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Rosie Buchanan's avatar

Maddy, even though there is a high percentage of MGs in this world, it often feels like we're all alone in the struggle. It seems like people think being an MG must be so fun, but the reality for many of us is that it feels almost paralyzing, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. This essay feels like you were in my head and my life.

I do have a "normal" 9-5 career, but of course I want more than anything to be able to follow my various passions. I have created SO much behind the scenes: different businesses, multiple websites, hundreds of thousands of pages of content, and yet I'm terrified of committing to one idea.

As soon as I've "decided", a different interest or focuses resurfaces and the doubt seeps in. The soul-searching gets old. I take a break, and then I'm right back to it, in typical MG style, leaving my husband with whiplash once again. lol ("I thought you said you were exhausted with Astrology?")

Thank you for this piece!

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Maddy Odom's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and sharing your experiences Rosie!! I resonated so much with what you wrote, especially around giving my husband whiplash😆 He's a projector, so he's typically the one trying to guide me/bring me back down to Earth. Inherently, I think experimentation/exploration is so good for us, but I'm trying to personally find a path where I can remain dedicated and experiment within a "container" of sorts. Reminding myself that nothing needs to be permanent, or tie/fit in perfectly together!

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Marisha's avatar

I resonate with you all too well, Rosie! The husband thinks something else of me at this point and cannot hang on, which in his defense like Maddy mentioned I’m losing my grip these days as well.

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Rosie Buchanan's avatar

Sending you a hug. I think sometimes the most we can do is make the best decision in the moment. I personally frequently fail at informing, which I’ve come to view as important for the MG strategy even though not everyone includes that.

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Pamela Clapp's avatar

I love this, Maddy. It resonates so much with the soul-searching I’ve had to do while experimenting with business ideas and creative paths.

I’ve had to learn to let things unfold and take action only once it felt right; not because I knew it would work, but because something in me knew it was time. For me, that’s become a practice of faith: trusting that the right ideas, opportunities, and encounters will guide me toward fulfilment if I keep showing up.

I finally committed to building a new business almost a year ago, and I can confirm — staying dedicated when all you hear is crickets is the hardest part. But I really believe that when we spend more time doing the work that genuinely lights us up, success becomes much more likely to follow. (That’s what I’m choosing to believe in my case, too.)

Thank you for putting such thoughtful words to the messy middle so many of us are living. 🤍

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Maddy Odom's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and sharing your own experience! I totally resonate with what you said, especially about trusting yourself. I feel like this is something I’m still trying to tune into and work on! I’m so happy to hear you’re on an aligned path in your new business🤍 Your work and writing is so thoughtful and I always love reading your perspectives!

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Pamela Clapp's avatar

Thank you, Maddy ✨

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Ruth Gyllenhammer's avatar

Resonated with this post SO MUCH. Im constantly asking myself, like with social media, do I double down or just quit?

I’m also reminded of one of the examples in The 12 Week Year: “doing what she had already been doing, just doing it more steadily” gave her the results she was looking for.

Thanks for sharing these ideas. I’m still thinking about them!

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Maddy Odom's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and sharing these thoughts, Ruth!! It seems that consistency is key, even when done in a steady way. I will have to look into the 12 Week Year!

On social, I continue to navigate how/where/when I desire to show up, but am trying to remind myself on a daily basis the "why" behind sharing my work and the goals I'm trying to achieve! I deleted all social media for a while, and it felt so peaceful, but then I realized my goals are still waiting on the other side of showing up consistently 😅

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Effie Forrest's avatar

I am also a MG and I totally relate to this!! Currently reading The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control and Kathryn Morgan Shafler’s descriptions of the “messy perfectionist” match the commitment issues of the MG really well. It’s been a helpful guide for me to stick with the endeavors I care about without feeling restricted! Also following the lunar cycle with a journaling practice helps ground me.

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Maddy Odom's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing Effie! I will definitely have to look into that book! I've heard of it before, but have yet to read. I agree about a journaling practice. It seems to be the only thing keeping me remotely sane these days😆 And interesting point on the lunar cycle!

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Effie Forrest's avatar

It’s hard to stay sane this time of year haha!

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Lydia Johnson's avatar

Reading this post felt like looking in a mirror, in the best way possible. Although I don't wish the same "case of insanity" on anyone, it helps to know there is someone else out there whose curiosity and varied interests also lead them to constantly question where they should be putting their energy and time. Like you're realizing, dedication can yield such a deeper, richer experience in life. Thank you for sharing!

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Maddy Odom's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and sharing Lydia! I’m so happy you found some similarities and resonance in this piece🤍 It’s truly a journey and I’m looking forward to learning more into dedication and the fulfillment it can bring

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Marisha's avatar

Maddy, each time I read one of your posts it’s like you’ve been a fly on the wall in my house. Every point you mentioned is everything I have been grappling with lately, too. Thank you for putting these thoughts and emotions into words, giving others like myself the chance to connect and feel less alone in this journey. X

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