This concept shared by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great is something I revisit often when it comes to existing projects, new ventures, and even routine activities.

The initial driver of the flywheel is The Hedgehog Concept (also highlighted by Collins) about (1) what one is deeply passionate about, (2) what one can be the best in the world at, and (3) what drives one’s economic or resource engine.

I ask myself does the flywheel fit within the three circles of The Hedgehog Concept. Will any improvements I make in any one component of my flywheel help boost other components’ performance? My goal is to create a momentum machine with my targeted project that will steadily produce better results over time. 

When it comes to being passionate about something I use the ‘hell yes’ or ‘hell no’ rule. It’s impossible to make any flywheel turn if there’s not ‘hell yes’ enthusiasm.

I may not be the best in almost anything like a 1% expert (the SAT score from a long time ago was my last rendezvous with 1%), but I believe I’m in the top 20% in some things like certain technologies or tennis. When I look at a new venture and realize I have no chance of being in the top 20%, I don’t get started. For example I started pickleball and realized I may never get to a top tier level of play. So I dropped it mainly because I wasn’t enthusiastic about it either.

Lastly, I look at the possibility of making money if a new project involves work. The unlikelihood of getting paid outweighs any excitement or potential skills I bring to the table. If it’s not a nonprofit endeavor or a key public policy that I’m excited about, I prefer not to waste my time when there’s no chance of economic gain.

Being able to turn the flywheel is key. I have momentum in certain areas of my life. Those are the areas I double-down efforts. Not being able to turn the flywheel means I need to focus on other things.

More from Collins: link