The Dip: Why Most People Quit Before Success (and How to Push Through)

Most People Fail. Here’s Why.

Not because they aren’t good enough.

But because they quit when things get hard.

Winners push through “The Dip.”

Master it, and you’ll have a huge advantage.

10 Golden Lessons from The Dip by Seth Godin

1) Be the best in the world.

• The biggest advantage is being #1.
• Adjust your niche or positioning until you can be #1.

2) Every journey faces a Dip.

• A tough stretch where most people quit.
• Winners push through (this is where success is built).

3) Quit dead ends (Cul-de-Sacs).

• If there’s no path to being the best, quit fast.
• Swallow your pride & quit before wasting time.

4) Diversification is a trap.

• People who can’t push through chase distractions.
• Adjust tactics, not your strategy or niche.

5) Plan for the Dip before you start.

• Set quitting criteria before things get painful.
• Don’t let temporary pain make the decision for you.

6) The Dip is your ally.

• It weeds out competitors.
• Pick a game with a steep Dip. The harder it is, the fewer who last.

7) You are good enough (if you stay focused).

• Progress is the only metric that matters.
• If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.

8) Most “overnight successes” spent years in the Dip.

• You just didn’t see the work until it was ready.
• The masses wait for things that are safe & proven. Your job is to persist.

9) Quitting the Dip is usually a bad decision.

• Short-term pain feels bigger than long-term rewards.
• Keep your eyes on the light at the end of the Dip for motivation.

10) If you can’t commit to the Dip, don’t start.

• Pick a game worth playing.
• Commit to being the best or move on.

Push through or quit strategically.

Don’t get stuck in the middle.
Average is invisible.

If you’re just starting your journey, read The Dip.

It’s under 100 pages.

It will change how you think about quitting, persistence, and what it takes to be the best.

Stuck in The Dip with AI & automation?

Most people quit before they see results. Not because they aren’t capable, but because they don’t know what to automate or where to focus.

I run AI & Strategy Sprints to help you:

• Identify high-impact opportunities
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• Focus on integrating AI for success

Book a session here.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, investment, legal, financial, or tax advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with professional advisors before making business decisions.