Second Wind

There are times in life when we surprise ourselves. It often happens when we're exhausted, when we think we've come to the point of no return. "This is it," you think. "I can't go on any more." This may be the time to take a break and get some needed rest. On the other hand, there's something to be said for pushing forward. Sometimes taking a rest only serves to remind you of how much there is still to be done. So it may be time to persist, to get to the other side of that wall, to experience the second wind phenomenon. That's when—just when you thought you could do no more—your energy returns even stronger than it was before.

I know that when I give myself the chance to keep going, I find myself getting a third, fourth, and fifth wind when I least expect it. Something happens that's difficult to explain. Perhaps that accomplishment has its own energy field. When you are so focused on getting something done, you tap into deep stores of energy that give you the ability you need to keep going.

This is persistence. Persistence is the ability to go past the state of mind that wants to stop us from achieving our goals. The next time you're tempted to give up or give in, reach deep down inside and gather all your strength to keep going. Before you know it, that second wind will come along to keep you aloft.