Elevate Your Mindset: 20 Years of Personal Growth
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Reflecting on my early years, I recall being just 5'3" and weighing 114 pounds at fifteen. My doctor once confidently predicted I’d grow to around 5'7"—a height I thought was lofty, given my experiences of always being shorter than my peers. However, my growth plateaus had other plans. Now, I remain the same height, and while some may attribute this to divine influence, I find humor in the situation.
Facing our insecurities can be an enlightening experience. My current character has been significantly shaped by my height. Years ago, I realized that my physical stature influenced my compassionate nature. Instead of harboring resentment, I embraced my uniqueness, leading to the development of qualities such as patience, kindness, and empathy.
I take pride in who I’ve become, thanks in part to my height. Yet, it also taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability and mental growth. My initial desire to match the physical strength of my peers unveiled a profound truth about progress and transformation.
Every Choice Matters
Entering high school, I weighed a mere 114 pounds, but by graduation, I had increased to 138 pounds. This change, albeit modest, reflected real progress thanks to dedicated nutrition and guidance from exceptional coaches—one of whom was a former powerlifter and Olympic lifter.
My journey into weightlifting ignited a passion that would shape my character and life choices. Physical Conditioning was an elective that I could have easily skipped, but I chose to embrace it. What if fear had kept me from trying? What if I hadn’t discovered the world of powerlifting and Olympic lifting?
Real Growth Over Time
My inaugural powerlifting competition during my sophomore year saw me at 117 pounds. Though my numbers now seem modest, they were significant for my then-physical state:
- Squat: 185 pounds
- Bench: 155 pounds
- Deadlift: 285 pounds
- Total: 635 pounds
Fast forward to my most recent competition at Nationals in May 2022:
- Bench: 242.5 pounds
- Squat: 352.7 pounds
- Deadlift: 446.4 pounds
- Total: 1041.6 pounds
It's easy to overlook the growth that occurs over two decades. The truth is, I didn’t consistently train as a strength athlete throughout this time. Had I done so, my achievements could have been even more remarkable, as elite lifters at my weight class often total between 1400 and 1500 pounds.
This enlightening video explores the incredible feats of strength and teamwork. How many individuals does it take to lift a car? It showcases the power of collaboration and determination.
Understanding Growth
The distinction between physical and mental growth is stark; physical changes are visible while mental transformations can be elusive. Over the years, I have witnessed my body evolve in various ways—from muscle mass to weight fluctuations.
Training is not solely about physical health; it’s a pathway to understanding growth in our mental capacities. Society often fixates on immediate results, neglecting the long-term journey.
Consider this: If we could view life as a cohesive whole, would we be more inspired by our growth?
Growth is Inevitable
We all experience change, but the key is to amplify its impact. Reflect on the past two decades—how far have you come? While everyone faces challenges, the chaos of contemporary society can distract us from our personal development.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by external pressures, but growth is a continuous journey. Even if you’re not actively pursuing self-improvement, your mind is evolving. Recognizing this can instill confidence.
The world’s pace is often unnatural, making it difficult to appreciate the mental work already underway.
The key takeaway is to avoid stagnation and not to let the frantic pace of life dishearten you. Trust your unique rhythm; it often leads to greater efficiency.
Whether it’s five, ten, or twenty years, what matters is the intention behind your journey. Aim to live with purpose, striving for minimal regrets by the end of your journey.
As a favorite motto states, “Work. Hustle. Kill.”
I appreciate you, fellow life conquerors.
Truth and Love.
If you resonate with my reflections, you may also enjoy the discussions on my podcast, The Rebel Minded Podcast. You can find it on Substack, Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts.
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Remember to always question everything!
This inspiring video chronicles the journey from weighing 450 pounds to becoming an ultra-runner in just two years. It emphasizes the power of determination and transformation.