Don’t wait until you are “strong enough” to compete.
If you’re waiting until you’re “strong enough” to compete in powerlifting, chances are you’ll never step on the platform.
It’s a common mindset among beginner lifters to think they need to hit certain strength standards before they can participate in a competition. This belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Powerlifting is not about meeting arbitrary milestones before you're "worthy" to compete. It’s about joining a sport that values personal growth, hard work, and an amazing community.
Here’s a reality check: there’s always someone stronger. The lifter winning their local competition often gets outmatched at nationals, and those dominating nationals face even tougher competitors at the international level. If we all waited until we were the strongest, only the top 1% in the world would step on the platform. But that’s not the spirit of the sport.
Powerlifting is about the journey. It’s about building your total, enjoying the process, and sharing moments with others who share your passion. By holding yourself to some imagined “strong enough” standard, you’re missing out on the opportunity to grow and experience a sport that could profoundly impact your life.
My advice for newer lifters? Stop waiting for an arbitrary strength milestone to validate you. Pick a competition happening in the next three to six months and commit to it. Training with a goal in mind will be transformative, and stepping on the platform will likely be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
The Bigger Picture
From my own journey in the sport—bombing out at my first meet to representing Ireland internationally, and coaching lifters at every level—I’ve learned that powerlifting isn’t about who lifts the most. It’s about the people. The lifters, the supporters, and the sense of community.
At competitions, no one is fixated on how much weight you’re lifting. Spectators are there for their friends, family, and training partners. The only people truly focused on you are your circle—the people who care about your journey and want to see you succeed.
If you show up, work hard, and give it your all on the platform, you’ve already won. The thrill of the sport lies in the effort, the fight, and the camaraderie. Podium placements are exciting, sure, but they’re a small part of the bigger picture. Outside of the top few spots, nobody remembers who placed fourth, fifth, or beyond.
The bottom line? The platform is yours if you’re willing to fight for it. Stop overthinking, stop doubting yourself, and start competing.
Conclusion
Don’t let fear of judgment or a perceived lack of strength keep you from experiencing the sport of powerlifting. Compete for yourself, for your growth, and for the chance to be part of a community that celebrates effort over numbers.
Pick a meet, train hard, and step on the platform. You won’t regret it.
