If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between where you were and where you want to be, congratulations—you’re in the messy middle. This stage of personal growth (or business evolution, relationship building, or any other major life change) is often overlooked and underappreciated. It’s chaotic, uncomfortable, and sometimes feels never-ending. But it’s also where the magic happens.
What is the Messy Middle?
The messy middle is that frustrating gap between starting something new and reaching your goal. It’s where motivation dips, doubt creeps in, and progress seems to stall. You might find yourself questioning your decisions, doubting your path, or even wondering if you should turn back. Spoiler alert: You shouldn’t.
Just because it’s messy doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, it’s a sign that you’re challenging yourself, growing, and making real change. When I recently shared an Instagram post about this stage, the response was overwhelming. So many of you felt seen, and that’s because we don’t talk about the messy middle enough.
Why It’s Worth It
The messy middle is uncomfortable because it requires resilience. It’s easy to start something with enthusiasm, but pushing through the doubts and challenges is where real growth occurs. In these moments, I lean into tools that keep me grounded: journaling, talking with my support network, and revisiting my core values. (Need help identifying your values? Check out my Values Assessment).
Tools to Navigate the Mess
- Mindset Shifts: Remember, discomfort means growth. Every time you feel like giving up, remind yourself why you started.
- Support Networks: Whether it’s your Heart Squad or your Hustle Network, don’t go it alone. Sharing your struggle is part of overcoming it.
- Actionable Steps: Break your goals into small, manageable tasks. Celebrate even the tiniest progress.
I’ve found that embracing small victories helps me stay motivated, especially when it feels like nothing is moving forward. That’s why I created the Next Best Steps Worksheet below to help map out practical, bite-sized actions.
Products to Support Your Journey
Sometimes, a little boost can make all the difference. Here are a few of my go-to items when I’m deep in the messy middle:
- Commit30 Planner – Keeps my priorities in check.
- Guided Meditation by Taryn Watts – Helps process thoughts and emotions.
- To Do List Mouse Pad – Visual progress is motivating!
You’re Not Alone
If you’re in the messy middle, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—many times—and I’ll be there again. The good news is that the more you push through, the better you get at recognizing that the mess is just part of the process. Keep going—you’ve got this.
Want more inspiration and practical tips for pushing through the hard parts? Sign up for my Love Monday Newsletter where we talk about mindset shifts, productivity hacks, and thriving as a multipassionate entrepreneur.
Stay strong, embrace the mess, and I’ll see you on the other side.
