4.3 How Small Actions Can Have Massive Results - Leverage
Why does a tiny seesaw move something 100x its size? That’s leverage. Use this trick in school, sports, and life to get more with less effort!
Ever pried open a paint can with a screwdriver instead of your fingers? Or used a long rod to lift something heavy that you couldn't lift by hand? If so, you've used leverage. In physics, leverage is using a lever (like a seesaw or crowbar) to multiply your force — a small push can lift something big. In life, leverage means using tools, help, or smart strategies to get way bigger results than you'd get alone. It's basically the art of working smarter, not just harder.
What is Leverage?
Leverage is when a small input creates a big output. It could be a literal tool (like how a jack lifts a car with minimal effort from you), or it could be something like leveraging other people's expertise (getting help from someone who knows more), or leveraging technology (using a computer to do calculations). It's like finding a cheat code or power-up in real life that amplifies your abilities.
In teen terms: find ways to make your life easier that give you a bigger bang for your buck (or time). Why struggle alone if there's a resource that can boost you?
Real-Life Leverage Examples
Study Smarter Example: Let's say you have a big exam. You could spend hours struggling alone (hard work), or you could leverage resources. For example, form a study group and divide up the topics (leveraging teamwork). Each person becomes an "expert" in one chunk and teaches the rest—now you've learned all topics in a fraction of the time. Or use online tutorials/videos that explain tough concepts in 10 minutes (leveraging the internet and experts) instead of being stuck for an hour. Same exam prep, less time, better results.
Tech Tools Example: You need to organize a bunch of data for a project or do math calculations. Manually writing and calculating everything = lots of effort. But using a computer program or even just Excel/Google Sheets = leverage! The software can do repetitive tasks or big calculations in seconds. Another: You want to make a club poster look professional. Instead of drawing by hand (which could be cool but time-consuming), you use Canva or some design app template. Boom—studio-quality poster with minimal design skills (leveraging someone else's design templates).
Personal Skills Example: Imagine you're starting a small business selling your art or doing lawn mowing in the neighborhood. You could knock on every door (so much effort). Or leverage social media: post on community groups or use Instagram to show your work. Now one post can reach 100 people in the time knocking would reach 5. You're leveraging technology to amplify your reach. Another personal leverage: asking a friend who is great at editing to proofread your essay. You leveraged their skill to improve your work, rather than doing it alone and missing errors.
Physical Leverage Example: Okay, one classic physical example (because it's so true). You're moving furniture in your room. Lifting a heavy desk alone = backache. But grab a friend to help on one end (leveraging an extra set of muscles) or use furniture sliders (tiny pads that reduce friction, acting like a tool lever) and suddenly that heavy desk slides like it's on ice. You used leverage, not brute force, and saved your strength.
Challenge: Find Your Levers
Time to be a leverage ninja. Your challenge:
Pick a task or goal you have that feels tough or time-consuming.
Ask yourself, "How can I do this smarter, not just harder?" Is there a tool (an app, a gadget), a person who could help or advise, or a strategy that would make it easier?
Try it out! Use at least one form of leverage this week. Maybe you install a scheduling app to manage your homework (leveraging existing tech), or you ask your math genius friend to show you shortcuts for algebra (leveraging someone else's know-how).