It is a 76 page book that illustrates the concept of "the dip"—a temporary setback that can be overcome with persistence—and how to recognize if you are within one worth pushing through or one where you should quit. It’s a waste because of the opportunity cost – you could be doing something far better, and far more pleasurable, with your time. It doesn’t matter – in the beginning, it’s interesting, and you get plenty of good feedback from people around you and plenty of early wins and progress. This rule applies to learning a language, taking a class, obtaining a degree, starting a job, or pretty much any endeavor we take on.

The Dip: The extraordinary benefits of knowing when to quit The Dip: The extraordinary benefits of knowing when to quit

However, if you are stationary or falling behind it’s time to take a step back, look at your options and decide whether you need to push through the Dip or get out while you can. The Dip is the difference between the easy “beginner” technique and the more useful “expert” approach in skiing or fashion design. I think maybe his definition of the Dip is a little simple and I would have liked him to delve into The Dip itself a little more since it was the title of his book, but I think it’s important we recognize that it’s good to quit sometimes. The aspiring entrepreneur on their 12th company concept, always on the lookout for a new, easier opportunity… They’ll never get anywhere, though.At first glance, the cliff appears to be promising… but then it abruptly drops down, causing you to suffer.

The Dip by Seth Godin | Waterstones

I think the advice-giver meant to say, ‘Never quit something with great long-term potential just because you can’t deal with the stress of the moment. Before you think about entering a new market or learning a new skill, or starting a new business… consider what would happen if you focused your efforts and managed to get through The Dip that you’re already in. When the pressure is greatest to compromise, to drop out, or to settle, your desire to quit should be at its lowest. The very same pride that keeps a restaurant open long after it's clear that business is just not going to pick up.I'm pretty sure most people take up snowboarding to relax and switch from their main line of work, not to become the Olimpic champion. Do you want to look through ordinary resumes when hiring a new team member, or do you want to choose the best candidate? If I’m going to quit anyway, is there something dramatic I can do instead that might change the game? The idea that there are reasons that someone might do something for reasons other than being the best is outside of his realm of understanding. Maybe we see an inspirational quote, like the famous NFL coach Vince Lombardi: “Quitters never win and winners never quit”.