The Second Wind Effect: How to Push Past Plateaus and Reignite Momentum
Big progress doesn’t always feel big. In fact, it usually feels… invisible.
You show up day after day, putting in the work, and nothing seems to happen.
Until it does.
In physiology, the “second wind” refers to the phenomenon where a runner, after struggling early in the race, suddenly finds their breathing easier and energy renewed. It’s thought to come from a shift in how the body processes oxygen and energy.
But it happens outside the track too. Business, fitness, creativity, even parenting progress often plateaus before it compounds. Research in motivation psychology confirms this: our brains are bad at detecting incremental gains, so we misinterpret plateaus as failure.
If you quit at the plateau, you never see the breakthrough.
Learning to Ride a Bike
I love riding my bike. And more than anything, I want my kids to love it as much as I do. It hasn't happened with the first two, but the third is showing some promise.
However, before anyone can truly enjoy cycling, they must first learn how to ride.
And this is where all three kids have something in common:
In the middle of teaching them how to ride a bike, I am struck with a sense that it will never happen.
The progress is so brutally slow, and the work into it is so exhausting, that the entire process appears to be standing still.
I'm pouring sweat from running alongside her, and my back is aching from constantly crouching down in anticipation of the next crash.
And right at that moment where it feels like it will never happen...she is riding on her own.
And I would say that my smile is bigger than hers in that moment, but hers is pretty damn big.
The same phenomenon has happened with businesses countless times. Revenue stalled, audience engagement flat, self-doubt creeping in… but staying in the game brought the unexpected surge.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, it’s not a sign to stop; it’s a sign you’re closer than you think.
Actionable Insights: 5 Ways to Harness Your Second Wind
Normalize the plateau. Expect it. Write down in advance: “When I feel stuck, I will keep going another X days before re-evaluating.”
Shrink the focus. When progress feels invisible, zoom in. Measure smaller wins daily actions instead of distant outcomes.
Find your why again. When motivation flags, reconnect to the reason you started. Write it down and post it where you see it.
Change the pace, not the path. If you must adjust, fine. Slow down. Take smaller steps. But don’t quit moving.
Ask someone to watch you. Accountability partners can often see progress you can’t. Borrow their perspective.
Beyond the Valley
If you feel like nothing’s happening, you may just be in the valley before the climb. Keep going. The second wind is coming.
You’re closer to the breakthrough than you think, and the momentum you’ve been building quietly is about to show. Don’t let a quiet season convince you to quit before the reward arrives.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Find your next edge,
Eli
