Exhibit A
First, exhibit A, above. That's me lifting an atlas stone that is just slightly larger than 18" in diameter and weighs approximately 250lbs. That's right, I'm lifting a piece of concrete weighing almost 100lbs more than a keg of beer. The second step of that lift (not pictured) is me lifting the stone to a platform height of approximately 46 inches. As I write this it seems a bit unbelievable. But that's what is remarkable about this sport: lifting weight that would otherwise seem like a herculean feat of strength. Don't get me wrong, I know there are plenty of people out there that can lift quite a bit more, but right now I'm focused on my individual goals. And let's be honest, I shouldn't even be thinking about what a potential competitor can do in comparison to my current strength. That's not why I do this. I do it because with each progressively heavier personal record I lift a weight that I have never lifted before. I train to get stronger. I compete to pressure test myself. I continue this journey because I am hungry. Ultimately, this sport is about individual fortitude, grit, and feeding that internal hunger by setting and demolishing personal goals. Of course this sport wouldn't be what it is without that exhilarating feeling of lifting objects equivalent to the weight of something ridiculous... like an adult panda. Yes, a panda. If you don't believe me I submit Exhibit B: Giant panda | Smithsonian's National Zoo (si.edu).
Does the idea of lifting large heavy objects excite you? Then I challenge you to begin your journey and become a fellow strong-creature. I can assure you that you don't need a bunch of fancy implements to train. You simply need the hunger to want to BE stronger. I talk to those closest to me quite a bit about positive intent. Although I sometimes fail in my personal messaging, one of the driving factors to pushing through negative messaging is remaining hungry. You must be hungry in your intent and hungry in your visualization. I suppose I should write a bit about visualization, but I think I will leave that topic for another week. For now I want to convey this message: it is the hunger to be better, to be stronger, and to lift heavier that will push you past that mental plateau. And when you discover that the plateau was nothing but a self-imposed fog, you will discover a strength that can propel you to attaining your greatest of goals.
Why do I train to be a strong-creature? Because I love it. There isn't anything mystical about it. Some people find their Zen playing basketball or golf. I find my Zen when I lift a concrete boulder weighing the equivalent of one of these adorable buggers (exhibit C). If that interests you then trust me, the community would love to have you. If you are already one of us then I salute you fellow member of my tribe. Regardless, find your Zen, be hungry, and crush your own personal goals. Strength and honor.
Exhibit C
