Embarking on ANY journey is a process filled with ups and downs. Health and wellness endeavors are no different. The “messy middle” can be particularly challenging. This term refers to the period where initial enthusiasm has waned, yet the end goal has not yet been reached and may be far off. However, the ability to understand and navigate this phase is crucial for long-term success so let’s dive into how to persevere through the messy middle.
Understanding the Messy Middle
The messy middle is that daunting phase between excitedly beginning your journey and actually achieving your goals. It’s the period where excitement wanes, motivation dips, and progress can seem slow or even non-existent. In the context of health and wellness, this may set in when weight loss plateaus, exercise routines become monotonous, or life just takes over and old habits begin to creep in again.
This phase feels messy because it’s filled with self-doubt, frustration, and the temptation to revert back to old, unhealthy habits. In short, it’s uncomfortable and well, we as humans don’t like that feeling much. It’s easy to be enthusiastic and hopeful when starting a nutrition plan or exercise program. It’s equally thrilling to achieve the goals you set for yourself. That said, it’s the messy middle where true transformation happens. This is where good, healthy habits are built and maintained so it’s important to develop strategies to see you through.
Strategies for Navigating the Messy Middle
- Set smaller, more attainable goals
- Build a support system
- Track your progress
- Embrace flexibility
- Revisit and adjust goals
- Focus on the journey, not just the destination
Let’s break each one of these down and dive a little deeper into each one.
Set smaller, more attainable goals
Your ultimate health and wellness goals are usually large and somewhat overwhelming to think about. Which can make them seem daunting and hard to get started or keep going. Breaking large goals down into smaller, more manageable steps helps make the process less overwhelming and easier to begin. Another trick is to celebrate each small victory to keep things exciting and your motivation alive.
Perhaps, instead of focusing on losing 50 pounds, aim for the first five and celebrate like crazy when you get there. Treat yourself to a massage or put money aside for a new wardrobe when you hit your big goal. Instead of running a marathon, aim to run a 5K first and build from there. You get the picture. Start small and grow!
Build a Support System:
Jim Rohn says “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” Therefore, surround yourself with like-minded and supportive friends and family members. Work on building a community who understands and encourages your journey. You can do this by joining a fitness class that’s been on your bucket list, finding and joining a support group, or having a workout buddy to keep you accountable. A supportive network can provide the encouragement and accountability needed to push through the messy middle phase.
Track Your Progress:
I know, I know, some of you do not like the idea of tracking. Stay with me here. You don’t have to track forever but it is a helpful tool when you either don’t know where to begin, are having trouble seeing progress, or you have reached a plateau and can’t tell what needs to change.
Keeping a journal or using a fitness app to record your habits and progress can provide black and white proof of how far you’ve come and maybe even some tweaks you can make as you progress. It’s easy to overlook incremental changes (positive or negative). However, seeing your progress or regression in writing can be a powerful motivator to keep going or give you some insight to make necessary changes to see better results.
Embrace Flexibility:
The path to health and wellness is almost never a straight line. We are all different and have different sets of circumstances to work with. Life happens to all of us, and there will be setbacks along the way.
The key is to embrace flexibility along your journey. If you miss a workout or indulge in an unhealthy meal, it’s not the end of the world. Nor is it an excuse to slide downhill for the rest of the day, week, or month. So, you skipped one work-out, big deal. Learn from it (what led up to you skipping the workout and what can you do next time to try to avoid it) and move forward without guilt.
Revisit and Adjust Goals:
Reflection is a key ingredient along your journey to conquering your goals. At some point, your initial goals might need revising. It’s crucial to regularly reassess and adjust your goals to ensure they remain realistic and relevant to your current life circumstances. If a particular workout routine or nutrition plan isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to make some needed changes. Pivots are always allowed. Revisit your goal, evaluate the current situation, and make adjustments as needed for a recipe to success!
Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination:
Finding joy within the process of learning and growing can be incredibly empowering. Look forward to learning new recipes, experimenting with new workouts, and discovering new aspects of your mind, body, and soul. The journey towards health and wellness should enrich your life and bring you joy, not be a constant source of stress. If you are finding it more stressful, reassess and make some changes to add joy and excitement.
The Psychological Aspect of the Messy Middle:
The psychological toll of the messy middle can be significant. This is the phase where self-doubt creeps in and negative self-talk may start occurring. Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial during this phase to help keep self-doubt at bay. Regular reflection on why you started your journey and what you hope to accomplish can help re-align your focus and renew your motivation.
Let’s Recap:
The journey to health and wellness is a long one. Therefore, the messy middle is an inevitable part of any significant lifestyle change. It’s a period that tests your resolve and commitment. However, you can equip yourself for success by following a few simple steps such as setting smaller goals, building a support system, tracking progress, embracing flexibility, adjusting goals as needed, and focusing on the joy of the journey.
Remember, the messy middle is where the real growth and magic happens. It’s the space that will make or break you. It’s where you build resilience, discover your inner strength, and ultimately, make a transformation. Embrace the mess, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Your future, healthier self will thank you!
Need help navigating the messy middle? Check out my 1-1 coaching plans or join my self-paced Healthy Makeover Challenge. Need more info? Send me an email at [email protected] or you can read more here.
Wishing you all much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
