I will try to articulate it better than "pedal harder"

1. To train your legs, do max effort intervals from a near stop. You need to learn what it feels like to be using all available muscles at their max...every time, push yourself harder.

2. Higher cadence. It's easier to accelerate when you're already spinning. You can always hop down a gear if it's too easy. Be able to explode and spin up to 120rpm smoothly.

3. Equipment - fewer grams means less inertia which means faster acceleration at the same effort level. 454g = 1lb. Soul S2.0 are 1300g for $500.