An UNKNOWN can be your UPLIFTER.
Today during my workout challenge, I was aiming for a solid 45 kg barbell shoulder press.
In class, there’s this ongoing challenge—whoever lifts the heaviest wins a goodie. So I warmed up with 25 kg, moved to 35 kg, and finally locked my challenge weight at 45 kg.
I called over the trainer, did my 5 reps, and he noted it down.
Just then, someone I barely knew—seen him around but never really interacted—walked up and said,
“You’ve got 50 kg in you. Go for it.”
He even told the trainer, “Wait, don’t write 45 kg as his best. He’s going for 50.”
I was unsure. 50 kg felt like a stretch.
I tried. Failed.
He just smiled and said,
“Take your time. Try again.”
I took a deep breath, reset my grip, and went again.
5 clean reps.
The trainer counted all the reps.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have even tried if it weren’t for that one push—his belief.
Sometimes, all it takes is a stranger’s words to unlock a strength you didn’t know you had.
An UNKNOWN can be your BIGGEST UPLIFTER.
