Change is hard. Transformation is even harder. But it’s in that sticky, uncomfortable, downright messy middle where the real growth happens.
You know that beautiful transformation a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly? We all focus on the end result — the wings, the freedom, the beauty. But the middle part? It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s unknown.
And that’s exactly what change feels like in life and business.
The Illusion of a Perfect Plan
When I first started my business, I thought if I had the perfect plan, everything would go smoothly. I had every step mapped out, spreadsheets organized, schedules locked in.
But real growth doesn’t care how perfectly you’ve planned it.
No matter how structured or well-thought-out your approach is, obstacles and unexpected challenges will show up. That’s the messy middle. And it’s where most people get stuck — or worse, turn around and quit.
Why We Resist Change (Even When We Know We Need It)
Often, we resist change not because we don’t want better outcomes, but because we’re clinging to comfort.
I recently had a conversation with a leader at an accounting firm. I asked him to audit their tech systems, and he realized they were using three systems that basically did the same thing. When I asked why, his answer was: “That’s just how we’ve always done it.”
We all fall into the trap of doing things the same way simply because it feels familiar. But when the pain of staying the same — whether it’s a stagnant business, declining profits, frustrated employees, or a burning desire to try something new — outweighs the discomfort of change, that’s when transformation begins.
The Truth About Growth: It’s Always Messy
Whether you’re launching a new menu at your restaurant, redesigning your retail space, changing up offers in your online business, or simply realizing the way you’ve been operating isn’t working anymore… you’re going to hit that messy middle.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s full of self-doubt. Old stories, limiting beliefs, and fears about failure creep in. You might wonder, What if I’m not good enough? What if people think I’m crazy? What if this doesn’t work?
But here’s the thing: growth is messy because you’re doing something you’ve never done before.
Navigating the Messy Middle: What It Really Takes
But at its core, navigating the messy middle requires something deeper: Getting honest with yourself.
It means being willing to let go of old ways, even when it’s hard. It means acknowledging the habits, systems, or beliefs that are holding you back. It means showing up every day, even when you’re unsure, and saying, I’ll figure this out.
I’ve seen this firsthand in the restaurant I lead. After a toxic leader left, we thought repairing relationships would be enough. But it became clear that the way things had been done — from how we onboarded people to how we made French fries — needed a complete overhaul. And the biggest challenge wasn’t changing the systems; it was getting people to accept that change was necessary.
It was messy. It was uncomfortable. But it was the only way forward.
H2: You’re Meant to Grow
If you’re in the middle right now — feeling stuck, second-guessing yourself, or wondering if you’ve got what it takes — here is my advice for you:
Surround yourself with good people: Whether it’s a mentor, a group coaching community, or colleagues, surround yourself with people who push you and make you better.
Believe in your ability to figure things out: Embrace challenges with confidence in yourself. Believe that you can figure anything out.
Recognize that you’re still “Becoming”: Understand that growth is a continuous journey. As a business, leader, or person – you’re not broken. You’re still “Becoming.”
Remember, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Keep going.
Resources Mentioned
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