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The Middle of Anything is a Mess

  • Writer: Louise Carnachan
    Louise Carnachan
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

tangled string

At the start of my career, I noticed a recurring pattern—the mid-point of any workshop, project or change was a real sh** show. Students would act out, complaints flew, everyone was in danger of losing focus, and the fingers of exhaustion had us in their grip. What the heck were we doing and when it would come to an end?


Unless it’s a pastry, the middle of anything is not a delicious mess, it’s a hot mess. Anyone who has engaged in home improvement ventures is aware of the addictive cycle of the initial excitement followed by inevitable snags, pessimism, slogging forward, and (hopefully) an acceptable conclusion. But how many projects have been abandoned after that sweet enthusiasm gave way to the three Ds: difficulty, despondency, and doldrums?


Organizational consultant and author William Bridges explained this phenomenon as a problem with transitions during change. He elaborated on three phases: the ending, the neutral zone, and the new beginning. The neutral zone will derail your efforts if you can’t rediscover and recommit to the purpose of the change you’ve embarked on. Would anyone you know happen to have exercise equipment languishing in the basement, closet or garage? How’s it going with that platform migration or office move?


It’s one thing when you’re the one who made the commitment to do things differently. The messy process is the same but at least you know why you’re there. But what if you had no say about the launch from the known to the yet-to-be-seen shores of a promised land? Typical neutral zone reactions from the disenfranchised and powerless are anger, frustration, and questioning both the wisdom of making change and the leaders who started it. Whatever looked bright and shiny during the introduction lost its luster and the goal may not be remembered clearly, even by the people who started it. Worse, they sometimes abandon the process prematurely to move on to their next adventure.


Longterm, systemic change, whether in a workplace, a society or one’s personal life, takes grit. Reminding yourself of the vision is essential to maintaining forward momentum. The desired outcome can and will morph to meet circumstances, but without knowing what you’re aiming for, you can’t get there. Your car navigation system needs a destination before it can provide a route, so do you.


Perseverance requires ongoing reinvigoration of the vision, illuminating the benefits, and painting a picture of what that hoped-for future will look, sound, and feel like. The people who are best at this are those who are passionate about the change. The worst ambassadors are those who parrot words they were told to say while looking for any excuse to throw the change initiators under the bus and distance themselves. Don’t entrust such an important task to those who are ill-equipped.


As for those who never bought in, it’s unlikely they ever will so stop trying to convince them. Spend your time with those who mirror your passion—these are the perfect people to carry the message to others.


The reality of change is that it’s hard even when you’re zealous about your goal. It takes energy to battle inertia as well as physical and emotional stamina to carry on because it’s not quick. If you’re a dreamer and not a doer, you need to make friends with get-it-done folks because a dream without action is a fantasy.


To recap, when moving ahead with change keep the following in mind:


  • Establish a clear vision that you can communicate concisely but enthusiastically and enlist those who are also passionate about it to be ambassadors.

  • Understand that the middle will be a mess. Keep your eye on the desired outcome and help others do the same.

  • Be prepared for the long haul physically and emotionally. Take care of your body and your mind.

  • Capitalize on yours and other’s strengths.


The need for change on every front has never been greater. Help all of us by finding your passion then joining forces with those who will hang in through the messy middle. You can do this!

1 Comment


Donna Parten
Donna Parten
3 days ago

Sometimes we have to wear our "Never Give Up" T-shirt every day until those around us believe, too.

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