Today I was feeling frustrated and restless with the general state of things and spontaneously snatched Seth Godin’s “The Dip” from my bookshelf.
Since I spend most of my day sitting down, I (re)read the book both standing up and laying down on my office floor. It was a refreshing change in perspective.
You can read “The Dip” in less than an hour and I recommend you do when you start to feel like giving up on whatever it is you’re putting most of your energy into.
The basic idea of The Dip is that in order to become the best in the world at something, you must endure a period of intense–call it maddening–struggle.
If you can persevere through The Dip, your stature will rise to the point of being the best in your niche. And that’s when the benefits start rolling in. Being number 1 always commands so much more awesomeness, wouldn’t you agree?
Godin argues–and I really love this– that if you’re not going to be the best in the world at what you do, then why do it all? Why settle? Why seek mediocrity?
He also says it’s healthy and smart to plan on quitting something if you know you won’t be the absolute best.
I really appreciate this all-or-nothing attitude. I’ve spent most of my life doing things that I knew I’d never really excel in, let alone be the best in the world.
For the first time ever I feel I’m in a place where I just might stand a chance of getting to the top–but if and only if I survive The Dip.
I won’t go into any more details of the book–each page is precious–but it can really help your perspective. As you read it, keep asking yourself if the work you’re doing is measuring up to Godin’s standards. Are you doing something far above and beyond the ordinary?
If so, are you aiming to be the best in the universe at it? Think about that. If the answer is no, then quit and move on.
The Dip has been on my “to read” list forever and a day. It’s one of the must reads I haven’t yet read. I am happy I read Gladwell’s “Outliers” though. That book was fantastic.
Sounds like one for the short, powerful reads with <200 pages list. Thanks for the insight. Will add to my must read list (getting too long, honestly).