Book Review: The Dip

The Dip, Book by Seth Godin (2007): Short and sweet: Essential advice for some facets of life.

The Dip reminds me that achieving anything great is an exercise of faith. To push through the dip, one must have a strong vision and the conviction that it can become reality. Without this, you absolutely will fail. No exception.

Read this book if you aren’t sure when you should quit. Ask yourself: in what aspects of my life can I make it to the “other side”? How far will your faith and abilities take you? Drop the rest.

Great for Finite Games.

This concern keeps “The Dip” from being an easy “yes”: It explores only a narrow definition of success, specifically, aim for status. Be “the best” and make sure you’re known for being it. It’s no surprise that Seth Godin’s other books are about marketing.

Striving to be “the best” is a great strategy for specific finite games, and probably useful when forging a career, but in the infinite game there is no “the best”. You can’t play for a perfect life, and maybe there is more to life than being the best at something. Seth advises: specialize, stick to what you’re good at so you can be better at it, don’t get distracted by the desire for change or something new or exciting.

This comes down to personal philosophy, but I’d say a successful life is made up of many commonplace, even “boring”, experiences that don’t jive with this worldview. Supportive friends and family, good food, a fun past time.

Where does passion and interest lie in Seth Godin’s narrative? I love playing chess. I will never be the best at it. I’m not even good. I intend to continue playing.