31: What I Wish Knew Before My First Powerlifting Meet
What I Wish I Knew Before My First Powerlifting Meet
Strength. It’s a word that’s thrown around a lot these days, especially in the context of fitness. But strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights in the gym—it’s about lifting yourself to new heights, confronting your limitations, and owning your power.
In episode 31 of Broads Podcast, I shared a personal story about my first powerlifting meet—an experience that taught me lessons not just about lifting but about life. If you’ve ever faced a challenge that seemed insurmountable or felt like you weren’t “ready,” this episode is for you. Here’s a breakdown of the key insights from that conversation and how they can empower you in all areas of your life.
The Power of Preparation (And Why It’s Everything)
As athletes, we often want to jump in headfirst and just do the thing, whatever “the thing” is for us. Whether it’s a big presentation, a new business launch, or an actual powerlifting meet, we want to be brave and confident. But let’s face it: preparation is key.
When I first decided to participate in a powerlifting meet, I thought I could just show up and get the job done. But as I quickly learned, it’s about more than just showing up. Preparation isn’t only about physical strength—it’s about mentally and emotionally getting yourself ready to compete and give your best.
Key Insight #1: Trust Your Training, Trust Yourself
The most important lesson I learned was to trust the training. Every session, every rep, every set was laying the foundation for success. But the mental preparation was equally crucial. It’s easy to underestimate how much mental strength contributes to success in any field, especially powerlifting. You can have the best training program in the world, but if you don’t believe in yourself or trust your process, it’s harder to succeed.
Takeaway: Whether you're hitting the gym, preparing for a big meeting, or about to launch a project, trust in the preparation. Believe in the work you’ve put in. Your hard work speaks for itself.
Mindset Matters: Overcoming Self-Doubt
One of the hardest things about preparing for a powerlifting meet (and really, any significant goal) is battling self-doubt. It’s easy to feel like you’re not ready. “What if I fail? What if I can’t hit the numbers I’m aiming for?” But the truth is, doubt is a part of the process.
We all have moments when we question our abilities. What’s important is how you respond to that doubt. Instead of letting it paralyze you, use it to fuel your determination. In the weeks leading up to my first meet, I had to fight against negative thoughts every single day. But instead of letting them define me, I chose to view them as a reminder that I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Key Insight #2: Your Inner Strength is Your Superpower
This doesn’t just apply to powerlifting. It’s the same when you’re building a business, pursuing a passion project, or navigating personal growth. The mental strength required to push through fear, to stay focused despite doubt, is something we all have within us.
The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the ability to use that inner strength to keep going. It’s the willingness to step into the unknown, not knowing exactly how things will turn out but trusting that you have the power to figure it out.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of the things I was most worried about before my first powerlifting meet was perfection. I thought that every lift had to be flawless. But the reality is, progress, not perfection, is the key. If you’re always aiming for perfect results, you’ll never feel satisfied because there’s always something to improve. But if you focus on progress, on how far you’ve come, that’s where true empowerment lies.
Takeaway: Set realistic goals and celebrate your progress along the way. It’s not about lifting the heaviest weight right out of the gate. It’s about consistent growth and the determination to show up, even when it’s tough.
The Importance of Community Support
Another critical piece of the powerlifting experience—and life in general—is community support. In the weeks leading up to the meet, I found myself surrounded by a community of people who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They cheered me on, they offered advice, and they reminded me of my capabilities when I was struggling.
We often think we need to do everything ourselves, but having a support system can make all the difference. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, or an athlete, surrounding yourself with people who support and encourage you is essential.
Key Insight #3: Build Your Tribe
It’s easy to get lost in isolation. But don’t underestimate the power of a supportive tribe. This could be friends, family, mentors, or colleagues who genuinely want to see you succeed. Make space for them. Learn from them. And when things get tough, lean on them.
The Moment of Truth: Stepping Onto the Platform
The day of my first powerlifting meet, I was nervous as hell. Standing there in front of the judges, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a surge of self-doubt. But here’s the thing: once I started lifting, everything else fell away.
The fear? Gone. The doubt? Drowned out by the focus. The struggle? An opportunity to prove to myself that I was capable. I left everything on the platform that day, and while I may not have hit every goal, I accomplished more than I ever thought I could.
What’s Your Next “Lift”?
The experience of competing in my first powerlifting meet wasn’t just about gaining physical strength—it was about pushing myself beyond the limits I’d set in my own mind. It was about testing my boundaries and proving that I could achieve things that once seemed impossible.
So, what’s your next “lift”? What challenge are you ready to face, and what boundaries are you prepared to push?
Remember, growth isn’t linear, and it’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about pushing yourself, building mental toughness, and embracing every step along the way.
Let’s hear from you: What’s one thing you’ve been afraid to try, and how can you start moving towards it today?
If you’re gearing up for your own big challenge—whether it’s in fitness, business, or personal development—take this as a reminder that you are capable of more than you think. Step into that uncomfortable space, embrace the process, and know that you have the strength to succeed.
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