Introduction
In ancient times, humans discovered an incredible tool: the lever. With nothing more than a sturdy rod and a well-placed fulcrum, they could move objects so massive they unlocked new opportunities. This simple tool multiplied their power, turning otherwise impossible tasks into achievable ones. Leverage has always been a transformative force, one fundamental to nature herself.
In modern life, leverage works the same way. It’s the art of using tools, strategies, or resources to achieve outsized results with less effort. While many people associate leverage solely with finances, it’s much broader than that—it can be found in knowledge, relationships, systems, and even time itself.
Over the years, I’ve sought out and applied leverage in various areas of my life to amplify my efforts and create meaningful progress. In this article, I’ll share my experiences with leverage—how I’ve used it, what I’ve learned, and how you can apply it in your own life.
Leverage Through Knowledge
One of the highest forms of leverage is reading. Books are like blueprints from the world’s most brilliant architects of thought. By reading, you can condense decades of someone’s experience and wisdom into just a few hours. This allows you to skip over years of trial and error, avoiding their mistakes and building on their successes.
For example, Naval Ravikant’s insights on wealth, happiness, and decision-making have deeply influenced how I approach challenges. His ability to distill complex ideas into simple, actionable frameworks has saved me countless hours of figuring things out on my own.
The more you expose yourself to diverse perspectives, the more tools you have to improve your life. Reading is a high-return investment in yourself, and the best part is it scales infinitely—every book you read compounds your ability to understand the world and act effectively within it.
Leverage Through Relationships
If knowledge is the ultimate lever, relationships are the bridges that connect you to opportunities. Who you know largely determines which doors are open to you, which in turn shapes the directions you can move through life.
Building and maintaining social connections isn’t just rewarding—it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. Strong relationships amplify your efforts, whether it’s by providing support, collaboration, or access to opportunities.
In my own life, many of the most significant opportunities came from relationships. Whether it was finding business partners or simply learning from others’ experiences, the people I’ve connected with have been invaluable. The key is to seek out high-quality individuals who align with your values, nurture those connections with care, and give generously. A strong network is a force multiplier for everything else you do.
Leverage Through Education
Formal education is a perfect nexus of knowledge and relationships, combining the best elements of both. It’s an environment designed to expose you to transformative ideas while connecting you with peers, mentors, and teachers who can inspire and support you.
Growing up in the small town of Bow, New Hampshire, my opportunities felt somewhat limited. Attending the state’s university broadened my horizons, introducing me to new ideas and incredible people who changed the trajectory of my life. My time there wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about learning how to think, connecting with others, and building a foundation for future success.
However, education doesn’t create leverage automatically. You must actively engage with it, building relationships and seeking out knowledge with purpose. When approached thoughtfully, it’s one of the most powerful levers you can apply.
Leverage Through Ownership
One of the clearest examples of leverage in my life has been through real estate. In 2020, I co-purchased a multifamily property with trusted friends, each of us taking on 25% of the responsibility. By pooling resources and borrowing from the bank, we were able to acquire an appreciating asset that generates rental income.
This form of leverage works in multiple ways. Shared ownership reduces individual risk while providing peace of mind. For example, installing a new furnace is 75% cheaper for each partner. Additionally, inflation erodes the value of the loan over time while increasing the property’s worth, effectively making the debt easier to repay as the years go on. Real estate is a tangible example of how leverage can turn small inputs into significant, compounding outcomes.
Leverage Through Saving and Investing
Saving and investing are tools for compounding wealth, another powerful form of leverage. By consistently earning more than I spend and investing the difference, I’ve been able to grow my resources exponentially over time.
Early on, I made mistakes with small amounts of money, but those lessons were invaluable. They allowed me to refine my approach and build discipline. The beauty of compounding is that it rewards consistency. The earlier you start, the more dramatic the results become.
Compound interest is the antidote to procrastination. By valuing yourself maximally and starting today, you set the stage for extraordinary growth. Over time, your money works harder for you than you ever could on your own.
Leverage Through Technology
As a software engineer, I’ve experienced firsthand the immense leverage of technology. Writing code is a uniquely scalable activity—once written, it can be executed infinitely, automating repetitive tasks and solving problems at scale.
For example, I’ve built SaaS platforms and automated workflows that save time and simplify complex tasks. This has allowed me to focus on higher-value work, creating impact far beyond what I could achieve manually. The key is to focus on simplicity—creating complex systems requires maintenance, which can diminish their leverage over time.
Whether or not you’re a software engineer, technology offers incredible tools to amplify your efforts. Finding ways to automate or optimize processes in your life can free up time and energy for what truly matters.
Leverage Through Financial Products
Financial leverage, while risky, can be a powerful tool when used wisely. Products like options, futures, and margin accounts allow you to magnify gains (and losses), offering opportunities for outsized returns.
I’ve used leverage strategically in the markets, but only after thoroughly understanding the risks involved. These tools aren’t for everyone, but they’re worth mentioning because they represent the extreme end of what leverage can achieve. Approach them cautiously, and never risk more than you can afford to lose.
Leverage Through Time
Time is the ultimate non-renewable resource. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. But through the right forms of leverage, you can effectively “buy back” your time, creating more opportunities to invest in yourself, pursue meaningful work, or spend with loved ones. The wealthiest people aren’t just rich in money—they’re rich in time.
Even small examples of time leverage can have an outsized impact on your life. Consider an in-unit washer and dryer: instead of spending countless hours washing and cleaning manually, you leverage technology to save time, freeing up your day for more productive or enjoyable activities. Or think about ordering takeout—by skipping the time spent grocery shopping, meal prepping, cooking, and cleaning, you reclaim precious hours to focus on what truly matters.
At a larger scale, this principle explains why roles like executive assistants are so impactful. Delegating tasks—whether it’s scheduling, managing emails, or running errands—frees you to focus on your highest-value work or spend time with family and friends.
Time leverage compounds, just like financial leverage. The more time you reclaim and reinvest in learning, relationships, or purposeful activities, the more momentum you build toward your goals. By valuing your time and making deliberate choices to optimize it, you create space for both personal growth and deeper connections.
Conclusion
Leverage is one of the most powerful tools available to us, and it comes in many forms—knowledge, relationships, education, ownership, saving, technology, financial tools, and, perhaps most importantly, time. By understanding and applying leverage thoughtfully, you can amplify your efforts and achieve extraordinary results in both your personal and professional life.
The beauty of leverage is that it’s accessible to anyone. You don’t need to start big—small actions, like reading a great book, nurturing a relationship, or investing your first saved dollar, can build momentum. Over time, these efforts compound, creating progress and opportunities that grow exponentially.
Reflect on where you can apply leverage in your life. Start small, focus on consistent improvement, and build your levers thoughtfully. The results won’t just transform your outcomes—they’ll transform how you experience life itself. The more leverage you create, the more freedom, impact, and connection you’ll find.