Have you ever started a project full of enthusiasm, only to lose motivation halfway through? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as the “middle problem,” is a common challenge in goal pursuit. At the beginning of a project, motivation is high because of the excitement of new beginnings. Similarly, motivation tends to spike near the end as the goal comes into view. However, the middle phase often feels like a slog, with the end still too far away to provide that final push. We find ourselves dragging through it.
Years ago, when I bought my first house, I was thrilled. This was new construction, and I was finally going to own real estate. I was excited about the idea of building a house, imagining every step of the process, and how involved I would be. When we closed, my excitement was at its peak. But as the building started, my enthusiasm dipped quickly as we got into the mundane details: picking flooring, choosing appliances, deciding on faucets, etc. Who cares about all that? I just wanted it to be done! It was a frustrating, drawn-out phase that made the whole process feel like a chore. Then finally, it was over, and I got the keys—cue another burst of excitement to see the final product. This was quickly followed by the next tedious phase: packing and unpacking. It felt like a never-ending cycle of excitement and slog. I think I still have boxes left unopened, and this was several years ago!
So, why does this happen? It’s how our brains are wired. Human motivation is closely linked to the brain’s reward system, particularly the release of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is not just about pleasure; it’s more about the anticipation and craving for a reward. At the start of a project, the novelty and excitement trigger a surge of dopamine, propelling us forward. However, as we move into the middle phase, the novelty wears off, and the anticipation diminishes. Without the immediate excitement of a new challenge or the reward of completion, dopamine levels drop, and so does our motivation. This explains why we sometimes don’t finish projects.
Another factor is how people often frame their goals. We tend to focus on the outcome rather than the process. When we think about a project, we envision the finished product and the sense of relief or accomplishment it will bring. This focus on the result can make the actual process seem daunting and tedious. As a result, we end up wishing the project was already completed rather than looking forward to the work itself. This mindset makes the middle phase particularly challenging, as it’s the point where the gap between effort and reward is biggest.
Hitting this motivational dip is completely normal. We all go through it regardless of experience or level; it is, human nature. But if we go into a new venture expecting there will be motivational valleys, the journey may feel less daunting. Think of the middle phase as a winding road on a long journey. The scenery might not be as thrilling as when you first set off, and the destination may still feel distant, but this stretch road is where you build resilience and find creative ways to push forward. By changing how you view this part of the journey, you can turn it into a series of small wins. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.
“The middle is messy, but it’s also where the magic happens.” — Brené Brown
Next time you find yourself in that dreaded middle phase, take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Break your project into smaller, more manageable tasks, and celebrate each success and progression along the way. Remember, the middle isn’t just a hurdle—it’s where real growth happens.
Have a great weekend.
-Vijay