We all want to make a difference and have an impact in our work and lives. But there is often a frustrating gap between our good intentions, hard work, and actual influence. The concept of leverage can help bridge this gap.

Leverage boils down to how much more valuable you are to others than they are to you. It's about scarcity and uniqueness. As Coco Chanel said, "To be irreplaceable, you must always be different."

If you bring common resources that others can easily get elsewhere, you have little leverage. But if you offer rare and invaluable skills, expertise or assets, then you gain leverage over others who need what you uniquely provide.

Imagine two women who create breakthrough technology in their garage. They're willing to sell it for $1 million. A big tech company like Google sees its potential and is willing to pay up to $10 million for it. Where will the sale price land - closer to $1 million or $10 million? It depends on leverage.

If these women are the only ones with this technology, and multiple companies are interested buyers, then the price will get bid up towards $10 million. The women have high leverage due to scarce supply.

But if instead there are many others also selling similar technology, while Google is the only viable buyer, then the women have little leverage. Price gets pushed down to $1 million due to abundant supply.

The same leverage principles apply whether you're selling a product, pitching an idea, negotiating a deal, or just trying to have more influence. Your impact rises and falls based on your unique value compared to the alternative options.

So cultivate skills that set you apart. Develop expertise that few others possess. Find undervalued strengths to capitalize on. Build your personal brand and relationships.

In essence, make yourself not just hardworking and capable, but distinctly invaluable. That's how you gain true leverage to achieve outsize impact in your career and life.