The Empowering Feeling of Failure

Closeup my hand and calluses

The most empowering feeling in the world:

To attempt something truly epic, and then fail– and realizing that the failure wasn’t so bad or scary!

The wisdom of deadlifts

Deadlifting 420 pounds (four 45-plates on each side, with a 2.5+5 pounder)

Why do I powerlift? To me, it is mental training. A combination of applied Zen and Stoic philosophy.

Why zen? Zen because before I attempt a PR (new personal record), I must empty my mind. No headphones. No music. No distractions. Just me, my hands, the bar, and the “one rep max” attempt to lift the weight.

Why stoic? To eliminate all fear of failure or ‘injury’. So much fear of injuring ourselves is what holds us back. And this ain’t just applied to powerlifting, but to life and entrepreneurship in general.

Attempt more than you think you’re capable of

Closeup my hand and calluses
Closeup my hand and calluses. Long live deadlifts!

This is the thing:

I think we are capable of MORE than we think we are.

What is my great superpower? My ego. Why my ego? Because I over-estimate what I am capable of, which is a HUGE BENEFIT to my life. Why? It makes me risk-loving, and makes me never doubt in myself. And even when I fail, it ain’t a big deal to me. I attempt a new PR in any of my lifts (deadlift, squat, benchpress) and I fail. No biggie– just eat more meat, take a few days off to augment my strength, then try again!

Never stop trying (FOR MORE!)

ERIC


MOTIVATION

ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II x Ricoh GR II x RICOH MAFIA Artwear
ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II x Ricoh GR II x RICOH MAFIA Artwear

Seek to become more:

See all articles >