Don't Compare Yourself To Other Athletes
"But you are just so good… I’ll never be able to do that."
Have you ever said this out loud—or even thought it quietly to yourself—when watching someone lift, move, or perform with ease?
If so, don't stress.
Good on you for even
taking the first step:
- Stepping into the gym
- Taking your health into your own hands
- Building new, lifelong habits
The Truth About Starting Something New
The world of Weightlifting and CrossFit can feel tricky and overwhelming when you're new. Just like any complex task or sport, things take time.
It’s easy to feel:
- Overwhelmed by the complexity
- Discouraged by how far you feel from your goals
But good things come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
This is a principle I live my life by.
My Story: From Trampolines to Weightlifting
I spent over a decade as an elite-level trampolinist during my younger years.
That experience taught me:
- Persistence
- Dedication
- Grit
However, when I transitioned to the weightlifting world—I quickly realised:
➡️ I had
absolutely no idea what I was doing.
➡️ Everything felt
foreign.
➡️
I was terrible—at best.
But I stuck with it.
And I’ll always remember my first coach telling me:
"Film yourself now. Compare it again in 6–12 months. You’ll be amazed at the difference."
And guess what?
He was right.
Growth is Slow—and That’s Okay
Little by little, a little becomes a lot.
I stayed with it for a year.
I still
felt awkward (like a "Gumby"), but I:
- Understood the movements better
- Built strength
- Improved my mobility
I was hooked.
Today, I've been
competing in Olympic Weightlifting for
over eight years—and I still consider myself a
student of the sport.
There’s
always something to improve on, always
more to learn.
Your Journey: From Now to 12 Months Later
So next time you're in the gym, don’t beat yourself up.
Instead:
- Be open to the learning process.
- Understand that everything worthwhile takes time, patience, and consistent effort.
- Celebrate the fact that you are starting. That alone is massive.
The "you" who walks into the gym today will NOT be the same "you" who walks in 12 months from now.
You will be
stronger,
more capable, and
more confident.
Trust the process.
Embrace the challenge.
And remember:
you're already winning by being brave enough to begin.