<p>The “messy middle” is the part most of us want to skip—after the rush of a new beginning and long before the satisfying finish. In this solo episode, I share why this season is <em>not</em> a mistake, how it shows up in creative work, business, and relationships, and what actually helps you stay with it instead of self-isolating or burning it all down.</p><p>I tell two behind-the-scenes stories:</p><ul><li><strong>Subway Dreams:</strong> the indie documentary I stopped promoting after a harsh review—plus the counter-example of a director who kept iterating, resubmitting, and ultimately premiered at Tribeca.</li><li><strong>Marriage in real life:</strong> what it looked like to stay through a rocky, high-conflict period with my now-husband—and the specific supports that got us through.</li></ul><p><strong>You’ll hear:</strong></p><ul><li>What the messy middle is (and why it feels like tangled spaghetti)</li><li>Why the instinct to self-isolate makes it harder—and what to do instead</li><li>How to use pacing, breaks, and co-regulation so you don’t crash and torch the project</li><li>Why holding a <strong>clear vision</strong> <em>and</em> finding <strong>pleasure now</strong> keeps you moving</li><li>The mindset reframe: care more about <strong>connection</strong> than “saving face”</li></ul><p><strong>Try this:</strong></p><ul><li>Get support (coach or buddy up)</li><li>Pace yourself and take real breaks</li><li>Keep your vision close—and let yourself enjoy the process now</li><li>When fear of “how it looks” spikes, return to <strong>connection</strong> (clients, audience, partner, community, self)</li></ul><p><strong>Work with me</strong><br />If you’re in your own messy middle and want steady support—nervous-system-safe, compassionate, and practical—I offer 1:1 coaching and a small group space.</p><ul><li>Website: <a href="http://www.annaholtzman.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>www.annaholtzman.com</strong></a></li><li>Email: <strong>anna@annaholtzman.com</strong></li><li>IG: <strong>@anna_holtzman</strong></li></ul><p>Thanks for listening—and for staying with <em>your</em> process. You’re not behind; you’re in it.</p>

How to Trust Yourself: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Feel Confident, and Let Yourself Be Seen

Anna Holtzman

Ep 98: The Messy Middle — How to Keep Going When the Honeymoon Ends

NOV 28, 202545 MIN
How to Trust Yourself: Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Feel Confident, and Let Yourself Be Seen

Ep 98: The Messy Middle — How to Keep Going When the Honeymoon Ends

NOV 28, 202545 MIN

Description

<p>The “messy middle” is the part most of us want to skip—after the rush of a new beginning and long before the satisfying finish. In this solo episode, I share why this season is <em>not</em> a mistake, how it shows up in creative work, business, and relationships, and what actually helps you stay with it instead of self-isolating or burning it all down.</p><p>I tell two behind-the-scenes stories:</p><ul><li><strong>Subway Dreams:</strong> the indie documentary I stopped promoting after a harsh review—plus the counter-example of a director who kept iterating, resubmitting, and ultimately premiered at Tribeca.</li><li><strong>Marriage in real life:</strong> what it looked like to stay through a rocky, high-conflict period with my now-husband—and the specific supports that got us through.</li></ul><p><strong>You’ll hear:</strong></p><ul><li>What the messy middle is (and why it feels like tangled spaghetti)</li><li>Why the instinct to self-isolate makes it harder—and what to do instead</li><li>How to use pacing, breaks, and co-regulation so you don’t crash and torch the project</li><li>Why holding a <strong>clear vision</strong> <em>and</em> finding <strong>pleasure now</strong> keeps you moving</li><li>The mindset reframe: care more about <strong>connection</strong> than “saving face”</li></ul><p><strong>Try this:</strong></p><ul><li>Get support (coach or buddy up)</li><li>Pace yourself and take real breaks</li><li>Keep your vision close—and let yourself enjoy the process now</li><li>When fear of “how it looks” spikes, return to <strong>connection</strong> (clients, audience, partner, community, self)</li></ul><p><strong>Work with me</strong><br />If you’re in your own messy middle and want steady support—nervous-system-safe, compassionate, and practical—I offer 1:1 coaching and a small group space.</p><ul><li>Website: <a href="http://www.annaholtzman.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>www.annaholtzman.com</strong></a></li><li>Email: <strong>[email protected]</strong></li><li>IG: <strong>@anna_holtzman</strong></li></ul><p>Thanks for listening—and for staying with <em>your</em> process. You’re not behind; you’re in it.</p>