Do you ever get tired?

And I don’t mean just sleepy. I’m talking about mental exhaustion. The physical strain and the toll you begin to feel on your mind and body when you look back and have found yourself working nonstop for the sake of mere progress.

We all inevitably hit a plateau where we might experience this. And it’s that very moment when we’re most tempted to quit.

But if there’s one thing you must remember, it’s those moments that are also the most defining of your character.

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was constantly under constant stress and depression while serving as the President. Every day for years he worked non-stop only to hear about battles he lost. Citizens who had died. Soldiers who had been injured. And constant updates on how his nation was falling apart.

Despite the exhaustion, Lincoln would get up every morning with the intent to serve his Country and on the worst days, still hold Cabinet meetings while in bed.

He never stopped.

Or what about the men who marched alongside George Washington during the Revolutionary War? Before the historic battle after crossing the Delaware River, his men sat in the cold. Starving, freezing, and injured. Some with months or years past their enlistment expiration date. Despite the fatigue and pain they’d been experiencing, they pushed on for the combined purpose of freedom.

I bring up these old stories because sometimes it take a little bit of perspective to realize our problems aren’t near as big as those from our past. That no matter how tired, exhausted, or worn out you may be, you still have more in you to keep going.

As David Goggins says, just when you feel like you’re completely tapped out. You still have 40% more left in the tank.

You just gotta keep going.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m now reading Imperfect by Brené Brown. A book on embracing ones flaws and daring to be authentic to yourself.

What I’m Currently Reading - “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln