When Building the Life You Want Feels Like You're Moving Backward
The manifestation mindset nobody talks about: what to do when the honeymoon phase ends
Let's be honest about something those Instagram posts don't tell you about building the life you want….the in-between space is where dreams go to get tested.
You know that feeling. You've set the intention, maybe even invested in yourself for the first time in forever. You're building the life you want with purpose. The manifestation mindset is locked in.
Then the honeymoon phase ends. The initial excitement fades.
The scale doesn't move. The business feels stuck. Your bank account looks the same. And suddenly, that gap between your vision and reality feels bigger than when you started.
Here's what I wish someone had told me: That frustrating space where nothing seems to be happening? That's actually where everything is happening.
Whether you're working toward the body that feels like home, building the business that serves your soul, or creating the life that matches your vision, that uncomfortable space between where you are and where you're going isn't proof that it's not working.
It's proof that it is.
The Moment I Almost Quit (And What Spirit Taught Me Instead)
Recently, I stepped back into a consistent movement practice. I wanted to feel strong again. Connected again. Like the woman I know is trapped underneath years of transition and shifts.
The first few weeks felt like magic. The endorphins, the commitment, the "I'm really doing this" energy that makes you feel invincible.
Then the honeymoon phase ended. That's when reality decided to humble me.
The scale showed a number I couldn't bear to look at. My reflection looked identical. My clothes felt like they fit exactly the same way. And somewhere around the second week, I caught myself spiraling into that familiar frustration: Why doesn't this feel different yet? Why can't I see what I know I'm building?
Midway into week one, I wanted to see the results. I was impatient because I felt tired and almost wanted to give up. But I kept going and started looking for encouragement from other women. I needed to know that our bodies will become stronger, that we'll feel the difference in time if we just stay consistent.
Then my cycle came, and I listened to my body's need to rest. But getting back into rhythm felt harder than starting. The voice in my head got louder: See? You're not consistent enough. You're not disciplined enough. Maybe you're just not meant for this.
But here's what I've learned about building anything meaningful - whether it's the body that feels like home, the business that serves your soul, or the life that matches your vision: That in-between space is where it counts.
It's where your faith gets tested. Where the Universe asks, "How bad do you really want this?" Where you learn to be grateful for where you are while you build toward where you're going.
When Gratitude and Desire Stop Fighting
Around the third week, something shifted. Instead of fighting that gap between vision and reality, I started honoring it.
I began seeing my body shift. I felt my clothes feel different, felt confident. The same body I was criticizing was literally working behind the scenes.
That's when I understood: Gratitude and desire don't have to be enemies.
You can be thankful for where you are AND excited about where you're going. This isn't about settling for less. This is about finding peace in the building phase.
When you stop making them fight each other, they start working together. The gratitude keeps you grounded. The desire keeps you growing. You start living in the energy of your vision before you've "arrived."
Why That In-Between Space Feels So Hard
We live in a world of instant everything. Same-day delivery, instant downloads, immediate responses. But transformation? Real, lasting change? That works on a different timeline.
That in-between space is where you prove to yourself (and Spirit) that you're serious. It's easy to start when motivation is high. It's harder to keep going when novelty wears off. But that's exactly when the magic happens.
Every time you show up when you can't see results yet, you're building something deeper than external change. You're building trust. With yourself. With the process. With Spirit.
What Breakthrough Taught Me About The Beginning
After about a month, things started shifting. Not only did my body start to feel and look closer to my desire, my entire energy changed. I could feel the strength building. See subtle changes in how I moved through space. Notice that my clothes fit differently, even if the scale wasn't what I expected.
But more importantly, I could feel the identity shift happening. I wasn't someone trying to get back in shape. I was someone who moves her body consistently.
That in-between space isn't about seeing results. It's about becoming the person who gets results.
Your In-Between Space Invitation
So if you're reading this from your own in-between space - whether that's in your movement practice, business building, relationship work, financial goals, or any other area where you're bridging that gap between vision and reality - here's what I want you to remember:
You are not at the starting line anymore.
You've proven you can start. You've shown up beyond initial excitement. You're further along than you were at the beginning.
That in-between space feels weird, but just keep at it. You're doing the inner work that creates lasting change.
The results are happening behind the scenes. Soon, you'll feel it. But only if you keep going.
Trust the process. Honor where you are. Stay consistent toward where you want to be.
The life you're building is worth the discomfort of not seeing results yet.
What's your in-between space story? I'd love to hear about your own gap between vision and reality in the comments below.