Archimedes was an extremely brilliant scientist; some of us may know him from his famous “eureka” exclamation after he discovered buoyancy, but one infamous principle that rules life is one he discovered when he said “Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth”.
We call it the law of the lever.
In physics, Archimedes’ Law of the Lever explains how a small force can lift a great weight. I won’t bore you with the details and calculations of this theory, but here is what you need to know: A lever works because of 3 simple factors – the effort arm (where you apply your force), the load arm (where the weight sits), the fulcrum (the point of balance)
We often try to push through life’s challenges with raw effort. We work long hours, try harder, stretch thinner. WE HUSTLE! But sometimes, moving the load is not about the energy you dissipate; applying brute force could be like using a short lever to attempt to lift a mountain.
The word “Leverage” is gotten from this principle and it involves strategy. It is when you pause and ask yourself “where can I apply my effort to make this thing move?”
It is when you use knowledge, technology, relationships or creativity to multiply your reach.
In physics, the lever reduces the amount of force needed to work. In life, leverage reduces the stress needed to make progress.
Work smarter. Build systems. Align with others to amplify your effort.
Strength is good but leverage is wiser.
