Are you stuck?
When I read books, I like to circle and underline sections that mean something to me. I always know I’m in trouble (in a good way) when I start to underline everything in the book! This little book literally changed my life. It’s only 80 pages (almost like a super long article) small enough to fit in your purse or back pocket, and it teaches you everything you need to know about when to quit and when to stick.
After I read Seth Godin’s “The Dip” 2 years ago, I closed my web design business and quit my part time job working for my brother’s graphic design company and got serious about EasyDigitals.com, my new template business. This transition did not come without a price. My brother was hurt and took my decision to quit personally. He didn’t have much to do with me for over 6 months or longer. He has come around since then and understands why I had to leave.
The Dip gave me permission to follow my dreams and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. I worked tirelessly to launch my dream and I’m proud of what it has become.
Today, I want to share with you my favorite quote of the book, this quote has been hanging in my office for the last 2 years. I read it to keep me on track and when I need a boost in morale. There are so many good quotes in this book that I’d like to sit here and read you the entire book. Obviously I can’t do that, I hope that you do read The Dip and enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know!
How dare you waste it.
You and your organization have the power to change everything. To create remarkable products and services. To over deliver. To be the best in the world.
How dare you squander that resource by spreading it too thin.
How dare you settle for mediocre just because you’re busy coping with too many things on your agenda, racing against the clock to get it all done.
The lesson is simple, if you’ve got as much as you got, use it. Use it to become the best in the world, to change the game, to set the agenda for everyone else. You can only do that by marshaling out all of your resources to get through the biggest possible Dip. In order to get through that Dip, you’ll need to quit everything else. If it’s not going to put a dent in a world, quit. Right now. Quit and use that void to find the energy to assault the Dip that matters. Go ahead, make something happen. We’re waiting! — Seth Godin
The Dip
1 Response to "Book Recommendation {the dip}"
Kim,
Your brother here. Nice blog post. Thanks for not mentioning me by name or email address. I don’t want to receive any hate mail from any of your fans and happy customers.
EasyDigitals.com is a great dream realized. I’ll give Seth some credit but I’ll take a little too for all the painful design criticism i handed out over the years. As much as you hated it you took at least some of it to heart.
Continued success in 2010 and way beyond.