Leverage

The Hotpot | February 2026 | By Lisanne

6.2

People might think change is hard because of the struggle to move.

In reality, most people don’t resist change; they might resist a lack of skin in the game.

What often holds us back is the comfort of a life where “staying the same” costs less than the risk of moving forward.

If you want to change people, you must create enough leverage to encourage the change to happen.

Because all too often we hear a good idea or read a beautiful quote, we nod, feel inspired for a moment—and then life goes on exactly as before.

Not because we disagree, but because there’s no leverage.

Leverage is what makes an idea hard to ignore.

It’s the time you invest in it.
A promise made. A team member who asks you to return. When you’ve shown up three times already, not showing up the fourth suddenly costs something.

That’s why quotes can inspire but rarely change us, while books sometimes do. Why advice fades, but habits stick. Why belonging often alters behavior more than single motivation.

Change doesn’t happen when the idea is strong or when we have to convince people to care.
It’s creating moments where staying the same feels heavier than moving forward.

That’s leverage.

Thank you for reading! The question of today:

What is your biggest block this week?

Let me know in the comments!

Curious to see more reflections like this? Click through to see the rest of the series on success. I’d love to hear what resonates with you.