Many people naturally assume that small changes yield small results. You start to go for a run here and there, you get a little bit healthier; you cut down on spending by a small amount, you have that much more money left over at the end of the month; and so on. However, this book discusses the phenomenon of small changes being the catalyst for huge results. Through many interesting anecdotes and case studies, Gladwell explains how epidemics in ideas, trends, and fads begin, and distills it down into three categories (marketers and businesspeople would especially benefit).

The simple realization of the concepts in this book have already changed my perspective on self growth and development. Although Gladwell has geared his book towards case studies and examples of epidemics, trends, and popularity of a product, these same concepts are relevant within the microcosm of your own life. As per my examples given before, it seems logical to see a small change for the better yielding a small positive result. However, by looking at the big picture, one small change can really be the tipping point that results in huge gains in your life. Going back to the exercise example, by exercising twice a week, you may find a small, yet noticeable increase in your energy levels. This small increase in energy levels may result in slightly more productive output and less “slump time” throughout your day. This may be picked up by your boss, which could lead to a promotion (which is a huge result) or perhaps because you didn’t crash immediately after work, you got out more with your friends and met your next boyfriend/girlfriend (which has big potential). The possibilities are endless as to how a small change can directly or indirectly result in a huge change in your life. While each of these examples have a small probability by themselves, there are so many potential results that the probability of one of such changes happening is actually quite viable. Still don’t believe it? Try it for yourself! Thinking back, I can think of quite a few distinct changes I’ve made in my life that I never considered “big changes”, yet they resulted in quite a lot of improvement in the quality of my life.

Obviously, not every small change has this result, but there are those distinct few that do. By reading “The Tipping Point” you can begin to realize how starting up a conversation with the right person or slightly tweaking an exercise program can be that one small change you needed to see larger change in your life. Therefore, never hesitate to make a small change because it doesn’t seem as important as the “larger issues” at hand. You’ll be surprised how much change they can really make!

All the best,
Jon