The Dip: How to Push Through When You Want to Quit

Learning isn't a straight line. It's a messy curve. Learn how to recognize "The Dip" and turn your biggest slump into your biggest growth spurt.

What is The Dip?

When you start learning a language, it's fun. You learn "Hello", "Beer", "I love you". Rapid progress. Then, after 3 months, you hit a wall. You study for weeks and feel like you learned nothing. Welcome to The Dip.

The Dip is Good

Seth Godin calls it "The Dip". It's the filter that separates the winners from the losers. If becoming fluent were easy, everyone would do it. The fact that it's hard is what makes it valuable.

How to Survive

1. Don't Quit on a Bad Day: Never make a long-term decision when you are tired or frustrated.
2. Look Back: Read a text you read 3 months ago. You will be amazed at how easy it is now.
3. Change the Method: If grammar books are boring you, stop. Watch Netflix. Just don't stop.