"I don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when I'm done."

This quote is about perseverance. It's saying that you don't throw in the towel just because you're worn out — you keep pushing until you've accomplished what you set out to do. Imagine running a marathon. You might hit that wall at mile 20, feeling like you can't take another step. But you dig deep, find that last bit of energy, and push through to the finish line. It's about commitment and determination.

The phrase is often attributed to various athletes and motivational speakers, though its exact origin is unclear. It’s been a rallying cry for those who believe that success is born from relentless effort, not convenience. The idea here is to emphasize the importance of finishing what you start, regardless of the obstacles or fatigue that you might face along the way.

Let's take a real-life example to illustrate this. Think about someone training for the Olympics. They don’t just practice when they feel good or the weather's perfect. No, they train rain or shine, exhausted or energized. Take Michael Phelps, for instance. He didn't become a record-breaking swimmer by taking it easy. He pushed through grueling 5 a.m. workouts, relentless drills, and the inevitable days when he probably just wanted to stay in bed. His mantra wasn't about quitting when tired; it was about pushing through until the training session was complete.

So, how do you apply this to your own life? First, set clear goals. Know what 'done' looks like for you. Is it a completed project at work? A personal fitness milestone? Define it. Then, plan for the tough times. There will be days when motivation is low — that's normal. But if you have a clear vision of what you're aiming for, it’s easier to push through.

Create a routine that supports your goal. Regular habits can become a safety net for those days when you just don't feel like it. And remember, it's okay to be tired. It’s okay to admit that something is hard. But if you keep your eye on the prize — if you stay committed to finishing — you’ll find that you can push through almost anything.

Imagine you’re preparing for a big presentation at work. You've been working on it for weeks, and the night before, you’re exhausted. You could call it a night and hope for the best. Or, you could review your slides one last time, practice your speech again, and refine any rough edges. You might be tired, but when you finally deliver that presentation and it goes off without a hitch, the satisfaction of nailing it will outweigh any fatigue you felt the night before.

In the end, it all comes down to perseverance and commitment. It's about seeing things through to the end, regardless of how you feel in the moment. Those who adopt this mindset often find that they achieve more, simply because they refuse to quit until the job is done. So next time you're tempted to stop because you're tired, remember this quote and push a little further. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you don’t stop until you’re finished.