I have competed in one form or another in powerlifting for over two decades now. It may be a bit longer but I ain’t counting. No matter how long it has been here are a few things I learned along the way.

1. Consistency is the only thing that works in any program.
2. Stop looking for a coach and start looking for training partners.
3. Know that you don’t know and learn from everyone.
4. Somedays it is best to throw the program out and train with the group.
5. If your gym doesn’t allow chalk, find a new gym.
6. Find those stronger than you and follow them.
7. Respect the IRON.
8. Respect others training around you.
9. Be patient, results take time and return to lesson one, consistency.
10. Ride the wave. Somedays you are not in control and that’s OK.
11. Don’t throw out the program because of one failure.
12. What works today may not work tomorrow.
13. What may not have worked in the past may work tomorrow.
14. Over time how you approach each lift may change (this could be mental or physical).
15. There is only three reasons you aren’t getting stronger (fear of pain, fear of weight, fear of injury).
16. The pendulum will always swing too far. Whatever you think is right today will be assumed to be wrong tomorrow.
17. You have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak.
18. Most deadlifts aren’t missed they are given up on.
19. Quitting is OK. If you don’t love it don’t do it. If you love it then keep fighting.
20. Make this a team sport. Enrich your life through the sport.

This is my short list with an assist from Curtis Miller.

Hamer