Sometimes it’s hard seeing all these amazing women I post deadlifting, and squatting these huge numbers and don’t get me started on the girls who are benching more than most guys. It’s exhausting just watching them. And with my first meet coming up in 5 weeks (update: My meet story is here) , I began looking at myself and feeling like a little weakling and wonder why even try…
I heard this quote by Jon Acuff that says, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle”. It’s a good reminder to those of us who haven’t been doing this for years or who may not have all the resources available to us. We can’t compare our numbers, regardless of how meager they may seem, to the girl who’s been lifting for years. Strength comes with time. And even if you never get to pull over 300lbs or Squat three times your body weight as long as you keep going and keep pushing that's a win in itself.
I talk a big game about being happy with your own process, but I get down too. My first meet and while I'm excited I can’t help thinking that I’m nowhere near competitive, especially in my weight class so why even do the meet… but thanks to my husband and amazing friends, I’ve come to realize it’s not about being competitive. The best advice I’ve been given about this upcoming meet is to make my goals for the meet attainable. So my goal is to get a total. That’s it. Regardless of the amount, I just want a total and to be able to officially say I’m a powerlifter!
So don’t get caught up in what other people are doing. Learn to be happy with your journey and allow yourself to be inspired by these super strong women, they show us that these amazing feats of strength are even possible. Continue to do YOUR best and keep getting stronger and stronger. #UpliftandLiftHeavy
Well said. I have my first meet this Sunday and I am new to the sport as well. It’s a nice reminder that if I am consistent in my training and feel good about the effort I’m putting in, I’m doing alright.
This is AMAZING!!! I can feel how you feel because I have been there myself. I pond myself with negatives thought most of the time and blame myself for not having started way early in my 20 or even 30’s. My first meet was May last year and I had the same thoughts and fears but I’m not a quitter and despite been afraid of been laughed at I went ahead and did it and to my amazed came on top of my weight class and division. I’m 38 years old competing in sub-master and proud of the total I got. So far, I have done two meets giving me first place and the satisfaction and gratitude I have never experience before. Keep pushing and falling in love with the sport and you too just like me one day will be able to reach a competitive level. Good luck on you meet and keep us posted.
This was something I really needed to read so thank you! I will also be competing in my first meet in April and sometimes I need to remember this.
1- Good Luck on your meet!!! Most of us will only wish to someday compete in a powerlifting meet. You’re actually doing it!! How GREAT is that!
2- Thank you for posting this…. I can’t express how often I see amazing ladies pulling huge numbers and I immediately become deflated about my own numbers. This was a good reminder to stay focused and not become so self conscious. Reality check :)
GIRL. I feel you on so many levels on this blog from getting down on myself, to comparing myself to all those other wicked strong women, to going into that first meet with the most modest of goals. I’ve now competed in three meets, and I’ve gone to 2 of those 3 completely ALONE, without anyone there to support me, and feeling weak. Like you, I’m no where near being competitive in my weight class. I just do this sport, because I love the hell out of it, and I compete, because I love the camaraderie that oozes from EVERYONE at powerlifting events. With that being said, though I went alone to my first two meets without a support system in tow, I’ve never in my life felt more supported than during those competitions. There are so many reasons I could list to commit to doing a powerlifting meet, but one of the main ones is the unbelievably welcoming, knowledgable, supportive, and friendly people you’ll meet when you’re there. After that, all you have to do is, like you said, set reasonable goals and kill it on the platform. Best of luck!!
Thank you so much for this. I am feeling exactly like this, I feel like I have so far to go my first meet in2 months and feeling like a weakling or an impostor. Thank you so much for sharing this, helps me not feel alone and it reminds me why I am doing this. For me.
Aw I really needed to read this. After switching this year from bodybuilding to powerlifting specific training I feel so frustrated with having to basically start from scratch learning better technique. However I know if I persist I will smash past where I was before and be able to pull good numbers- and be stronger than ME!
You will smash it too, I love this blog. X