Dooley Noted: 3/21/2016
For three years, I’ve had the goal of strict overhead pressing the 24 kilo kettlebell.
I’ve hired coaches who programmed amazing strategies.
And I went in and out of success.
I worked around injuries, one of which was last year at this time.
I didn’t press overhead for five months, as I built power in my intrinsic abdominal system to better support my shoulder joints.
After arduous rehab one year ago, I could only press the 20 kilo one time on each side.
So, the great Jason Kapnick got me focused on pressing at higher volume – starting in a submax zone.
My press workouts were long and arduous. I felt myself gain strength not in higher pounds – but in volume pressing, barbell deadlifting, and front squatting.
I got stronger and stronger, to the point where the 20 kilo was easy to press for many, many sets and reps.
But one piece was still missing.
I had this emotional connection to the goal of pressing the 24 kilo.
My fiancé had pointed out that it was placed into my head that to be considered a strong female in my community, I had to press the 24 kilo.
So there I was, chasing the goal of pressing it.
Yesterday was an off day of pressing.
I took Jonathan’s advice and took all emotion away from the 24 kilo press.
I looked at the bell, as I gently kicked it over with my feet.
It is only 24 kilos.
I pressed the 22 kilo for many sets of 3 reps. I have gained bilateral, equal power. It’s only 2 kilos more.
By basic mathematical and physical laws, I should have no trouble pressing it.
But if I can’t see myself pressing the 24, then it won’t go up.
If there’s a shred of doubt, it won’t go up.
This is what my fiancé is describing: the brain believes what you feed it.
That’s why the 20 kilo press was difficult one year ago and an easy press today.
My brain has seen and felt myself do it week after week for a year.
The bell never changed weight.
I changed. My perceptions changed. My beliefs changed.
So, with my friend Shelly talking me through it, I took the emotion away from the lift.
And I didn’t just press it on one side.
I pressed it on both sides.
The feeling was satisfying, sure.
But it was more comforting than anything.
I was comforted to find out that my coaches and fiancé were right.
Do your work. Earn your lift. Take the emotion out of the goal.
Only then will you get what you want.
I hope you get every goal you chase. My next goal is the 24 kilo pull-up.
I hope you and I both start taking the emotions out of our goals in life and work to make them happen.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley