What interesting times we are in! The extreme events in politics and across the world are generating new perspectives and creating very rapid change. All around me, I’m seeing this as friends and the people I work with reach their tipping point and make decisive life altering decisions.
The concept of “The Tipping Point” was brought into our consciousness by Malcom Gladwell in his 2006 book by that name. He chronicled how little things can spread like wildfire, from fashion trends to cleaning up the NY subways. The right person, connecting to the right people can create a sensation that changes how people think and perceive thus affecting how events unfold in the future. This is how significant change happens
Right now in my work, I’m seeing similar patterns. It appears that we individually have a “tipping point” when we suddenly, almost magically are ready to launch significant and important change. This can be initiated after exposure to very negative experiences or positive ones.
So, what creates your tipping point? Here are some of the patterns I’ve noticed. See if any of these account for the times you’ve made big decisions that altered the course of your life.
NEGETIVE TIPPING CATALYSTS
The Law of Polarity tells us that everything has it’s opposite and often the solution to our problems lay on the same continuum. Intolerance for a current situation can create a tipping point that makes you gravitate toward the other end.
- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
You know the person, as I do, that has tolerated difficult, seemingly intolerable life circumstances for ages and ages. They have been in relationships that have elements of abuse or power and control dynamics that keep a person locked into a painful role that doesn’t serve their best interests. You’ve said something and tried to help, as I have and nothing changed. In fact, the cycle keeps going on and on. These dynamics are everywhere, work settings are fraught with this negativity and certainly we’ve all seen it in personal love relationships.
Then one day, something snaps. Everything comes into focus and the gig is up – enough is enough. The right thing is said, the right action is taken and it’s over. The tipping point came and the corner was turned. When that happens, often there is no turning back.
- LACK OF CONGRUENCE
Sometimes, it may not be that there is a pattern of abuse or negativity as much as a sudden burst of clarity that the current situation no longer works for you. It may not fit with who you are and where you want to go.
The malaise, quiet discontent or discomfort crystalizes and the awareness can no longer be ignored. It is time for a change. The clearer that knowing is, the faster the change can occur. It can happen in a flash. You have reached your tipping point and must move on – there is no stopping you.
POSITIVE TIPPING CATALYSTS
I’ve also seen where positive experiences highlight something needed that also creates a tipping point. Having a fabulous experience can highlight the contrast of what’s missing and launch a needed new direction
- OVERFLOWING JOY
When we experience true joy it can be life altering. It can provide the impetus to make the needed or longed for changes. Once you’ve had exposure to a flood of love, laughter and true joy, it can create a new template that tells you – yes this is what I want more of in my life.
The new-found joy helps clarify who you really are, what you really love and want in your life. Joy is the tipping point that sends you in a new direction
- SEEING THE THREAD OF YOUR LIFE
I love it when suddenly a person wakes up and becomes aware that everything they have been doing has been leading them into a new direction. They see the thread that has run through their life – the books read, the interests held, the things collected, the passion that has always been there becomes clear. Yes, this is what I want.
Recognizing who you are and what you really love and want, that which has always been right in front of you suddenly is fully revealed. The tipping point of what is right for your life has been there all along. The path is now clear -what an awakening!
The tipping point can manifest itself at any time, the culmination of years of experience or seemingly in a moment of clarity – you know – it’s time for a new direction. It’s actually a wonderous, almost magical moment when you become so perfectly aware that the path unfolds in front of you and you know – your new direction is apparent. That’s when you have experienced the tipping point.
Would you like to know more about the patterns of your life and discover where your path is leading you? My Transformational Life Coaching can help you with that clarity. Go to www.spectrumtransformation.com for more information and use my Free Consultation button if you have questions. You can create your tipping point through the discovery of self-inquiry.
Gladwell, Malcom, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, 2006
