is a great phenomenon – and I’m learning about it in depth at the moment.
