How I turned my life around in 8 months! (Philosophy of ‘The Dip’)
I was in my final year of college this year and I was a vessel of anxiety, depressions and fear. I was afraid to see what the world has to offer me next. I was afraid to let my parents down. I was afraid to disappoint myself. I was afraid to let all my potential go to waste.
I knew there was a lot of focus in me but I was unable to channel it in a fruitful manner. While all the people around me were getting 5 figure jobs or working in a wonderful environment, I was still struggling to value myself let alone get a job. Day after day I began to question if I even had it in me. I started to wonder should I settle for something less or should I change my ambitions. This constant bickering in my head was pulling my self confidence down.
Fast forward today — I have a 5 figure job in a profession that I absolutely love, I have a blog of my own and am also working on my way up to become a solo business owner making passive income. If you are someone who can relate to the paragraphs above, this one is solely for you — things change.
Now all this did not happen overnight. It was followed by tremendously hard days and stressful nights — I could say I was in a -DIP. If you don’t know about it already, there is a philosophy of the dip, also discussed in the book by Seth Godin.
At that time I had not known of this book but when I did, I could relate to this on various levels. This books talks about how to stick to your goals, never settle for less and how to always aim for better.
“The next time you catch yourself being average when you feel like quitting, realise that you have only two good choices: Quit or be exceptional. Average is for losers.”
- While I was preparing for my job examinations, I used to question myself a lot. Instead of cribbing about the little I know, I started to put in extra efforts to make sure I know more. I changed my mentality before I changed my ethics. I started thinking in a more productive and efficient manner. This not only helped me work for longer hours but also introduced to a greater potential within me.
“People settle for good enough instead of best in the world.”
2. Now, I was able to get a minimum wage job. Was I in dire need of a job? Yes. Did this job make me happy? No. Was the job inclined to my professional interests? No.
I was confused about why I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. It was not about the money but more about the value I would get from the job. That is when it hit me, I was only looking for a security to remove the tag on ‘unemployed’. I was valuing myself so low that I was ready to settle for something so less just so I can feel safe.
No one will ever grow till the time they don’t have the courage to battle in the tough times. The best in the world comes when you are able to take the toughest challenges.
Without any security, I declined the job and started my job search again, but this time I was not afraid to try the most different methods. I would reach out to people through LinkedIn, I emailed founders and HRs of my dream company, I gave various tests and even interact with mentors to take guidance. I went out and above to achieve what I think should rightfully be mine. After good 2–3 months, I got a 5 figure job.
“Almost everything in life worth doing is controlled by the Dip. The Dip creates scarcity; scarcity creates value.”
The Dip says that when you are at your lowest, that is when you can try everything possible. You have nothing to lose so become creative and give the most absurd ideas a try. If you work hard enough in the Dip, that is when you will overcome.
- Make a routine and practise mental wellbeing daily
- Plan out your next steps
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or mentorship
- Break down your bigger goals into smaller achievable goals. This will help you get closer to your goals and also give you confidence when you achieve those goals.
“It’s not enough to survive your way through this Dip. You get what you deserve when you embrace the Dip and treat it like the opportunity that it really is.”
This is one of the most important thing — being mindful. Just because one is nearing the finish line of their ambitious journey, does not mean it will end there. You have to be humble and make sure to work hard towards an even greater good.
After getting the job, I worked on my way to start a business of my own and become a better version of myself. The dip helped me feel vulnerable and whenever I can, I remember that feeling of helplessness — it helps me work harder knowing that it is a feeling I never want to come across again.
This is a book that I recommend everyone to read. It is not the end, you are capable of so much more than you give yourself the credit to.
