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Today I want to dive into something we often overlook but is crucial for our success: the messy middle.

Whether it’s a personal goal, a career milestone, or any significant project, the middle part of our journey can feel like an endless grind. That’s where our motivation wanes, excitement fades, and self-doubt creeps in. But guess what? It’s precisely this middle that shapes us and brings us closer to our goals.

So, let’s talk about how we can navigate this messy middle with resilience and a bit of fun.

Expect the Middle

We often anticipate the excitement of starting something new and the satisfaction of reaching the finish line, but we tend to forget about the middle part. The middle isn’t glamorous; it’s hard, messy, and uncomfortable. Yet, it’s an essential phase. By expecting and normalizing the middle, we can prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for the challenges ahead. Remember, the middle is a natural part of any story – whether it’s your favorite movie or your own life journey.

Identify and Tackle Sticking Points

It’s common to feel stuck when our usual methods stop working. Instead of forcing yourself to follow a set process just because it worked for someone else, take a step back and reassess. Ask yourself, “What am I struggling with?”

Once you’ve identified the sticking points, brainstorm ways to make the process easier. Maybe you need more information, a new perspective, or just a little tweak in your approach. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity and flexibility to get back on track.

Infuse Fun into the Process

The beginning of any journey is fun because we’re motivated by our vision. The end is fun because we get to celebrate our achievements. But the middle can be fun too if we allow it. Infuse some fun into your routine by switching things up. If your current exercise regimen feels like drudgery, try a new class or coach. If your work process feels stale, find ways to make it more enjoyable. Remember, a bit of novelty can reignite your passion and keep you moving forward.

Understand Your Motivation

Knowing what motivates you is key to sustaining your efforts. Do you thrive on setting goals, receiving affirmation, or seeing visual progress? Use this knowledge to your advantage. Whether it’s rewriting your goals daily, creating a vision board, or taking a few moments to visualize your success, find what works for you and make it a part of your routine.

Simplify and Adapt

Simplifying your process can make a significant difference. Often, we believe that if something is complicated, it must be the right way to do it. But complexity can lead to overwhelm and quitting. Instead, focus on simplifying your approach. Reexamine your plan, schedule, or process and make necessary adaptations. Sometimes, what worked before might not work now, and that’s okay. Being willing to adapt can help you navigate the middle more effectively.

Reframe Your Thoughts

Our thoughts have immense power over our actions and feelings. Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself. Are they helping or hindering you? Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive, empowering ones. For example, instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” try saying, “I’m learning and improving every day.” This shift in mindset can make a big difference in your motivation and confidence.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Staying focused on your ultimate goal is crucial. Find ways to remind yourself of what you want and why you want it. Whether it’s writing down your goals, visualizing your success, or looking at your vision board, keep your eyes on the prize. This constant reminder will help you push through the tough times and stay committed to your journey.

The middle of any story is the hardest, but it’s also where the magic happens. It’s where we grow, learn, and build the resilience needed to reach our goals. So, embrace the messy middle, find ways to make it work for you, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

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