The Fear of Failure
Everyone has it right? Nobody wants to fail, but are there benefits of failure? Especially in a gym environment? It's not at all that terrible a thing to fail. We can learn about ourselves that way!
I was thinking about this after recently failing a set while Bench Pressing. I was attempting my third rep, after two decent reps prior. As I pressed the bar off my chest I got about half way before just stalling and essentially couldn't press anymore. Luckily I had someone spotting me so was able to complete the rep and re-rack the bar.
I had two options now, either sit and get worked up because I failed or look at why I failed and how to improve for next time.
I took the latter option and have been working on my lockout with some floor press and board pressing. When I attempt the weight again I will hopefully get that rep and maybe even 1-2 more.
Don't be discouraged, training after failing can either motivate you or add additional pressure. It can be frustrating to feel like you are spinning your wheels in the lifting game where PB’s can take months to achieve. Sometimes in training everything feels super heavy and that's when you need to remind yourself why you started lifting in the first place. I look back to the times when my lifting was successful and it was when I was having fun, relaxed and not really over thinking my training.
Essentially I took the positive side of failing and re-evaluated to improve for the future, don't get me wrong. I hated missing the rep and questioned my programming, or was I over training, every little thing like that. I'm sure when I hit a new Bench Press PB I'll let you know!