Force

There are undeniable laws of physics that show up in our everyday lives. One I frequently see top performers and leaders underestimate are the laws related to force.

Newton defined force as mass times acceleration. The greater the mass, the more force required to accelerate it at the same rate. The bigger it gets, the harder you push. Sound familiar?

For top performers, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders, this is all too familiar. Sheer force and determination are often what got us to where we are today. Give more. Work more. Push harder. Get there.

It has worked, up until some point.

But there is another law of physics: for each force there is an equal and opposite reaction. We have experienced this at some point. The harder we push, the more resistance we can create.

As we encounter that building resistance, our instinct is often to push harder, to force our way through the obstacle. Convinced that just beyond it lies the breakthrough, the success, or perhaps even the peace we’ve been seeking.

But as we push harder, testing our own limits and those of the people around us, something may give. Instead of finding peace, we’re left with pieces.

What if the next breakthrough doesn’t require more force?

This week, consider where you might be applying more force than necessary. Where might stepping back allow you to see something that pushing harder never will?