I’ve never been more motivated in such a short time.

Seth Godin is known for his dagger-like writing style that communicates a powerful message with a brevity that is much appreciated by this father of two.

The Dip is no exception.

The basic idea behind this short book (the audio version is 90 mins) is that [...]]]>

- by Russ Henneberry

I’ve never been more motivated in such a short time.

Seth Godin is known for his dagger-like writing style that communicates a powerful message with a brevity that is much appreciated by this father of two.

The Dip is no exception.

The basic idea behind this short book (the audio version is 90 mins) is that you should be QUITTING much more often than you are.

You should be quitting anything that doesn’t make a difference. You should quit anything that you don’t have the chops to stick out through The Dip.

The Dip, as Godin goes on to explain, is one of two curves that just about anything that matters traverses. The other curve is the cul de sac.

What Is The Dip?

The first example Godin uses in the book is going pre-med. When you enroll pre-med, you are very excited. Your parents are proud of you and your friends are calling you Doctor when you meet them for lunch. It is fun.

Then you hit The Dip.

You enroll in Organic Chemistry — which is a “filter” that universities create to “weed out” those that don’t have the brains or the commitment to make it through medical school.

All of the rewards and gains lie on the other side of the dip.

Why? Simple —– getting to the other side of The Dip is hard. Most people quit before or while they are in The Dip.

This creates scarcity. Scarcity creates value.

What Is The Cul De Sac?

The Cul De Sac is the other curve we find ourselves in. It is a dead-end. You just keep going around and around. Nothing gets much better or worse. It just is.

Godin argues that this is where you must quit. If you find yourself in a dead-end job, a dead-end relationship or anything else that simply isn’t going to get better. Quit.

Quitting The Wrong Things

Staying in a cul de sac is safe. It is easy. It’s predictable.

Quitting a cul de sac is painful. It requires us to get out of our comfort zone and make something happen.

On the other hand, being in The Dip is also painful. The easy thing to do is quit while you are in The Dip. But it is the most ignorant thing to do.

If you know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, never quit. Lean into the problem, keep hustling and beat that Dip. But if you are in a dead-end cul de sac, you owe it to yourself to quit.

Godin explains that smart and productive people quit Cul De Sacs as soon as they realize they are in one. But, if they realize that something is worth doing they either quit BEFORE they enter The Dip or they stick it out to the end.

About the Author: Russ Henneberry writes and speaks about content marketing strategies and how tiny businesses can make mighty profits using a personal computer, a little imagination and a few well-placed dollars. You can read his daily blog here.