The Messy Middle

In 'The Messy Middle', Scott Belsky dives into the often tumultuous and chaotic phase of building something great. He explores how this 'messy middle' is where real creativity flourishes, yet most people struggle to navigate its challenges. Through fascinating anecdotes and practical insights, Belsky reveals the essential strategies to persevere and keep moving forward amidst uncertainty. You'll discover how to embrace the messy journey, rather than just waiting for the finish line. Prepare to redefine your approach to creativity and success!

By Scott Belsky

Published: 2018

"In the messy middle of creation, we find the true essence of our journey; it's not just about the destination, but about how we navigate the uncertainty and embrace the challenges that define us."

The Messy MiddleBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

NATIONAL BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING BOOKS OF 2018 BY INC. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST STARTUP BOOKS OF ALL TIME BY BOOKAUTHORITY The Messy Middle is the indispensable guide to navigating the volatility of new ventures and leading bold creative projects by Scott Belsky, bestselling author, entrepreneur, Chief Product Officer at Adobe, and product advisor to many of today's top start-ups. Creating something from nothing is an unpredictable journey. The first mile births a new idea into existence, and the final mile is all about letting go. We love talking about starts and finishes, even though the middle stretch is the most important and often the most ignored and misunderstood. Broken into three sections with 100+ lessons, this no-nonsense book will help you: • Endure the roller coaster of successes and failures by strengthening your resolve, embracing the long-game, and short-circuiting your reward system to get to the finish line. • Optimize what’s working so you can improve the way you hire, better manage your team, and meet your customers’ needs. • Finish strong and avoid the pitfalls many entrepreneurs make, so you can overcome resistance, exit gracefully, and continue onto your next creative endeavor with ease. With insightful interviews from today’s leading entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and executives, as well as Belsky’s own experience working with companies like Airbnb, Pinterest, Uber, and sweetgreen, The Messy Middle will outfit you to find your way through the hardest parts of any bold project or new venture.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Messy Middle

About the Author

S

Scott Belsky

Scott Belsky is an entrepreneur, author, and creative community expert known for his insights on creativity and innovation. He is the co-founder of Behance, a leading platform for creative professionals, and has served as the Chief Product Officer at Adobe. Belsky's notable works include "Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality," where he explores the processes that turn ideas into actionable plans, and "The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture," which delves into the complexities of navigating challenges in creative projects. His writing is characterized by its practical approach, blending personal anecdotes with actionable advice to inspire and empower creatives to realize their visions.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Scott Belsky
Published
October 2018
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN
0735218072
Language
English
Pages
418
Genres
Self-HelpBusiness and EconomicsPersonal GrowthEntrepreneurship

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

EntreLeadershipBook binding

EntreLeadership

Dave Ramsey

Made in AmericaBook binding

Made in America

Claude S. Fischer

The War of ArtBook binding

The War of Art

Steven Pressfield

The 4-hour WorkweekBook binding

The 4-hour Workweek

Timothy Ferriss

100 Side HustlesBook binding

100 Side Hustles

Chris Guillebeau

Company of OneBook binding

Company of One

Paul Jarvis

Anything You WantBook binding

Anything You Want

Derek Sivers

12 Rules for LifeBook binding

12 Rules for Life

Jordan B. Peterson

Innovation and EntrepreneurshipBook binding

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Peter F. Drucker

Finding Your Way to ChangeBook binding

Finding Your Way to Change

Allan Zuckoff, Bonnie Gorscak

Building on BedrockBook binding

Building on Bedrock

Derek Lidow

Do Cool Sh*tBook binding

Do Cool Sh*t

Miki Agrawal

Love WarriorBook binding

Love Warrior

Glennon Doyle, Glennon Doyle Melton

Conscious BusinessBook binding

Conscious Business

Fred Kofman

Hell Yes, I'd Do It AgainBook binding

Hell Yes, I'd Do It Again

T. Fred Harvey

Daily EnlightenmentsBook binding

Daily Enlightenments

Nathalie W Herrman

What Got You Here Won't Get You ThereBook binding

What Got You Here Won't Get You There

Marshall Goldsmith, Mark Reiter

Am I Being Too Subtle?Book binding

Am I Being Too Subtle?

Sam Zell

Essential EnneagramBook binding

Essential Enneagram

David Daniels, Virginia Price

AlibabaBook binding

Alibaba

Duncan Clark

Beyond EntrepreneurshipBook binding

Beyond Entrepreneurship

James Charles Collins, William C. Lazier

59 SecondsBook binding

59 Seconds

Richard Wiseman

Meaningful WorkBook binding

Meaningful Work

Shawn Askinosie, Lawren Askinosie

HustleBook binding

Hustle

Jesse Tevelow

Self-Made SuccessBook binding

Self-Made Success

Shaan Patel

What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business SchoolBook binding

What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School

Mark H. McCormack

Everything I Know about LoveBook binding

Everything I Know about Love

Dolly Alderton

GrandBook binding

Grand

Sara Schaefer

Creating WealthBook binding

Creating Wealth

Robert G. Allen

Discovering Your Personality TypeBook binding

Discovering Your Personality Type

Don Richard Riso, Russ Hudson

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Blake Mycoskie's Book Recommendations

Blake Mycoskie's Book Recommendations

Blake Mycoskie is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist best known for founding TOMS Shoes, a company that pioneered the "One for One" business model, donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold. His significant literary contribution includes the bestselling book "Start Something That Matters," which offers insights into social entrepreneurship and encourages readers to pursue meaningful ventures. Mycoskie's innovative approach to business has inspired a global movement toward corporate social responsibility. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence. Mycoskie continues to influence the business world with his emphasis on purpose-driven enterprises.

View Collection
Anthony Pompliano's Book Recommendations

Anthony Pompliano's Book Recommendations

Anthony Pompliano, also known as "Pomp," is a prominent entrepreneur and investor focused on the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. He co-founded Morgan Creek Digital, an investment firm dedicated to blockchain technology and digital assets. Pomp is also well-known for his popular newsletter, "The Pomp Letter," where he shares insights on finance, technology, and the future of money. As a prolific voice in the crypto community, he has appeared on multiple media platforms, including his own podcast, "The Pomp Podcast," where he interviews industry leaders and innovators. Through his writings and public engagements, Pompliano has significantly contributed to the broader understanding and adoption of digital currencies.

View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

View Collection
Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred's Book Recommendations

Austen Allred is an influential entrepreneur and author, best known for his contributions to the education technology sector. He co-founded Lambda School, a groundbreaking online coding bootcamp that offers deferred tuition and has revolutionized access to tech education. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Allred is the author of "The Grassfed Startup," which provides insights into building sustainable businesses. His innovative approach to education has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the tech industry. Allred continues to inspire with his commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all.

View Collection
Alex Hormozi's Book Recommendations

Alex Hormozi's Book Recommendations

Alex Hormozi is a celebrated entrepreneur, author, and founder of Acquisition.com, a company dedicated to helping businesses scale efficiently. He gained prominence with his best-selling book "Gym Launch Secrets," which provides a blueprint for fitness entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Hormozi is also known for "The Million Dollar Offers" book, where he shares strategies on creating irresistible offers that drive sales. His work has significantly impacted the business community, providing practical insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Through his books and business ventures, Hormozi continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their journey to success.

View Collection
Daniel Kahneman's Book Recommendations

Daniel Kahneman's Book Recommendations

Daniel Kahneman is a renowned psychologist and Nobel laureate, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field of behavioral economics. He co-authored the seminal book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," which explores the dual systems of thought and has profoundly influenced both psychology and economics. Kahneman's research, particularly his collaboration with Amos Tversky on prospect theory, challenged the traditional rational model of decision-making and earned him the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. His contributions have reshaped our understanding of human judgment, decision-making, and the nature of happiness. Kahneman continues to be a leading voice in the study of cognitive biases and heuristics.

View Collection
Chase Jarvis's Book Recommendations

Chase Jarvis's Book Recommendations

Chase Jarvis is an American photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of CreativeLive, an online education platform for creatives. He is known for his work in adventure and action sports photography, collaborating with major brands like Apple and Nike. Jarvis is also the author of Creative Calling, where he encourages individuals to tap into their creative potential. His platform, CreativeLive, has provided free and premium education to millions of people around the world. Jarvis is a vocal advocate for creativity as a means of personal and professional growth.

View Collection
Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

In the messy middle of creation, we find the true essence of our journey; it's not just about the destination, but about how we navigate the uncertainty and embrace the challenges that define us.

The Messy Middle

By Scott Belsky

Frequently Asked Questions