If you’ve ever run a marathon, or watched one, you’ve probably noticed that no one quits at the beginning. They don’t quit near the end either. If anything, they run faster! So, at what point are people most likely to drop out?

The middle.

The middle is the toughest part of any marathon or, indeed, anything major you want to accomplish. In his book, The Dip, author Seth Godin states that the middle is the point in any project or goal where failure is most likely.

Have you set a new year’s goal? If so, beware of the dip! 

How do you do that? Prepare for it.

If you want to lose weight, for example, you’ll be most enthusiastic, and get the most encouragement from friends and family in January. But, what happens in March? At that point, the initial burst of motivation and support will have likely waned. That’s when it becomes tough to keep going.

There are several things you can do to get through the dip. One is to celebrate milestones. When you’re halfway to your goal, tell your friends and family. Get some high fives! You can also remind yourself that your goal is important to you and renew your determination to achieve it.

So don’t give up in the middle. Keep pushing through. After all, when the end is in sight, it will be a wonderful sight to behold.