Quit or Be Exceptional

What "The Dip" by Seth Godin Taught Me About Success

Not all potentials get fully utilized, some don’t even get tapped into at all, because the potential owners are okay with being mediocre. That’s the biggest lesson I took from Seth Godin’s “The Dip”.

Although it’s just a little over 50 pages long, The Dip is a powerful book that gets straight to the point. No sugarcoating, no fluff; just a message that hits you right in the chest. It’s my first Seth Godin book, and I’ll definitely be reading more of his work after this.

Society is harsh on newbies. Companies post entry-level jobs but prefer applicants with five years of experience. Businessmen want to invest in known and trusted brands. And let’s not even talk about the disdain for beginners on social media. A small account might post something brilliant and get zero traction, while a bigger account reposts the exact same thing and gets showered with comments like, “Wow, that’s amazing! How did you even come up with this?”

I recently read a post on Twitter where a woman was insulted by a more established industry colleague, for no reason other than being a newbie trying to be great.

And that’s how harsh society is on beginners.

Which is exactly why, my good friend, you can’t settle for anything less than being exceptional.

“Quit or be exceptional.” – Seth Godin, The Dip

Every day, we see new talents emerging, people doing mind-blowing things that make you go “Wow, how is someone this gifted?”

While this is amazing, it also means people are running out of patience for mediocrity.

You’re good at something and you’re okay with just being good? When there are thousands of people who are great at it?

“May it not be heard,” said Paul.

“The real success goes to those who obsess.” – Seth Godin, The Dip

You don’t get full marks by completing only half the test. You have to finish the whole thing, and do it well, to earn the full reward. In the same way, you can’t chase your dreams, passions, and goals half-heartedly and expect full results.

There’s no magic to it: if you don’t put in the work, the universe won’t hand you what you want. You have to wrestle the universe for it. And if you don’t, well, you’ll keep watching it hold all your desires in a tight fist, while bolder and grittier people wrestle theirs out and win.

“Average feels safe, but it’s not. It’s invisible. It’s the last choice—the path of least resistance… You deserve better than average.” – Seth Godin, The Dip

While being average sucks, just because you want to be the best doesn’t automatically mean you can be the best. You have to pay your dues…and pay them in full for that to happen.

“Persistent people are able to visualize the idea of light at the end of the tunnel when others can’t see it. At the same time, the smartest people are realistic about not imagining light when there isn’t any.” – Seth Godin, The Dip

Another core lesson I learned from reading The Dip is this:

Some things are worth quitting.

Letting go of the things that drain your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly matters; things that will elevate you and change your life. Because if you don’t quit them, they’ll keep draining you. You’ll keep giving your all and have nothing to show for it.

“It’s okay to quit, sometimes.” — Seth Godin, The Dip

Just like there are things you need to quit; Godin calls them “dead ends” (dead-end jobs, dead-end relationships, dead-end business ventures, etc) there are also things worth enduring. These are ones that if you endure them till the end, they will eventually bring you success, recognition, and wealth. That period of endurance, of holding on, of not giving up, is what Seth Godin calls “The Dip.”

But here’s the tricky part: sometimes “The Dip” looks just like the dead ends. It also demands your time and energy. You might not even see results for a long while.

But one thing’s certain: if you can endure “the dip”, that painful, silent season when everyone else seems to be winning but you, you will surely come out of it with your own success story.

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My own definition of “The Dip”?

The Waiting Period.

The time before the magic happens. When you’re putting in the work, sharpening your skills, burning the midnight oil to graduate top of your class or secure that high-paying role.

So, what are you doing during your waiting period? Have you given up on those big dreams because your dip feels too long?

I hope not. I hope that no matter how hard, how frustrating it gets, you don’t settle.

Because the worst thing you can do to yourself is settle: settle for a low-paying job when you could earn more; settle for being a waitress when you have what it takes to lead an organization. Settle for being a follower when your rightful position is right at the very top.

Sure, there are times you’ll need to settle in the short term: maybe while learning a new skill or saving up for a course; but don’t ever let fear keep you stuck with bronze when you were meant for gold.

“You are astonishing. How dare you waste it?” – Seth Godin, The Dip

Rating: 9/10

(Only removed 1 point because I wish the book were longer.)