Every journey towards achieving a goal, whether it’s launching a new business or mastering a skill, involves a phase known as the “messy middle”.
I first encountered the term “messy middle” several years ago during Michael Hyatt‘s Best Year Ever course. The phrase has resonated with me since then, and I recall it whenever I seem to have hit a roadblock in a project or a goal.
This is a period characterized by chaos, disorganization, and a sense of being overwhelmed. It can also feel like you’re not making progress as the results you’re striving for aren’t yet visible.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that the messy middle is an essential part of any endeavor. It’s a phase where learning happens, where resilience is built, and where the groundwork for future success is laid.
The Role of Persistence and Process
When you find yourself in the messy middle, it’s easy to feel like giving up. However, this is the time when persistence becomes even more important. It’s about continuing to push forward, even when things feel chaotic.
Beyond persistence, having a clear process can also play a role in navigating the messy middle. Even when everything feels chaotic, it’s beneficial to pause and regain focus. By breaking down your larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks, you can make the journey less overwhelming and more achievable.
The Importance of Practice
Practice is often associated with physical activities like sports or music. However, practice is equally crucial in other areas. It’s how you create habits, change behaviors, and master new skills or roles.
When in the messy middle, it’s important to consistently practice the tasks and skills that will move you closer to your goal. This might involve continually refining your techniques, learning from your mistakes, and slowly but surely, improving.
Leveraging Accountability and Coaching
The messy middle can be a lonely phase. However, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Having an accountability partner or coach can provide invaluable support.
An accountability partner can help keep you on track, provide a sounding board for ideas, and offer encouragement when things get tough. Similarly, a coach can provide guidance, share insights, and help you develop strategies to navigate through the messy middle effectively.
Embracing the ‘Now, Next, Future’ Strategy
A strategy that can help manage tasks and navigate complex situations is the ‘Now, Next, Future’ approach. This method is often recommended by my dear friend and colleague, Fran Groesbeck to her clients.
This involves focusing on the immediate task at hand (Now), planning for the subsequent tasks (Next), and having a vision for the future direction of the project (Future). This strategy helps to manage workload, maintain focus, and ensure that you are consistently moving towards your goal.
Final Thoughts
The messy middle is a challenging but necessary phase in any journey towards a goal. By understanding its nature, leveraging strategies such as the ‘Now, Next, Future’ approach, practicing persistently, and seeking support from an accountability partner or coach, you can navigate this phase effectively and set the stage for future success.