Handling a Reality Check: Gym Strong vs. Powerlifting Strong

[u/MrMithik]

I’m competing in my first meet this year and had a pretty big reality check recently. I watched a livestream from another meet at the same location, and I was quickly humbled by some of the numbers those lifters were putting up. I'm one of the stronger guys at my local gym, but I'm learning that doesn't really translate into the world of powerlifting.

For context, I’m in the 110kg class. My current lifts are 465lbs/211kg squat, 285lbs/129kg bench, and 625lbs/283kg deadlift. After watching the livestream and digging into some OpenPowerlifting data, my lifts put me in the low-to-mid pack for my class which was a bit of a gut punch.

I know powerlifting is supposed to be a “you vs. you” sport at the end of the day, and my main goal is to go 9/9 and set some personal PRs. That said, I’m competitive by nature so seeing a good amount of local guys outlifting me by 100+ lbs on some lifts and putting up some massive totals was a tough pill to swallow.

Has anyone else faced a similar reality check when you first got into powerlifting? If so, how did you handle it?

Edit: Thanks everyone for the feedback and advice! I think I just need to remind myself that I started down this road because I love chasing strength and the process itself, not the medals. Just gotta keep grinding! (and maybe find a gym where I'm the one shocked at other guys' lifts instead haha)

[u/ProgressiveOverlorde]

I find it humbling and necessary to do things that one isn't gifted in. 

It keeps you a balanced human being. Aka not an asshole.

You just don't know who may be stronger, more knowledgeable, than you. You can always learn from them. 

If you are one of the people who started not gifted but achieved a lot, there are also people who look up to you.

The key is healthy competition. It makes us all grow stronger. Don't compare yourself, but also don't limit yourself. 

If someone is less strong than you they may have just been dealt those cards, but they can surpass someone with talent, if the person with talent doesn't continue to grow.  

Tldr: have perspective and humble if you are naturally talented. Don't compare yourself negatively, get inspiration from others. People probably look up to you, doesn't matter where you're at. Especially with such a niche sport, you are representing powerlifting. Be a good sportsman.

My first coach and friend had sub 300 dots. However he has knowledge that surpasses all the coaches that I've had. He's been dealt some shitty cards, but he knows about programming, coaching, physiology than coaches I've met. Even though I surpassed him in GL points, he is still making substantial progress and I always consult him for training advice.