Past the Hype, but Before the Goal

We hear a lot about beginners starting their fitness journey.. the excitement, the “newbie gains,” the big milestones that happen quickly. And we also hear about people who finally hit their goals - the transformation photos, the “after” moment, the celebrations.

But what no one really talks about is the middle part.

That awkward, frustrating, unglamorous in-between where:

• You’re not a beginner anymore.

• But you’re not at your goal yet.

• Progress feels slower and harder to see.

This stage can make or break people. And honestly? It’s where most give up.

The Reality of the Middle

In the beginning, everything feels new and exciting. Your body responds quickly to lifting, cardio, or cleaning up your diet. Clothes fit differently. People notice. Your motivation is at an all time high.

But after a while… it slows down. The scale moves less dramatically or not at all. Your workouts feel repetitive. You’re showing up, but it’s not giving you the same “wow” results.

This is the awkward middle.

It’s not glamorous. It doesn’t make a great before-and-after photo. But it’s where the real transformation is happening - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Why the Middle Matters More Than the Beginning

The middle is where we:

• Build discipline instead of just riding motivation.

• Prove to ourselves that our goals are worth the long haul.

• Relearn patience when instant results aren’t coming.

• Create lifestyle habits that stick long after we hit our goal.

Anyone can ride the excitement of a fresh start.

But not everyone can handle the grind of consistency.

That’s why the middle is where most people quit, but also where lasting change is built.

How to Survive the Awkward Middle

Here are a few things that help:

1. Shift your focus from outcome to process. From results to action.
   Instead of obsessing over the scale, pay attention to strength gains, better sleep, or how much easier that 20-minute jog feels now.

2. Celebrate micro-wins.
   Did you lift 5 more pounds? Walk an extra block? Meal prep on a crazy week? That’s progress.

3. Switch things up (without starting over).
   Add a new class, try outdoor workouts, or adjust your routine. You don’t need to throw out your whole plan - just add some freshness.

4. Remember why you started.
   Write it down. Revisit it when you feel stuck. The middle is when you need your “why” the most.

My Own Middle

Personally, this is the hardest part for me. I love starting something new, and I love reaching the finish line - but the middle? That’s where my patience wears thin.

I have to constantly remind myself: This is where the real work happens.

If I quit in the middle, I’ll never have a chance at seeing the ending I want.

So instead of running from the awkward middle, I’m learning to live there.

To embrace it.

To let it shape me into the person I want to become.

So Really..

The middle isn’t glamorous.

It’s not flashy.

But it’s the bridge between who you were and who you’re becoming.

And if you can keep showing up - day after day, when it’s boring, when it’s slow - you’ll not only reach your goal, you’ll know you truly earned it.

- Nicole 🖤

P.S. → What about you? Have you ever felt stuck in the “middle” of a fitness or life goal? How did you/are you pushing through?