The Messy Middle
“The middle is messy, but it’s also where the magic happens, all the tension that created goodness and learning.”
-Brene Brown
This is a quote from one of my favorite Brene Brown podcasts. It’s an oldie but a goodie where she unpacks what she calls “day 2”. The first day of anything is exciting and riddled with anticipation. For example, think about your first day at a new job. You meet all the new people, your laptop is bright, shiny, and new, and your career is full of possibility.
Then on day 2, reality sets in.
You realize you have a lot to learn and you’re in a fog, and possibly overwhelm, as you wade through all that needs to be accomplished.
This is the messy middle.
As a pharmacy profession, I think we are in the messy middle.
And I don’t think we’re the only ones.
Last week I talked about pharmacy education trends that are forcing us to figure out what our patients, customers, clients, and other healthcare professionals need from us.
We’re also nearing five years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit our world, and from talking to many of my non-pharmacy friends and colleagues, they’re in the messy middle too. Determining a new normal, remote vs. in- person work, what’s important, how much we take on, and what we say “no” to for the sake of our own wellbeing.
As we navigate this messy middle, I urge all of us to embrace this season.
Pay attention to what’s happening, be confident on the path you’re choosing, take note of what is working and cut out what is not, and determine what stays and what goes.
We’re all learning, adapting, pivoting, and shifting… And we must trust that our competence, wisdom, and expertise will get us through this.
As always, have a great week and keep learning!
Jen
