We often say it’s hard to keep going when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I think it can be even harder when you do see the light—because that’s when the exhaustion catches up with you.
For me, this always hits during pregnancy. I’m fine until about 36 weeks. Then I’m more than done, and I become convinced it will never end. The same thing happened during medical school, residency, fellowship, and even my Ph.D. I’d plow through, trusting that the end would come, without overly focusing on the finish line. But as soon as the finish line came into view, something would shift. My body seemed to know it was almost over, and suddenly I’d hit a wall.
It’s the same feeling runners describe: you’ve pushed so hard for so long that your body starts shutting down. You’re convinced you can’t take another step. Can you relate?
So how do you find your second wind? How do you push through the wall and finish the race you’ve worked so hard to run? I think this is where we can take some good lessons from marathoners.
1. Refuel and Hydrate
Take care of YOU. If you keep running on empty, you’ll eventually give out. Start with the basics: prioritize sleep, even when it feels impossible. Yes, there will always be a reason to stay up late (I know this all too well), but go to bed anyway. You’ll be more productive when you’re rested.
And instead of reaching for your favorite chocolates when stress kicks in, trust that you’ll feel better in the long run if you stick to healthy eating and stay hydrated. Fuel your body for the finish line!
2. Reduce the Intensity
This is the time to embrace “good enough.” Learn to say no. You don’t have to do everything all at once. Many things that feel crucial can actually be postponed—or eliminated entirely.
Eat off paper plates. Order pizza for dinner. Skip an evening activity if it means preserving your sanity or your children’s routines. If you normally run a 7-minute mile, give yourself permission to slow down and run a 10-minute mile for a bit. You’ll still get there—just with a little less strain.
3. Take a Mental Time-Out
Step away. It’s okay to stop being productive for a little while. Spend some time doing nothing. Step away from your responsibilities and simply be.
Quiet moments of mindfulness or rest can help you recharge and refocus when you return to your to-do list. Give yourself grace to pause without guilt—it’s part of the process.
4. Recruit a Partner
Stress is easier to manage when you have someone to lean on. Studies show that our brains respond differently to pain and fear when we’re with someone we trust. Connection helps us “co-regulate” our emotions and stress.
Who’s in your corner? Whether it’s a partner, a friend, a colleague, or a family member, lean on them. Let them cheer you on, remind you of your strengths, and help you carry the load when it feels too heavy.
5. Turn to the Crowd for Support
Sometimes the encouragement you need is already around you. Your “crowd” might be more supportive than you realize. Listen to the voices cheering you on, whether it’s your friends, coworkers, or even your own family.
Picture the people at the finish line shouting encouragement. Let their words echo in your mind when you feel discouraged. Especially when you feel like you’ve got nothing left, remember: they believe in you—and you can believe in yourself, too.
6. Have a Good Playlist
Music is a powerful motivator. Create a playlist of songs that lift your spirits, calm your mind, or ignite your drive. Whether it’s your favorite motivational anthem, peaceful melodies, or even a meaningful talk or sermon, let the sound fuel your momentum.
Turn it on when you’re driving, folding laundry, or simply taking a breather—it’s an easy way to keep your energy and focus moving forward.
7. Use Your Mind
Your mindset is one of your greatest tools. Convince yourself of your own strength and success—even when you’re struggling to believe it. Use positive affirmations to reframe your reality.
Instead of saying, “I think I can make it,” declare, “I’ve got this. I’m tired, but I know how to push through. I do hard things—and I do them well.” Over time, your brain will start to believe it as truth.
8. Just Make It to the Next Lamppost
When the big picture feels overwhelming, break it down. Just make it to the next lamppost, the next step, or the next task. Don’t worry about the whole list—just focus on what’s directly in front of you.
Worrying about what’s ahead doesn’t make the next task any easier. It only makes the present moment harder to handle. One step at a time will still get you to the finish line.
Keep Going
Once you cross that finish line, you’ll look back in amazement at how far you’ve come. You’ll feel a tremendous sense of pride that you pushed through, even when it felt impossible.
Hang in there. You’ve totally got this.
