The Tipping Point of Change
Think back to a moment when you were moved to change something in your life. What preceded that decision point? What pushed you into action? At times, change seems to sneak up on us gradually, while other times it hits us like a tidal wave. But what propels us to the tipping point of change, that crucial moment when we decide to step out of our comfort zones and embrace transformation?
Four years ago, when the pandemic put the brakes on life as we knew it, I chose to “retire” from my 24-year career in personal training. It was a big change, a leap into the unknown, away from the career I’d built my education and life around. But I had been feeling burnt out for a while and the quarantine was the nudge that finally pushed me into action. It took courage to push past my fears, but once I did I was happy to have space to explore and expand into new ventures. I dove into life coaching wholeheartedly, acquired two certifications, and built a business from scratch. I found renewed inspiration and excitement for my work. This change was exactly what I needed to bring zest and passion back into my work life.
More recently, with my younger daughter in her freshman year of high school and increasingly independent, I’ve been considering the possibility of taking on a second part-time job. After months of contemplation, I casually began an online job search. Amongst a sea of lackluster job postings, I stumbled upon a posting for personal trainers at a high-end health club nearby. Excitement sparked within me, prompting a pivotal question: Did I truly desire to rekindle the career I believed I had left behind? Surprisingly, the answer was an enthusiastic “yes.” A four-year hiatus had afforded me the necessary breathing room to rediscover my love for personal training. I promptly spruced up my resume, made contact, and just like that, the wheels were set in motion. Did self-doubt and apprehension arise? Absolutely. Particularly when faced with the reality of having to renew my certification, which had lapsed during my time away. Yet, I was able to fast-track recertification and get an interview, all within two weeks.
The tipping point of change is often reached during a moment of clarity, prompted by either external or internal forces. It could be a health scare, a family crisis, hitting rock bottom, or even an inspiring conversation or ordinary, mundane moment. In this moment, the fog clears and we recognize that our current situation is no longer working or is no longer aligned with our goals and values. We are suddenly able to see new possibilities, reorient our compass, and are propelled forward by a strong internal drive. The remarkable thing is, when clarity strikes, the journey becomes less daunting, the path unfolds before us, and the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable somehow diminish.
Recognizing the need for change is one thing, but taking action is another. The unknown can be scary. Our brain does not like uncertainty. Fear can feel like a roadblock. But, instead of being paralyzed by fear, acknowledge and validate it as a normal part of the process. Then, shift your focus toward how you will feel after you’ve made the change you’re seeking. Next, choose a single step forward (it doesn’t have to be big). One action, regardless of the magnitude, creates momentum, which leads to every step that follows.
Sometimes we can activate change all on our own and sometimes we need to lean on others for support. Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of others, such as friends, family, mentors, or professionals. They can provide valuable insights, tools, resources, and encouragement. Just knowing someone is rooting for you can make all the difference.
We don’t always know when change will occur, but it often starts as a subtle nudge and builds to a tipping point. There are usually signs, whispers of discontentment, or a longing for something more that grows louder over time, eventually prompting us to challenge the status quo and seek something different. Embracing change as a natural and inevitable part of life allows us to evolve, learn, and shape our destinies. We must listen to the whispers and cultivate courage in moments of clarity. As we move into action, we have to embrace uncertainty with purpose and resilience.
How are the forces of change nudging you in this moment? Send me a note!