The Messy Middle: How to Trust Yourself When You Can't See Your Progress
Sometimes the most important growth is happening when it looks like nothing is happening at all.
In this episode, Stephanie shares what she did during a six-week sabbatical—and how, even though it didn't look like she was making much forward progress, she really was.
The messy middle is that uncomfortable stretch between where you started and where you want to go. You're putting in effort, but you can't necessarily see the results yet. You may even wonder whether you're moving forward at all.
Stephanie talks about learning to pay attention to the signs that growth is happening underneath the surface and trusting yourself enough to keep going.
You are in charge of your life. You can make a huge dent in your goals even when you're not feeling particularly motivated, productive, or inspired.
Sometimes slowing down is exactly what allows the next chapter to take shape.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What the "messy middle" is and why it can feel so frustrating
- How progress can be happening even when you can't see immediate results
- Why slowing down doesn't necessarily mean you're standing still
- How to recognize signs of growth that are happening beneath the surface
- Why you can trust yourself to keep moving forward
- How to continue working toward your goals even when you aren't "feeling it"
A Slow Living Reminder
Not all progress is visible.
There will be seasons when you're taking action and seeing obvious results—and seasons when something is changing quietly underneath the surface.
You don't have to force the process or have proof that everything is working before you continue.
Sometimes you simply need to trust yourself, take the next step, and give things time to unfold.
Read Stephanie's Book
📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World
Get the book on Amazon
Learn More About Stephanie O'Dea
Website: stephanieodea.com
Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast
Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog/
Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Podcast Notes
Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes
Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.
