Chapter 3: Continued from Manage Your Environment…

Read Chapter 1: The Know it All Who Knew Nothing

“Almost everything in life worth doing is controlled by the Dip.” – Seth Godin

Looking back and reminiscing over the challenges I have “intentionally/subconsciously” created for myself (and, for the most part, conquered), there has always been one significant hurdle that reoccurs throughout my career. It is undoubtedly my toughest challenge to date. Yet, each time, the learning experience is inevitably the most valuable. This love/hate relationship is otherwise referred to as..

..The Dip!

Let’s face it: we’ve all experienced the frustration, self destruction, heartache, mental breakdowns, and those darned suicide attempts (OK, just me then! LOL) that we face while living through the Dip. Personally, I have witnessed the effects on all types of beasts; from the weak mediocre individuals struggling at the bottom, managers, mentors, right up to the strong successful figures we admire way at the top of the hierarchy. It’s evident in great leaders, sales superstars, pro athletes. Author Seth Godin even wrote a book dedicated to the Dip!

Research tells us there is no cure, no magic pill, or fairy dust for that matter that will help aid this uncomfortable experience (although excessive alcohol consumption is a great short term relief!!). I’ve learned that the only way to overcome the Dip is to face it head on, make changes, refocus, plough through it and most importantly – learn from it! Enjoy the challenge, enjoy the unknown territory that comes with change and reap the benefits when you return stronger, wiser and better than you were before!!

“Successful people don’t just ride out the Dip. They don’t just buckle down and survive it. No, they lean into the Dip. They push harder, changing the rules as they go. Just because you know you’re in the Dip doesn’t mean you live happily with it. Dips don’t last quite as long when you whittle at them..” Seth Godin

From my experience, this act ultimately builds confidence and destroys fear. I’ll never forget a quote with great impact from Jim Collins during an Inc 500 event celebrating the work of entrepreneurs:

“..It’s the hard that makes them great!..” Jim Collins

The Dip creates scarcity. Scarcity creates value. So, get up, brush yourself off, grit your teeth and push on through it with a big smile on your face! Because this much is true – without it, you will never amount to great things.

I’ll look forward to seeing you on the other side!

Share on Facebook