Part 1: The Mindset of Leverage — Why Working Harder Isn’t Enough

When most professionals and entrepreneurs think about advancing their careers or businesses, the first instinct is to work harder: longer hours, more tasks, more hustle. But here’s the truth: effort alone has a ceiling. There are only so many hours in a day, only so much energy you can expend before you burn out.

This is where leverage comes in.

Leverage is about multiplying the impact of your actions. It allows you to get outsized results without a proportional increase in effort. Think of it like pushing a boulder with a lever — what once seemed immovable becomes possible when you use the right tool.

There are many different types of leverage:

• Financial leverage (using capital to generate more capital),

• People leverage (delegating tasks to teams or partners),

• Network leverage (expanding who you know and who knows you),

• Content leverage (creating assets that work for you repeatedly),

• Technology leverage (using systems, software, and AI to automate and scale).

In this series, I’ll focus on the three most practical forms of leverage for today’s professionals and entrepreneurs: network leverage, content leverage, and technology leverage.

Why Mindset Comes First

Before diving into tactics, we need to address the mindset. Many professionals resist leverage because it feels uncomfortable. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to bother people with networking,” or “I’m not good on camera,” or “Technology is too complicated,” then you know exactly what I mean.

The problem isn’t just skill — it’s mindset.

I had to learn this the hard way. A few years ago, I decided to intentionally step outside of my comfort zone. Three situations stand out:

• Facing rejection while talking to strangers
  I took on an assignment where I had to approach people in a restaurant and ask them to fill out a survey. For an introvert, this was nerve-wracking. The first rejection stung, and I took it personally. But as I kept going, I realized the key was not to focus on the “no’s” but to keep showing up with a smile. By the end, rejection didn’t bother me anymore — I had built resilience through practice.

• Navigating a crowded public event
  My cousin invited me to a BBQ competition in Washington, D.C. Normally, I would’ve chosen a quiet lunch instead. But I went — and found myself surrounded by crowds, noise, and energy I wasn’t used to. It felt overwhelming at first, but by leaning in, I not only got to enjoy great food and people-watching, but I even scored a free ticket from a generous stranger. That day reminded me: opportunities often hide in the uncomfortable.

• Volunteering in a new way
  I also volunteered at a nonprofit dinner where, instead of staying in the kitchen (my usual safe zone), I served food directly to guests and engaged in conversations with them. Focusing on their needs instead of my own discomfort made the experience fulfilling. By the end, I felt energized rather than drained.

Those three experiences taught me that discomfort is the gateway to growth. At first, rejection felt personal. Crowds felt overwhelming. Talking to strangers felt risky. But the more I practiced leaning into discomfort, the less intimidating it became.

The same principle applies to leveraging your network, creating content, or adopting technology. It might feel awkward at first. But if you push through that stage, you’ll discover that discomfort is only temporary — while the benefits are long-lasting.

The Shift: From Effort to Multiplication

Here’s the key: working harder creates addition. Leverage creates multiplication.

• Networking means one introduction can change the trajectory of your career.

• Content means one blog post or video can reach thousands — even while you sleep.

• Technology means tasks that once took hours can be automated in seconds.

When you shift from an effort mindset (“How much can I do?”) to a leverage mindset (“How can I multiply my impact?”), your possibilities expand dramatically.

Leverage in Action

Imagine two professionals:

• Professional A works harder every year. More hours, more emails, more meetings. Growth is slow and tied to personal effort.

• Professional B invests in leverage. They nurture their network, publish thought leadership, and use tools to automate repetitive work. Over time, their impact compounds. Opportunities find them instead of the other way around.

The difference isn’t intelligence or talent — it’s leverage.

Your Leverage Action Step

This week, reflect on your current efforts. Ask yourself:

• Where am I working harder when I could be multiplying?

• Which area (network, content, or technology) would give me the greatest leverage if I leaned into it this year?

Write down one step you’ll take in that direction. Small moves create momentum.

✅ In Part 2 of this series, we’ll cover Networking That Works — how to build meaningful relationships that open doors without feeling transactional.