I’m Not Tired

Even if you didn’t tune into the World Cup, it’s hard to miss Erling Haaland’s impact in recent weeks. The Norwegian striker has emerged as an international sensation, showcasing remarkable speed, power, and an undeniable presence on the pitch. While Norway may not have finished among the top teams, Haaland has captivated global audiences with performances defined by his strength and unyielding drive.

At 6-foot-5, Haaland has impressive physical gifts. What truly sets him apart, however, is his mental approach. He is known for pushing through grueling workouts, and when fatigue sets in, he relies on a simple mantra: “I’m not tired.” His logic is straightforward: “If you tell yourself you’re tired, you will be tired. If you tell yourself, ‘I’m not that tired, I can continue,’ then you can push through.”

Research backs up this powerful mindset. Numerous studies indicate that individuals often quit before reaching their true physical limits because their minds declare the end before their bodies do. By employing positive self-talk, using affirmations like “I’m not tired” or “I can keep going,” anyone can enhance their performance, whether in sports or in daily life.

I am not a professional athlete, but I have encountered my own limits while producing a documentary titled The Due Time. The film aims to raise awareness about stillbirth, an overlooked public health crisis in the United States. Approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn each year, which is more than all other causes of infant death in the first year combined. I first learned this devastating statistic after my son Lucas was stillborn in 2018.

I refuse to let Lucas’s life and legacy fade behind that number. Over the years, my husband and I have worked to honor him in various ways, including establishing scholarships in his name. Last year, after hearing from many parents who had experienced loss and were never informed about stillbirth risks or the evidence-based steps that can help reduce them, I decided to make a film.

This project has repeatedly pushed me outside my comfort zone. I have had to share my own loss with strangers and listen as they share theirs. Each conversation is emotionally draining.

I have never enjoyed long drives—anything over four hours used to mean I’d choose to fly. However, for this film, driving became necessary to transport bulky camera equipment. Since we began last September, my crew and I have traveled thousands of miles across state lines to interview loss parents, medical experts, and nonprofit leaders. The hours on the road are physically exhausting.

 The hardest part has been asking for financial support. Making a film is expensive. Even on a modest budget, a single minute of finished content can easily cost between $3,000 and $5,000, and that’s on the low end. Reaching out to family, friends, and strangers for help is something I find both difficult and uncomfortable. I constantly worry that a lack of funds may jeopardize the film’s production and completion, which has stressed me out significantly.

Still, Like Haaland, I remind myself to keep pushing forward. I know I haven’t hit my limits yet, and, more importantly, this film must be completed. Expectant parents deserve to understand the stillbirth crisis and the proven methods that can significantly reduce the risk. Research shows that at least 25 percent of stillbirths are preventable, meaning around 5,000 babies each year could potentially enter the world alive with greater awareness. Film is an incredibly powerful tool to reach a vast audience and spread this vital message.

So, I keep telling myself: “I’m not tired. I can keep going.” It truly is that simple!

If you feel you have reached a limit in your own life or work, try offering yourself the same simple encouragement, and see how much further you can go.

And if this story resonates with you, I hope you’ll carry a piece of it forward—by learning more about stillbirth risk, sharing the facts with someone who is pregnant, or supporting the completion of The Due Time in whatever way feels right. Awareness is the first step toward change, and none of us have to do it alone.