Training for My First Powerlifting Meet: 7 Weeks Out

Week 7 was really tough for me both mentally and emotionally. I had moments of self-doubt and defeats in terms of my bench press (my weakest lift). I kept on focusing on what I was sacrificing instead of what I chose to sacrifice these things for. Two weeks ago on a Wednesday, I felt like nothing going right during that training session. I had failed to complete my bench sets for three sessions straight on the loads (weights) that I knew that I could do with ease. At this point, I was tempted to leave my session straightaway. In the end, I gave myself a little pep talk and I’ll share it with you.

Pep Talk For Week 7

“I wasn’t put on this Earth to be average. I was placed here to do great things. Great things I will do.” It was that thought alone that kept me going for that session and for the rest of the week.

The way I see it is that these moments of defeat are not only tests during my prep but tests for life. When something difficult occurs, we all have two choices:

1. To give up and take an easier road
2. Keep persevering

Choosing to do any type of prep whether it is for strength sports such as powerlifting, strongman, Olympic weightlifting; or aesthetic sports such as bodybuilding or any other sports is a commitment. You have to be physically and mentally strong to participate in it and push yourself to the completion of the task. Along the way, I have noticed a huge change in my mental strength when it comes to training and sacrificing certain things in my life for this meet. I always remind myself that these sacrifices are temporary and will be worth it on meet day.

I guess the message that I received during week 7 and I believe will be helpful for any of you going through a period where you feel like you can’t give it your all anymore or just want to quit. Don’t.

Keep pushing. We were all born to soar, to fly, to do great things and to be great. Don’t settle for average. No matter how long it takes, the paths I have to cross, I will face what I have to, to reach that point of greatness.

Wishing you all a great start to your week.

Until next time,

Folakemi Olamide 💓