In order to become more productive, maximize your physical and physiological strength.
I’m more productive after squatting 335 pounds
![back muscle flex eric kim](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2019-10-14-at-4.39.53-PM-resized-2000x1008.jpg?resize=1200%2C605&ssl=1)
My stats:
- 169 pounds
- Height: 5 foot 10 inches
- Sumo deadlift max: 425 pounds
- Squat max: 345 pounds
- Dumbell press max: 100 pounds
Ever since moving to Providence, Rhode Island, I’ve been focusing on powerlifting (and strength building) quite religiously. I go to the gym (at least) once a day (often twice a day — one for my powerlifting style lifting, and once with Cindy for a workout class). And this is the fascinating thing:
As I’ve started to workout more, I eat better (more meat), I have better mood, I sleep deeper and better, I am more creatively productive, I think loftier thoughts, and my life is just better!
The artist-entrepreneur-powerlifter-philosopher
![Deadlifting 420 pounds (four 45-plates on each side, with a 2.5+5 pounder)](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F955CFFC-AC9F-4BBE-8C01-441917856DBD.jpeg?resize=1200%2C772&ssl=1)
To have the strength to make art, write, and think lofty thoughts — this requires much strength. And what is the source of our strength? Not our mind — our body! The only true strength is bodily and physiological strength. Mental strength is simply an offshoot or reflection of the physiological strength of our body.
![Closeup my hand and calluses](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/eric-kim-photography-ricoh-gr-iii-la-67-2000x1333.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hand-closeup-scab-2000x1272.png?resize=1200%2C763&ssl=1)