The Invisible Pull
One of the most powerful forces we encounter is gravity.
Invisible, yet powerful.
Perhaps what makes it most powerful is that we can’t see it.
If there was a string holding us down, a buckle attaching our laptop to the table, a harness attaching our car to the road, we’d be more aware.
We’d even realize that the connection could be severed, that we could do something about its pull.
Yes, that invisible connection pulling us towards the earth is powerful.
And yet the gravity we learn about in physics class isn’t the only gravity we experience.
There are all sorts of other kinds of gravity, invisible forces that strongly pull us in certain directions, often without our conscious awareness.
The pull to hit the snooze button instead of jumping right out of bed.
The pull to recommend the decision that will make the organization more money, even when another option may be better for our customers.
The pull to stay in a job that feels familiar and has a great paycheck, even when we’re not sure we’re on board with the way leadership makes decisions or have that nagging sensation that perhaps we’re meant for other things.
The pull to stay with the status quo, to not rock the boat, to choose convenience over discomfort.
But when we break free from that gravity, even just a little bit, amazing things can happen.
We realize that the new path isn’t quite as scary as we thought.
That there are others around us who will support us in making a different choice.
That we have the power to make change, if we’re just willing to get enough distance from that gravitational pull to decrease its strength.
Where are you feeling that invisible source of gravity?
July 9, 2026
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
