Kristin, Tim, and Denise returned to the story of the Chicago Spire, the grand dream that became nothing more than a massive hole in the ground. It becomes the perfect backdrop for a deeper look at the danger zone of any project, the moment when you are 90 percent finished and suddenly everything feels harder instead of easier. Kristin explains how that last stretch can be the most treacherous, the place where fatigue sets in, decisions pile up, and the finish line feels both close and impossibly far. The group laughs about grades and odds, but underneath the humor is a truth anyone who has ever tried to finish something meaningful will recognize.

The three explore why the final push can feel so overwhelming. Denise shares her own story of home renovations, and the moment she hit decision fatigue so hard she refused to add a storm door she now wishes she had. Tim introduces the goal gradient effect: people speed up when the finish line is attainable, but stall when it feels out of reach. Kristin brings in Seth Godin’s idea of the quit dip, that predictable slump where motivation drops, and doubt rises. Together, they name the emotional weight of the almost, the place where people abandon projects not because they lack ability but because they are tired, uncertain, or simply worn down.

Here’s the reminder: the dip is not a sign to quit, but a signal to pay attention. Kristin and Denise talk about how support, encouragement, and the right people around you can make all the difference when you are tempted to stop digging. The Chicago metaphor lingers in the background as they wonder aloud whether the next step is to push through or to walk away. It becomes an invitation to look honestly at your own projects, your own dips, and the people who help you climb out of them. The finish line may not always be visible, but the right company can make the path feel possible.

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Follow Kristin Johnson on her website, KristinJohnsonSpeaks.com