A three-stage rocket uses rocket stages, each of which has its own propellant. The stages are mounted on top of each other. As each stage runs out of propellant, it is jettisoned in order to reduce the mass of the remaining rocket(s), making it easier to accelerate the upper stages.
Multi-stage rockets like this allow the rocket to take advantage of the laws of physics and accelerate to speeds that would otherwise be impossible or hard to achieve.
As a metaphor, a three-stage rocket can be a way to help you think about ways that you might get to places that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Is there a way you can create “disposable” stages that will help you get further, faster? Can you think of your project in terms of phases or elements that will get you to a certain point, but that can be jettisoned later so you aren’t stuck with unnecessary weight?
Rockets can have more than three stages. Can you divide or break down your problem into multiple parts?
Does everything have to go along for the full ride?
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This framework was inspired by a LinkedIn post by Håvard Legreid.
See also: Snowball effect, Momentum, Escape velocity, Flywheel, Pendulum, Tipping point, Leverage, Leap of faith, Stepping stones.