A few years back, I kept two notebooks on my desk at all times. On the front of one, it said:
Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You.
The other:
Never, Ever, Ever Give Up.
Let's just say that I continue to feel strongly about those sentiments. But, something happened last week when a courier delivered a book to me in NYC: a book about quitting.
Actually, it was my much-anticipated advance copy of Seth Godin's latest creation, and soon-to-be bestseller, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (and When to Stick).
One of the main lessons in The Dip: some of the most successful people do give up, and go on to become the best in the world in their particular sector (sometimes it's niche, sometimes it's very big). They've mastered something because they've quit other things, and did so at the right time. They saw a dead end, recognized it, then went on to become the best in the world at what they do.
But they didn't get there without facing (and conquering) the Dip. They endured the really hard stuff, the most painful days, the longest hours. Excruciating. Exactly the time when most others quit. But what happens next is what makes them the best in the world: they push even harder. They don't give up -- this time.
And guess what? They're winners. Winners who won because they quit. (Sorry, Mr. Lombardi, but I think Seth's on to something here).
The Dip, refreshingly, can be read in one sitting. No speed-reading necessary, as it truly is a little book (under 90 pages in length).
As I knew would be the case, the moment I finished reading it I wanted to call, email, text or tell everyone I knew about it. When I say everyone, I mean:
- entrepreneurs at any stage
- people who work for, or help lead, very large companies
- people who work for, or help lead, governmental organizations
- students (not just the ones in universities)
- bloggers
- journalists
- parents
- job seekers (or people who ought to be seeking)
- friends who might be 'stuck' - either professionally or personally
- colleagues who might be facing the Dip, and shouldn't quit
- software developers
- artists (creative, music, and so on)
- everyone else
Guy Kawasaki said of The Dip:
I think it will definitely get people to think about life.
Exactly my sentiment. While this is far from my final post on the matter, I'll wind it up with a strong recommendation: go, and read The Dip. Then share it. Then read it again.
