You've got to get through the messy to get to the great.
- Jesse Cole
Jesse Cole’s quote — “You’ve got to get through the messy to get to the great” — captures an essential truth about progress, creativity, and success.
It’s a reminder that greatness rarely comes from a straight, clean path. The “messy” part represents all the trial and error, uncertainty, frustration, and failure that come with building something meaningful — whether that’s a business, a relationship, a creative project, or personal growth. Too often, people quit during this phase because it feels chaotic or uncomfortable. But Cole’s point is that the mess isn’t a detour; it’s part of the process.
To “get to the great,” you have to embrace the awkward stage where things aren’t polished yet — where ideas are half-formed, systems break, and results don’t yet match your vision. That’s where learning happens, where resilience is built, and where innovation takes shape.
In essence, the quote is about endurance and perspective: greatness isn’t born in perfection — it’s forged in persistence through the mess.