One of the most common questions you’ll ever see is the one that asks, “What is the mentality of a powerlifter?” If you study powerlifters for any period of time you’ll find that all successful powerlifters tend to have a few things in common. While there are more things/attributes than those we’ll be discussing today, the most prevalent and obvious are that they: work very hard, know how to stay focused, have balls (so to speak), have no shortage of heart, understand the process, take full responsibility for their actions.
Mental Traits of a powerlifter
When we hear the word “mentality” we assume that it’s a single thought process that people tend to have. In reality, there are a number of thought processes that winning/successful powerlifters all have in common with one another - these are what make up the winning powerlifters mentality. For instance, one would think that to be a successful powerlifter one would simply be a person who “works hard”. In reality, it’s the fact that they have an understanding of the process, and have the energy to stick with it that allows them to continue to work hard. See what I mean when I say that there are a number of different attributes that makes any winning powerlifter (heck, any winner in general) a winner.
- They work hard and are committed: Anyone can think of lifting a heavy weight or even consider the act of doing so to be cool. However, there is a lot more that goes into it than simply lifting the weight. There’s quite a bit of pain that goes into it. Lifters may make it look easy (they’ll smile and things of that nature) but, when it comes down to it there’s no easy way for a person to be able to lift 2 to 3x their body weight without them feeling a little bit of pain. No way whatsoever. What does that mean for these lifters? Well, they have to stay committed. They understand that they’ll be in pain and that it’s typical of someone who does what they do. They have no quit in them.
*not to say that having quit is a bad thing. It can sometimes be beneficial for a person to know when to drop the weight. It's a great way to avoid inflicting harm on yourself.
As a minor segway (and I talk about this in the section below) when you really look at a powerlifter and they have that emotionless stare on their faces that’s the look of determination and commitment. They’re digging deep so they can keep going.
- They understand the process: This thought process can actually be applied to almost any competitive sport but, winning powerlifters understand that nothing is going to come easy. There is no way (unless you’re a very new powerlifter) that you’re going to be able to jump from a 600 lb deadlift all the way to an 800 lb deadlift in a year. It’s impossible. It takes steady small jumps for a person who has a few years of lifting under the belt to continue to progress. That’s just the truth. Powerlifters understand this and simply trust in the process. They know that every small improvement they make will take them to their goal weight.
- They know how to focus: I could always give you my own personal perspective on the matter but, I simply don’t have enough “skin in the game” to have an effect on your mind. I’m just being honest. What I can say to you is that you need to look at the change in personality of any powerlifter when they step up to bat at a meet or get ready to do a session in the gym. There may be a smile in the in-between time but, when they get ready to lift any type of weight or do a set the only thing that’s on their minds appears to be that next lift. They don’t care for anything else. Seriously, if you ever have the chance to look at the face of or even talk to someone who lifts any type of substantial weight or competes I want you to ask them what’s going on up there (their head). They may not answer you (or get annoyed) but, if they do I’m, willing to bet any amount of money (yes I like to bet a bit) that they say they’re only focused on their next set. Nothing else matters but that moment in time.
- They have metaphorical balls: I mean this in the most respectful way possible but, if you want to be good at powerlifting you have to have some level of balls. Not in the literal sense but in the metaphorical sense. Why do I say this? Well, you have to understand that I and many others consider winning powerlifters to be those who have committed themselves to the craft and have no shortage of ability in the gym. These are the people who are willing to put 2x their body weight above their heads and press it like it’s nothing. You do understand that the action of doing that in itself can lead to some serious bodily harm correct? You can tear a pec (I’m talking about the bench press by the way), a shoulder, you may not even be able to get the weight back up and be stuck under a very heavy barbell. Literally anything can happen. Knowing this these lifters still get under the weight. Why? Well, they want it and are willing to accept the risks associated with getting it.
*does that mean that they have to be idiots when it comes to lifting the weight? No. You should still have a spotter and practice good form so that you don’t hurt yourself. You should also use safety apparatuses if possible. Don’t hurt yourself on purpose.
- There is no shortage of heart: Above I mentioned that lifters like to put themselves in situations that can be considered. At the least, very compromising. Think about it. If a person makes a single wrong move with 3 x their body weight on their backs they can break their legs or otherwise seriously harm themselves. What does that mean for them? Well, they have to have the courage/heart to actually get under the weight and require the confidence to know that they’ll be able to get the weight back up.
- They take responsibility for their actions: Everyday that a powerlifter spends in the gym is going to bring them closer to their goals. They understand that missing a day in the gym is on them. They understand that, while they don’t have control over the weight they’re able to put up at any given time (very little) they do have control over the process. On a side note, they also understand that they get what they’re willing to give. Everything is about equivalent exchange. You aren't able to deadlift 1000 lbs at a 250 lb body weight without giving almost all of your time and focus to that end. (Here's an article on a great workout plan for peaking) You have to want it and understand that it’s up to you if you don’t get it.
Conclusion
While there are other things that successful/winning powerlifters have in common, these are a few that stuck out when reading through and watching their content. What do all these things have in common with one another? They signal that an individual actually wants whatever it is that they’re aiming for.