Breaking barriers: Asian weightlifter & public speaker.

Earlier this year, I set out my vision board.?My vision is to lift 300 lbs in 2023!

Another vision is to be a confident, athletic Asian public speaker. Both are important because they represent a different visage, in which Asian men can be strong, lean and confident — my journey to becoming an even better leader. As discussed in last week's blog, I manifested the public speaker vision.

Roy Chan is one of my inspirations.

With just five weeks left of the year, how could I get to 300 lbs?

Throughout the fall, I deadlifted up to 265 lbs with ease. I have been training consistently 4x a week and am willing to hustle and dive into the dream. Something magical happened when I brought it to my trainer and gym buddy last Friday.?

We did the usual warm-up and mobility exercises. They are super important to get the foundation. I lifted 155 lbs x 5 as a warm-up set. Easy peacy. Then, I did some pull-ups to round out the set.?

Breaking the Mental Barrier of Failure.

I lifted 205 x 5 and 255 lbs x 5 for the second and third sets. It's a familiar, typical limit I experienced recently.

Then my trainer asked me to do another 45-lb pull-up. I failed at the 3rd rep. I accepted it and moved on — my key growth learning!

Milan kept the atmosphere casual, returned to the deadlift, and suggested adding another 40 lbs. I said let's try it.?I told myself not to get intimidated by the numbers. I reminded myself how to set myself up correctly.

• When I lift clean, I prevent injury, so proper posture produces strength and stability.
• I set my stance and grab the floor with my toes like shredding paper, with deep inhalation embracing my tight core, and I don't ache my back.
• Take off and trust yourself!

I put on some chalk. I lifted it; I did 295 lbs!

I broke my mental barrier for 12 months!?

I could feel the heaviness, but it was manageable. I had to readjust the lift to gain more control. Milan encouraged me to keep going as I gained more momentum.?I feel powerful. I felt like I had shed my old self.?It feels like "a rising tide lifts all boats."

"Do you want to hit 300 lbs today rather than wait until the year's end ???" He asked.

I'm like, "Ummmmm, sure!?We added 2.5 lbs on each side. I tried to set up the stance again. That's the power of having a coach.

Milan surprised me and took the phone to record the moment!

I told myself, "Oops, Elliot, the spotlight is on. Don't screw it up." But just like I did as a public speaker, I told myself NOT to worry about the spotlight. Just be me. I took some deep diaphragmatic breaths to calm my fight-or-flight. I said, "OMG, I feel the pressure!" and lifted!

It's at 300 lbs! The camera spotlight motivated me to focus on the present energy. I kept my concentration and went forward until I finished my 5th rep!

It didn't feel heavy.

It felt like I was lifting a generation.

It feels like I'm lifting myself.

I lifted off my goal of 300 lbs.

It didn't feel impossible anymore!

I can feel the smiling and struggling!

I'm capable and lost. I feel powerful and vulnerable.?I feel successful and traumatized. For those who doubted me recently, I told myself to look at me now, the roaring lion. I become a better self — A better leader, a better neighbour, and a better speaker.

It's okay to want more, but being happy with my presence is also essential. It's possible to hold space for both.

It's also possible to be a weightlifter and a public speaker, in which I use my voice to inspire and empower others. This 300-pound accomplishment marked a significant personal milestone, breaking a self-labelled mental barrier and helping me become both.

Milan said, "Yes sir!! Next goal 350". Here's an inspiration from an excellent athlete, Alex, who lifted over 400 lbs!

I look forward to seeing you next week.

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