Seth Godin’s concept of "The Dip" provides a powerful framework for understanding the challenges that arise between starting a new endeavor and achieving mastery. The Dip is that tough, prolonged period where progress slows, motivation wanes, and many quit. This concept is highly relevant not only in business and entrepreneurship but also in physical pursuits like CrossFit and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Let's explore how The Dip manifests in these two disciplines and why understanding it is crucial for long-term success.
Part of learning something difficult or building something worthwhile is hitting that point where the struggle feels like too much. It’s just not natural for most people to voluntarily commit to a process with an uncertain payoff at some unknown point in the future.
That’s the thing with 'The Dip' (the trough of tears, the valley of despair, whatever you call it). When you're in it, there's a good chance you won’t even be able to see the top. But if you recognize it for what it is, you can push through with the understanding that one day, you’ll reach the other side. And when you do, for your years of prolonged agony, you will be handsomely rewarded with a sense of accomplishment that most people won’t even care about. 😆
Read more in this week's Gym Force® and Beyond Newsletter.