When I was in middle school P. E., I was a decent runner, but I had a tendency to slow down when I saw the finish line. My P. E. teacher taught me to keep running and slow down AFTER the finish line.
I take that lesson into my teaching. I can't slow down this time of year until I reach summer vacation, and I teach my students that persevering and finishing strong is an important life skill.
One spring, I created these forms that the students give to each other. We talk about pushing through and continuing to work at something that is difficult. I encourage the students to notice when others are showing endurance and cheer each other on.