In 2017, Paul Millerd left the standard corporate track and pivoted into independent writing and consultancy.
For many years before, Millerd had thrived in the highly structured and predictable corporate environments at McKinsey, BCG, and later at an executive search firm in NYC.
Performance metrics were defined, calendar schedules fixed, and explicit definitions of success given. All he had to do was show up.
Now, that entire scaffolding was gone and in its place, an ambiguous terrain stood before Millerd.
Although he was disciplined and hard-working, everything felt more difficult to get done within this period. It required more sheer willpower.
Without a boss or script to follow, Millerd had to find a way to eliminate the friction and survive the messy middle before he would succeed as an independent writer and consultant.
Like Millerd in 2017, you may leave the structured corporate job and find yourself in the messy middle where you aren’t who you were before and haven’t reached where you want to be.
Suddenly, your calendar is empty, phone silent, and no Slack notifications to tag your attention.
There’s nothing wrong with you. No, it’s not that you lack discipline or work ethic.
You are blaming the wrong thing (yourself) and misreading the hidden friction sources that emerge when the scaffolding you were used to at your old job was removed.
This week, we inhabit this space and develop a Messy Middle Playbook, an Operating System to help you navigate the messy middle when you need to.
We name six main friction sources that make everything so difficult to get done in this period and hand you the fix beside each.
We also share the Messy Middle OS framework that you can always return to when you find yourself in it.
This way, you will be empowered to live in the messy middle and successfully transition into your new identity.
Let’s get started.