Word of the Week: Scrappy
- The Modern Domestic Woman
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Scrappy (adjective) means having a determined, resourceful, and courageous spirit — especially when you’re working with limited resources or facing challenges.
It’s the kind of grit that says, “I might not have everything I need in this situation, but I’m going to make it work anyway.”
Why Be Scrappy?
Being scrappy is about showing up with a fighter’s heart and creative energy. It’s about making progress even when conditions aren’t perfect. Think of it as the opposite of waiting for the “right moment” or the “perfect plan.”
Instead, you lean into what you’ve got, figure it out, and get moving.
Everyday Ways to Be Scrappy
Solve problems with what’s at hand. Ran out of a key ingredient for dinner? Get creative with substitutions. Need a workspace? Turn a kitchen table into your office for the day.
Speak up even when you’re not 100% confident. Sometimes scrappy means saying what you need or want, even if it feels a little messy or imperfect.
Find hacks to make your routine easier. Whether it’s batching chores or reusing something in a new way— these little wins add up.
Keep trying after setbacks. Scrappiness shines brightest when things don’t go as planned. It’s that stubborn spark that says, “I’m not done yet.”
Learn on the fly. Scrappy people aren’t afraid to jump in and figure it out as they go, even if they don’t feel fully prepared.
How to Embrace a Scrappy Mindset and Avoid Perfection Paralysis
Give yourself permission to start messy. No masterpiece began as a flawless first draft. Scrappy is the beginning of all growth.
Celebrate progress over perfection. Small, scrappy wins build momentum and confidence more than waiting for perfect conditions ever will.
Shift from “I should have it all figured out” to “I’m figuring it out.” Scrappy means learning as you go.
Lean into imperfection as part of your strength. Scrappy isn’t sloppy — it’s flexible, adaptive, and brave enough to try.
Remember: scrappy is sustainable. The perfection mindset can burn you out; scrappy is about pacing, creativity, and grit that lasts.
Being scrappy is a fabulous talent. It’s about courage, resourcefulness, and heart. So next time you hesitate because it’s not perfect or you don’t have all the answers, lean into your scrappy side.
We've included a few journal prompts to help you reflect on making the most of situations when life hasn’t presented a perfect option in the PDF below (it's free!).
About the Author:
Elizabeth Rago is a word-loving, community-building powerhouse who’s just as comfortable wrangling RFPs as she is wrangling teenagers (which says a lot about her patience and project management skills).
By day, she's a Proposal Writer, crafting winning messaging for big business. When the workday ends, she trades deadlines for dinner duty and teenage debates — holding it all together with love, Earl Grey tea, and a well-honed sense of humor.
After walking through a rough season in her own life, Elizabeth saw firsthand how isolating it can be for women going through hard times. Instead of sitting in that shame, she founded MDW (The Modern Domestic Woman) — a warm, practical, and no-nonsense space where women can find resources, support, and a whole lot of real talk. From mental health referrals to interviews with therapists and lifestyle articles, MDW has become a haven for women who want community without the fluff.
Elizabeth has spent over 20 years writing for just about every industry under the sun — from luxury kitchen design and sustainable living to commercial insurance and mental health advocacy. She’s ghostwritten for executives, co-hosted a podcast about the hilarity and chaos of motherhood, and even helped spotlight fascinating local people and places through her syndicated column.
Equal parts strategy and soul, Elizabeth believes in the power of storytelling, the magic of a strong community, and never underestimates the therapeutic power of a well-placed meme. Learn more about Elizabeth at MDWcares.com or connect with her on Insta or LinkedIn.
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