More anecdotal support: I’ve experienced the same things. For me, it’s helped establish and reinforce a growth mindset. Fitness is an area where with consistent effort, you can really see drastic and measurable improvements in a relatively short time.
In 3 months I went from thinking I was a person who “couldn’t run” to being able to run 5k nonstop. In 6 months I went from thinking I was a person who “couldn’t squat” to competing in a powerlifting meet. This feels awesome and makes me feel like I can achieve anything if I set my mind to it.
Re the growth mindset, exactly! It’s really quite gratifying to be able to literally quantify how much you’ve become a “better” version of yourself through your direct efforts.
I just think it’s unfortunate that the rational component and the weightlifter component of self-identity are often not found together, when both can learn so much from each other. (Plus, of course, it’s kinda contrarian-ly cool being both a nerd and a gym rat.)
Nice to see a fellow powerlifter here! My first meet was just last month and it was an amazing experience. By the way, those are impressive stats, especially for 6 months.
Those are my stats after my most recent meet though, about 2 years in. My first meet 6 months in was 180/95/230 @ 123. It’s sad how much progress slows down :(
More anecdotal support: I’ve experienced the same things. For me, it’s helped establish and reinforce a growth mindset. Fitness is an area where with consistent effort, you can really see drastic and measurable improvements in a relatively short time.
In 3 months I went from thinking I was a person who “couldn’t run” to being able to run 5k nonstop. In 6 months I went from thinking I was a person who “couldn’t squat” to competing in a powerlifting meet. This feels awesome and makes me feel like I can achieve anything if I set my mind to it.
(210/115/255 @ 132, female) :)
Re the growth mindset, exactly! It’s really quite gratifying to be able to literally quantify how much you’ve become a “better” version of yourself through your direct efforts.
I just think it’s unfortunate that the rational component and the weightlifter component of self-identity are often not found together, when both can learn so much from each other. (Plus, of course, it’s kinda contrarian-ly cool being both a nerd and a gym rat.)
Nice to see a fellow powerlifter here! My first meet was just last month and it was an amazing experience. By the way, those are impressive stats, especially for 6 months.
Thanks!
Those are my stats after my most recent meet though, about 2 years in. My first meet 6 months in was 180/95/230 @ 123. It’s sad how much progress slows down :(