Stay for the Encore: Lessons on Persistence and Progress
Mon Aug 25 2025
Have you ever noticed people leaving a concert before the encore—the very moment when the band plays their most iconic songs? In this episode, Curt and Joe dig into why people “leave early” not just at concerts, but in life, careers, goals, and personal growth. Together, they explore the deeper lessons of commitment, delayed gratification, finishing strong, and pushing through discomfort. Sometimes the best part is waiting—if you just stay long enough to see it.
Key Takeaways
Leaving early at concerts is a metaphor for quitting too soon in life.
Commitment means showing up even when it’s inconvenient.
Success often comes after the hardest part—don’t stop one round too soon.
Delayed gratification is a muscle for long-term growth and fulfillment.
Finishers build discipline, focus, and belief while quitters give into comfort.
Simplicity and priorities help filter distractions and keep you focused.
Growth lives on the other side of discomfort—the encore of your life.
Curt’s Stuff for the Week
🎉 A Father’s Day treat: his son Ben took him to a Yankees game, and they stayed till the very end for an exciting win.
📚 Resource: Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
Quote of the Week (Curt):
> “Stopping at third adds no more to the score than striking out. It doesn’t matter how well you start if you fail to finish.”
> — Billy Sunday
Joe’s Stuff for the Week
💼 Chosen for a transition leadership team at work during a big merger—an honor and a responsibility.
✍️ Resource: 50¢ college‑ruled composition notebooks at Staples (great for journaling, planning, and daily notes).
Quote of the Week (Joe):
> “The encore isn’t just a bonus; it’s the emotional high point. It’s when the band plays what the crowd didn’t realize they needed.”
> — Billy Joel
Outro
Don’t leave before the encore. Whether it’s in a concert, a game, or your own goals, the best moments are often waiting right at the end. Stick with it, and you may just find the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Connect with Us
Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com
You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE
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Have you ever noticed people leaving a concert before the encore—the very moment when the band plays their most iconic songs? In this episode, Curt and Joe dig into why people “leave early” not just at concerts, but in life, careers, goals, and personal growth. Together, they explore the deeper lessons of commitment, delayed gratification, finishing strong, and pushing through discomfort. Sometimes the best part is waiting—if you just stay long enough to see it. Key Takeaways Leaving early at concerts is a metaphor for quitting too soon in life. Commitment means showing up even when it’s inconvenient. Success often comes after the hardest part—don’t stop one round too soon. Delayed gratification is a muscle for long-term growth and fulfillment. Finishers build discipline, focus, and belief while quitters give into comfort. Simplicity and priorities help filter distractions and keep you focused. Growth lives on the other side of discomfort—the encore of your life. Curt’s Stuff for the Week 🎉 A Father’s Day treat: his son Ben took him to a Yankees game, and they stayed till the very end for an exciting win. 📚 Resource: Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel Quote of the Week (Curt): > “Stopping at third adds no more to the score than striking out. It doesn’t matter how well you start if you fail to finish.” > — Billy Sunday Joe’s Stuff for the Week 💼 Chosen for a transition leadership team at work during a big merger—an honor and a responsibility. ✍️ Resource: 50¢ college‑ruled composition notebooks at Staples (great for journaling, planning, and daily notes). Quote of the Week (Joe): > “The encore isn’t just a bonus; it’s the emotional high point. It’s when the band plays what the crowd didn’t realize they needed.” > — Billy Joel Outro Don’t leave before the encore. Whether it’s in a concert, a game, or your own goals, the best moments are often waiting right at the end. Stick with it, and you may just find the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Connect with Us Website: dudesinprogress.com Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE