If there is one book that we can leave you with to read, it is the “The Dip” by Seth Godin.

The Dip is a quick read at only 70 pages. Seth Godin put real perspective into the concept of the grind. We hear these quotes such as “do what you love and love what you do.” While these quotes do have merit, they miss one thing: the dip.

The dip is phase #2 – that’s what no one is talking about. Everyone likes phase #1 – when you start to try something new and are bursting with initial excitement. Think of working out, when initially start, you get this jolt of euphoria thinking about all of the positives you are going to claim from working out. You are going to get stronger, more muscular and more confident. It’s going to be the best time of your life! And then, the dip occurs.
The dip is when things start to become monotonous, lose their shine and the work begins. This is the part where you have to start sticking to your workout routine regularly, eating clean, and pushing yourself when the motivation isn’t always there.

The dip is necessary for success. It is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. If you look at anybody who has achieved anything in their life, it is because they went through the dip. The dip is the part where you have to put in the hours, the work and it won’t always be glamorous BUT you do recognize that by going through this motion consistently, the outcome will bring you out of the dip and into phase #3 – success.

The Dip is a way of life and a way to success.

The dip may just be the greatest thing to happen. Why is it that we idolize those models with washboard abs? Because we know that is not an easily attainable characteristic. We realize that it takes long hours of work and dedication and that is why we respect it. That is why it is so important for you to realize that when you are going through the dip to know that the outcome of the repetitive work you are doing, is bringing you one step closer reaching greatness.

Ensure that you avoid cul-de-sac at all costs. Cul-de-sacs are the never-ending dip cycle. It is when you engage in monotonous work without any specific end goal.

Think of being a waitress because the pay is decent. If you just continue along your whole life being a waitress, you will continue to put in the hours and the work, but the final outcome will not change. It is imperative to figure out the end goal before jumping into the dip. This way, you will be able to understand why you are in the dip and more importantly, what the result will be when you are out.

Check out the full book here: The Dip by Seth Godin