Physics
What laws govern everything that moves and changes?
Physics isn't just for scientists. These principles operate whether you're aware of them or not. They govern markets, organizations, relationships, and your own energy.
The Laws
Conservation of Energy
Energy cannot be created or destroyed — only transformed.
| Domain | Application |
|---|---|
| Business | Every output requires input; there's no free lunch |
| Personal | Attention spent here can't be spent there |
| Systems | Value doesn't appear from nothing; trace the source |
The question: Where is energy coming from? Where is it going?
Entropy
In closed systems, disorder always increases. Order requires continuous energy input.
| Domain | Application |
|---|---|
| Organizations | Without maintenance, systems decay |
| Relationships | Connection requires ongoing investment |
| Code | Technical debt accumulates by default |
The question: What maintenance are you not doing?
Equilibrium
Systems naturally seek balance. Pressure differences equalize.
| Domain | Application |
|---|---|
| Markets | Arbitrage opportunities close; prices converge |
| Conflict | Tensions seek resolution (or explosion) |
| Information | Secrets spread; asymmetries fade |
The question: What imbalance are you exploiting? How long will it last?
Inertia
Objects at rest stay at rest. Objects in motion stay in motion. Change requires force.
| Domain | Application |
|---|---|
| Habits | Existing patterns persist; new ones require activation energy |
| Organizations | Culture resists change; momentum matters |
| Projects | Starting is hard; stopping is hard |
The question: What force will overcome current inertia?
Leverage
Small force × long lever = large effect. Position matters more than raw effort.
| Domain | Application |
|---|---|
| Business | Code, capital, and media multiply human effort |
| Influence | Right message, right time, right person |
| Career | Skills that compound > skills that don't |
The question: Where's your lever? How long is it?
Feedback Loops
Output becomes input. Effects amplify or dampen their causes.
| Type | Behavior | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Amplifies (runaway) | Compound interest, viral growth, panic |
| Negative | Dampens (stabilizes) | Thermostats, hunger, market corrections |
The question: Which loops are you in? Are they working for or against you?
The Meta-Principle
Energy flows along the path of least resistance toward equilibrium, unless work is done to maintain order.
This is why:
- Defaults matter more than intentions
- Systems beat willpower
- Maintenance is not optional
- Position determines outcome
Context
- Forces — The resources that flow
- Time & Energy — Your finite fuel
- Systems Thinking — Applying these principles
- Flow State — When physics works for you