Persevere Through Fatigue: Finish What You Start
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Challenge
Recently, during my workout, I reached a moment where I considered skipping exercises or stopping entirely. I caught myself thinking, "If I quit now, that’s acceptable; I’ve done enough." Just then, I noticed a motivational quote on the gym's whiteboard: "Don't quit when you're tired, quit when the workout is done." This served as the motivation I needed to push through a few more sets and ultimately complete my entire workout. This led me to ponder how I might apply this mindset to my overall life.
I reflected on the times when I felt like giving up but chose to persist. I recalled moments of decision, where I had to take an alternate route, or instances where I had to wait patiently, feeling like forever until my moment finally arrived. I also remembered facing daunting challenges that tempted me to quit midway, yet I resolved to keep pushing until I achieved my goal.
On a personal note, the reality of having to exercise every day for the rest of my life can feel overwhelming. I need to engage in some form of physical activity to maintain my health. The exercise that nearly made me give up was lunges. I asked my fiancé if he ever did lunges, to which he encouragingly replied, "Keep going, you got this!" However, I knew he didn’t; I had never seen him perform them at the gym! In fact, I hardly witness anyone doing lunges in person, aside from those I follow on social media. I often wonder where the fellow gym-goers are who are struggling alongside me. The lunges are exhausting, and I can't help but ask: am I the only one feeling this pain?
There was a period in my life when I considered quitting something significant and instead chose to pause for a few years. I had various reasons for this break—some valid and noble, others perhaps less so. During this time off, I had the opportunity to contemplate what it would mean to push through challenges rather than retreat. What would that journey look like for me? I couldn't visualize it, as I had yet to experience it myself. Ultimately, I realized I needed to put my shoes on, get back into the game, and trust where God would lead me. So far, He has guided me to incredible places I never anticipated, and despite some resistance, I am committed to following His path. I am grateful to still be moving forward rather than taking an extended break or giving up.
I share this to emphasize that fatigue is inevitable. We will all encounter anger, grief, and a myriad of emotions during workouts, in life, and within our relationships. However, it is up to us to determine whether we will surrender or choose to forge a path less taken and pursue a fulfilling life.
In this video, the message encourages viewers to persevere through challenges, emphasizing that quitting should only come after completing the task at hand.
Chapter 2: The Strength to Continue
This video features David Goggins, who shares his philosophy on endurance and determination. He highlights that the only time to stop is when the work is truly complete.