How to Use Leverage Points to Get Unstuck in Work and Life

How to Use Leverage Points to Get Unstuck in Work and Life

Author: The Art of Manliness January 21, 2025 Duration: 50:32

When people get stuck in their job or personal life, the common response is to either work harder or shrug and accept that "that's just the way things are."

My guest today has a much better solution to getting moving and making progress again.

Dan Heath is a bestselling author whose latest book is Reset: How to Change What's Not Working. Today on the show, Dan shares how to escape from ineffective systems and the inertia of continuing to do things the way they've always been done by pressing on leverage points — places where a little bit of effort yields disproportionate returns. Dan explains why you need "to go and see the work," why meaningful change requires "restacking resources," how short, focused "bursts" of effort often accomplish more than prolonged campaigns, how sometimes being inefficient can actually make us more effective, and more. Along the way, Dan shares plenty of stories and examples that illustrate how to implement these principles into your work, relationships, and family.

Resources Related to the PodcastConnect With Dan Heath

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


You'll find conversations here that cut through the noise, focusing on what it means to live a substantive life. The Art of Manliness features in-depth discussions with historians, authors, coaches, and philosophers, exploring timeless ideas and practical skills. Each episode is built on the belief that character and competence are cultivated through deliberate practice and reflection. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast delves into the principles behind everything from building physical resilience and fostering deeper friendships to navigating ethical dilemmas and managing time with purpose. The conversations are grounded, often pulling lessons from history, classic literature, and the firsthand experiences of remarkable individuals. It’s a resource for anyone interested in the ongoing project of self-improvement and understanding their role in society and culture. By focusing on actionable wisdom over abstract theory, the show provides a steady stream of thoughtful content that challenges listeners to reconsider their daily habits and long-term goals. Tune in for a consistently engaging blend of the philosophical and the intensely practical, all aimed at helping you develop a more intentional and effective approach to your life's work and relationships.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Art of Manliness
Podcast Episodes
How to Have the Manners and Charm of a Proper English Gentleman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:55
The British just seem like a classier bunch. Part of it is that winning accent. But it's also because English culture has long been steeped in the tradition of learning and practicing etiquette.Here to share some of the…
Become a Master of Uncertainty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:15
Uncertainty is a constant of human existence. How will market conditions affect your new business venture? What will be the results of the medical test you just took? Will a new relationship work out?For most of us, situ…
Building Tribe — How to Create and Sustain Communities of Men [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
Community is one of life's most valuable but increasingly scarce resources. While we hear about a supposed epidemic of male loneliness, many men still resist joining groups or struggle to maintain involvement after initi…
20 Secrets of Adulthood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:34
Figuring out the pitfalls and best practices of adulthood can be tricky. It's helpful to have some pearls of wisdom to guide you along the way.My guest today has spent decades collecting these kinds of helpful truths and…
The Power of NEAT — Move a Little to Lose a Lot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:17
Do you have a goal to lose weight? If so, you're probably thinking about how you need to exercise more. And that can certainly help. But what about the 23 hours a day you're not at the gym? How much you move during those…
Beyond Resilience — How to Become Shatterproof [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
Resilience is often touted as the end all, be all of coping with life's challenges and setbacks. But my guest knows from her studies, executive coaching, and her own life that sometimes resilience just isn't enough. You…