Why your current progress feels so messy

We love to talk about the beginning of a journey—setting the goal, feeling the motivation, and getting started.

And we certainly love to celebrate the finish line. (Well, when we see it and acknowledge it, that is. A lot of us ignore it and just keep going, but that's another story for another day.)

But what about the space in between?

In my very first 'Do Life Together' newsletter video, I talked about being inspired to change and grow.

And the thing is, growth is incredible. But it's rarely a smooth, linear path.

If you are actively pushing for change right now—whether it's scaling your business, building a new habit, or shifting your team's culture—you've likely hit a wall.

In fact, not gonna lie—since recording that first video, I've hit many walls with this newsletter. Lack of time, lack of inspiration, lack of organization, competing priorities...you name it.

(In fact, you're seeing it in action. No video today! But—I'm still here. And that's a win.)

Because that wall you're hitting isn't a sign that you're failing. It’s what I call being "Messy in the Middle."

And being messy in the middle isn't a flaw, defect, or shortcoming.

The "messy middle" is just that frustrating phase where the initial excitement has faded, the finish line is out of sight, and things feel chaotic.

It's the point where most people stop, because it feels too messy to keep going.

But here's the mindset shift you need for this phase: The mess is the mechanics of change.

You are actively deconstructing old habits and systems to build better ones. And you're doing this continuously, even if you don't realize it. It is supposed to feel clunky.

Because when you're not doing anything? When you're maintaining status quo? When you're not challenging yourself to do something new? Or when you're not striving to stay consistent when life throws your curveballs?

You're not growing. It's as simple as that.

So give yourself some credit where credit's due—you're growing.

And? If you falter while trying to grow? That's not a problem. So what?

We're only human. It happens. We're not machines. (Actually come to think of it now, machines get stopped too so even that's not true!)

So if you have to, shift your production. Or briefly shut down the line, do a little maintenance, and then pick up and keep going. But the key words are keep going.

Feel like you're in the messy middle right now? Here are three simple ways to help keep your momentum (and your sanity) :

1. Normalize the friction: Remind yourself and your team that chaos is a natural byproduct of growth.
2. Zoom in on the next step: Don't obsess over how far away the finish line is, or how messy things are. Just ask, "What is the next right action I can take today?"
3. Celebrate the middle: We naturally reward the start and the finish. But try rewarding the persistence it takes when navigating the messy middle.

You haven't lost your way. You're just in the thick of the transformation.

Keep going!

Dawn