It’s interesting how you can “learn” something and *logically know* it, but it might not be until *decades* later that you really start *getting it…*
T’was 15 years ago I really dove full into WEALTH DYNAMICS, an ‘entrepreneurial profiling system’ based in the ancient wisdom of the I Ching (that had an immense well of priceless knowledge beyond just the profiles themselves, exploring, *as the name suggests,* the dynamics of wealth creation.) I was practically a fan-boy of its creator, [Roger James Hamilton](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Roger-James-Hamilton/author/B00JMZIAR4), as was in awe of the genius insight he consistently taught/shared. Commonly weaving rich wisdom into simple fables & metaphors, there was one story in particular he used to convey the power of LEVERAGE…
He had been on a rowing team at Cambridge(?), and it was in the sport of *rowing* where the power of leverage *really* dawned on him - speaking to the realization along the lines of, *’it’s the time with the oars **out of the water** that counts the most.’* Of course, he went on to articulate the details of how it pertained to the act of rowing specifically, *but also the rest of life.* How equally, efficiency & effectiveness in creating any kind of results depends not just on the focused, direct action itself, *but how we establish the conditions to maximize it through our time in rest.*
I am a “Mechanic” profile - introverted, tending towards *details* rather than people; and naturally more creative, “head in the clouds,” rather than “feet on the ground” and tuned into timing - with an inclination towards *systems* thinking. And throughout those years, I definitely *did* dive into learning and getting my hands on alot of different *systems…* in which the concept of LEVERAGE constantly reappears. In business & entrepreneurship especially. Consider Tim Ferris’ “The Four-Hour Work Week” - the whole premise, establishing *systems* to create **leverage** to minimize personal time input needed while maximizing results.
For all the *study* and *dabbling* I did back then, I can’t say I particularly *applied* the knowledge all that effectively. Whether my first “trial-and-error” phase as a 6/2 or the (then-undiagnosed) ADHD contributing to the ceaseless jumping from one thing to the next, I never really stuck with anything long enough to establish much leverage in line with all the *theory*. Perhaps it *did* all sink in, eventually ruminating as a foundation that’d serve *later.* Though, it’s been recently that I’ve implemented and seen a particularly potent example of LEVERAGE serving to optimize process & results… *exercise, diet and muscle growth.*
(And it’d be a shame not to share it.)
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5-6 years ago, I started seeing Facebook ads for the [X3 Variable-Resistance Training Program](https://www.jaquishbiomedical.com/variable-resistance/)… *and bought it.* The simple premise appealed: a science-based approach to working out that’d deliver 3x the results in a third of the time.
Well, true to the dynamics of Human Design, my Manifesting Generator ass rushed through and *skipped steps.* (Only for like the 683,427th time in life. Ha.)
*I hadn’t been consistent.* And well, I hadn’t even slowed down enough to ensure I was doing it 100% *properly.* Perhaps consequential of that, *or maybe related to something else I was or wasn’t doing,* I occasionally reactivated pinched nerve in back/shoulder that disrupted routine, *rationalizing* more inconsistency. Oh, and *there was no fucking way at all I was eating enough protein to get results, even if I had been doing the exercises properly.* So, *no shit* I really hadn’t been seeing much results.
Then about a year ago, I started getting more consistent, and *feeling some* results. But. *I still wasn’t fully on top of the diet part, not yet processing the reality of protein needs and meeting them.* Nor had I slowed down enough to go back, “start from scratch,” and ensure I was *actually* doing things **correctly**.
A few months ago, I finally *did.* And *as should probably come as no surprise,* I actually really started feeling & seeing *results.* After 4-5 years practically wasted, having half-assed it, the investment in this system has begun producing a return. And, I’m seeing the concept of LEVERAGE in a whole different light.
Though I understood the general premise of the system’s science from the start and grasped bits more occasionally seeing posts in the users group on Facebook, I *also* started reading it’s creator’s book, which goes more thoroughly into the details - which I actually *would* recommend to anyone who may be interested in losing fat & building muscle in a far more effective, efficient way than most approach it:
<h3>[“Weightlifting Is A Waste Of Time” by Dr. John Jaquish](https://www.amazon.com/Weight-Lifting-Waste-Time-Cardio/dp/154450893X/)</h3>
Though to attempt a tl:dr…
Conventional weightlighting isn’t all that effective, for a couple main reasons: A) there is maximum force applied **only** at the end of a full range of motion during exercises, with muscles not getting full engagement & corresponding muscle-building benefits throughout the entire rest of the range of motion. B) due to that (and a few other factors), the hormonal responses aren’t optimized to produce testosterone, growth hormone, and a few other key chemicals that contribute to maximizing/optimizing muscle growth…
*With variable-resistance training, however,* both these problems are solved as the applied force *changes to ensure full muscle engagement throughout the entire range of motion* - and gets the body to produce more of the hormones responsible for muscle growth & fat loss. Not to mention, *a drastically reduced probability of injury due to reduced stress on joints.*
Simple. *Yet effective. Very effective.*
But of course, *ya gotta do it correctly.* Slow, with proper form, pushing to complete fatigue at every point in the diminishing ranges with every repetition. *And getting adequate protein.* No rushing. No concern of getting to the heavier bands faster. Just ensuring *the system is followed,* completing to exhaustion, maximizing output throughout the diminishing range(s) of motion, and giving the body what it needs to rebuild muscle. Four exercises per day, six days a week. Maybe 10 minutes a day total.
*LEVERAGE in action.*
*It took me 5+ fucking years to slow down and do this shit properly. LOL.*
But *the results can be felt & seen.*
(I ain’t all that keen on sharing before & after publicly… at least *yet.* Not into sending half-nude pics to *anybody,* let alone a bunch of *dudes* - likely the majority of my readership here on Hive… although upon sharing the book recommendation with an aquaintence whose been on the fitness-coaching tip for a while and ending up chatting, *did* send him a couple upon request - and *was* reassuring to get some external feedback that am on the right track. We’ll see the results in a year from now, after doing everything *properly,* and *maybe* share here then.)
One other key leverage point in this equation: *diet.*
Returning to watch the system’s videos, I was kinda stoked to see one on *fasting* - wherein the doc actually recommended 16/8 fasting (16 hours without food, eating within the other 8 hour window), given there *are benefits* to fasting that start coming around the 12-14 hour mark. Something about it resonated, as I’ve kinda naturally gravitated towards eating only one meal a day even before, later in the days. So I gave it a shot - but going for more like 19/5 to 20/2. And while I hadn’t been able to manage that prior due to getting hungry, the video also revealed an obviously simple solution/hack: *more essential amino acids.*
*One* of the products the doc put together - (it’s almost kinda weird calling him a doctor, considering how *ripped* the motherfucker is, lol!) - is an essential amino acids supplement. I first tried it maybe 3 years ago, but ended up continuing to get mine from [Bulk Supplements](https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/essential-amino-acids-powder) instead, as it’s literally about 10% of the price. I’d figured out that about 10g in the morning and 10g before bed worked well (and saw *some* results over the last year with that much), and discovered that an extra 1-3 doses throughout the day *perfectly* kept hunger away before/after that one meal a day. *Easy fucking peasy.*
<h5>And it’s worth noting here also just *how big another leverage point the essential amino acids are.*</h5>
Consensus is, *carnivore diet* is really optimal if someone’s looking for maximal/optimal results, as animal protein (beef, specifically) is allegedly *the* best source. But bear in mind, the reason we need protein is because it gets broken down into essential amino acids. *So why not ‘skip the middle man.’* It’d probably cost somewhere between $10-20 for a steak (from the grocery store) to get a proper amount of protein; then then time to cook it, eat it… or take a scoop of EEAs in glass of water that costs a quarter or two. **The fucking *leverage,* man**.
And not to overlook in this whole conversation: *the leverage of **knowledge**.*
*No one* could have put any of this into practice *without the knowledge of it.*
No wonder it’s taken over 5 years to actually get/see some results, as *there were gaps in my knowledge* - both in awareness & application. And there’s *always some* “new” bit of knowledge that can be brought into the mix to optimize and increase leverage.
(i.e. I only learned in the last few days that even in spite of upping my EEA intake the last couple months, I probably wasn’t getting the full benefit out of them, as *the body needs 2-3g of leucine to turn on muscle protein synthesis.* Oh, and that I also not only wasted on my $$ on BCAAs given they really don't serve any purpose EEAs don't *but also probably reduced their effectiveness as using both at the same time mess up the EEA ratios. Nice.* I often wasn’t even doing a full 10g of EEAs at a time, and with them having only 22.2% leucine, may not have been hitting that target to initiate MSP *even if I was* taking 10g doses! So, a new experiment begins: *13g EEA doses,* 3 or 4 times a day. This tweak to ‘the system’ alone could end up being a *gamechanger.)*
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*Leverage of systems in business. Leverage of knowledge & protocols with health.*
Surely, leverage of *routine* may be another here - “time management systems…”
*One* of the reasons I’d ‘struggled’ exercising *consistency* with X3 prior was due to *lack of routine*. I hadn’t been able to settle into any specific routine where it seemed to consistently fit. *And I couldn’t force it.* Attempting to *force* a workout when the body wasn’t onboard… *uh uh.* Didn’t go well. In fact, *that* was probably where the pinched nerve came back into the picture, the body’s backlash for mind & ego attempting to exert their will in absence of the body’s vote. *It was inconsistent as fuck as to when the waves of energy to work out actually came.* What the fuck could I do. *There wasn’t a whole lot, but to flow with it.* And thankfully, things finally *did* flow together once I got back into my own space, found a groove, and a somewhat *flexible* routine forming unto its own.
I *still* can’t force *music* to fit the routines, the creative waves their own untameable beast. But whether going out to a cafe in the morning or staying in to do music *or kinda just laze about,* something has clicked into place allowing the window from 3-5pm to be *the* time where the waves for doing those four X3 exercises can be found.
And *here,* it loops back to that metaphor/example of Roger’s with the *rowing. That it’s the time **out** of the water that counts even more than the brief time **in** it.*
I spent nearly five years *trying to force* this, following the conditioned ideas of “discipline,” struggling with how to manage my energy & time so could be consistent. And what turned out to *work:* waiting on the shore, *resting,* taking it easy (on myself, first & foremost) - eventually figuring out what time the waves roll in each day, maximizing the *relaxation* the rest of the time to seize those moments, establishing the conditions to paddle out at that time with maximum focus & strength and give my 100% to *a system intentionally, conscientiously designed for maximum leverage*. Not brute force like an army charging in full throttle, but more like *mercenary samurai sniper style - in & out, quick yet potently effective with the utmost precision.*
There are (many) times I question if I’ve gone *too* extreme in my current hermitude, often *never even leaving my place* many days. I repeatedly doubt whether I’m being “lazy,” seeking “shortcuts” or “hacks” by relying on this system rather than following conventional exercise advice emphasizing the need for x hours of cardio each week. *But in spite of all that, I’m finally actually getting & seeing **results**.*
And I don’t mean just in regards to *looks.* But equally if not *more* important, the *inner* results. The self-respect of *actually* putting the system to work. The confidence inevitable from transforming habits of half-assed inconsistency to commitment & follow-through. The satisfaction of getting clear on *why* this matters and actually bringing my full presence to *doing it.* (And does the body itself ever *feel good* after workouts, too.)
Which brings spotlight to another key leverage point I hadn’t even considered until writing the last paragraph: that of the *inner game. Values. Attitudes. Mindset. Belief. Etc, etc.*
Coulda been a business system, exercise & diet system, time management system, or whatever… *woulda been spayed/neutered without that inner recalibration.* It took that refinement of values & commitment to unlock the awareness & knowledge to level-up. (And will require their maintainence to *sustain* results.)
(Perhaps what’s missing from many approaches aiming to increase leverage is that multi-dimensionality - overemphasis on outer systems without tuning the inner for the required leverage that needs to come from *inside;* and/or imbalance towards the inner with psychology, self-help & spirituality that neglect **key** leverage points in the external systems of our lives. Granted, *one-size-fits-all solutions usually fail* - sometimes it *is* a matter of trial-and-error, throwing ourselves into different fields of knowledge & practices, learning from many different teachers, fusing elements together from disparate domains in order to custom-tailor the creation of unique ‘systems’ that’ll allow each of us to activate & optimize the revealing & development of our individual potentials.)
*Yada, yada, yada.*
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https://youtu.be/c70WH_aXizo?si=eWsMtHFaTXNB99oZ
https://youtu.be/3YQwhRDRVp8?si=HOpcNaATQ-JSrcwR
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