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“Three” is a Magic Number

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Why is “Three” a Magic Number?

There is an old saying that the number three is a magic number.  I am not sure about the magical part, but the number three has had a powerful influence on all facets of life for thousands of years.  For a historical perspective about the number three and its impact on the world, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_(number) .  

What is so powerful about the #3?”

One of the most powerful examples of the number three is the geometric figure we call the “triangle.”  What is so powerful about the triangle?  The triangle is the most durable shape possible.  It is the only geometric figure, which if all endpoints have hinges will never change its shape unless the sides themselves are bent.  Because of this unique design, the triangle distributes weight equally, which makes for the best building block in any construction project.  In Architecture, the triangle symbol represents a “truss,” which is used for large spans or heavy loads.  Did you ever notice what is at the center of every stone archway?  It is the “keystone,” which is in the shape of a triangle.  Why do you think the Egyptian Pyramids have stood the test of time?  It is the power of the triangle or … the power of the number three!

How has the #3 influenced me?

The number three is all about “change” and “balance.”  In the Greek alphabet, the triangle symbol is called “delta.”  This Greek symbol is used in math to represent “change.”  It is the symbol of the triangle that has influenced me and helped me bring balance into my life.  How can a triangle bring about balance?  Let’s look to the playground we all grew up with to illustrate how a triangle taught us all how to bring about balance.  Have you ever played on a see-saw or teeter-tauter?  If so, what does the see-saw rest on?  It is called a fulcrum.  What is the shape of a fulcrum?  You guessed it...a triangle!  It is the triangle or the fulcrum found under a see-saw, which helped me developed the concept of “Fulcrum Leadership.”

 

How did playing on a see-saw as a young child help me develop the concept of “Fulcrum Leadership?”

You can bring about “balance” to any situation by applying one of the three principles of Fulcrum Leadership.  (There’s that #3 again!)

 

Principle #1 – When there is an imbalance in life, your choices are to increase weight on the light side or remove weight on the heavy side.

Principle #2 – When Principle #1 is unsuccessful because weight redistribution is unattainable, move the fulcrum until equilibrium occurs.

Principle #3 – When Principle #2 is unsuccessful because fulcrum repositioning is unattainable, lengthen the plank until equilibrium occurs.

 

By applying one of these three principles to any situation, you will eventually bring everything back into balance; however, I will caution you that applying these principles will not automatically create balance in your life.  Creating balance can take minutes or several years.  Fulcrum leadership is just a tool that will help reduce the duration it will take to bring your life back into equilibrium.