Finding the leverage points in life

There are certain activities and pursuits in life that provide non-linear results — for example, an increase of 10% ability can generate 100% improvement in your quality of life.I argued that people who are good at spotting leverage points like this are the ones who tend to do the best in life. Below are some of the most significant and common examples. 

Physical Health - For all the fad diets and insane workout routines out there in the world, becoming moderately active in your life is likely one of the most significant leverage points available to anybody. Going from sedentary and no physical activity to basic physical activity is likely one of the single biggest boosts in physical and emotional health, mental clarity, mood, emotional regulation, disease prevention, sleep quality, and overall sexiness. So, you don’t have to run a marathon — just stop being a couch potato.

Food - I would estimate that the difference between eating something ultra-processed and full of sugar and salt versus something that’s fresh and locally sourced gives at least a 50% boost in energy, mood, attention span, and mental clarity for the next 6-8 hours. Not to mention the lack of “sugar crashing” and needing naps. It’s that big of a difference. 

Education - The best investment for a young person is knowledge. Money will come and go throughout your life. But when you learn a useful piece of knowledge, you have it forever. Therefore, the highest leverage use of a young person’s time is education. Better education not only increases earning potential but it is also one of the best predictors of not being violent or committing crime.

Relationships - If you dig deep enough into research on happiness and wellbeing, the biggest factor that comes up, again and again, is the quality of a person’s relationships. If you’re able to maintain good relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners, you’re going to be healthier mentally and emotionally, experience less anxiety and depression and feel more satisfied with your life, in general.