How “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” Can Help You Overcome Your Weak Bench Press

As someone who is constantly insecure about their bench press, I came across the “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” by the United States Office of Strategic Services and was pleasantly surprised by its relevance to lifting weights. While the book may not seem like an obvious choice for gym-goers, it actually provides invaluable insights into the power of sabotage – whether it’s sabotaging yourself or others – and how to overcome it.

The “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” was created during World War II to teach ordinary citizens how to disrupt enemy organizations through acts of sabotage. The book explains different methods of sabotage, such as procrastination, incompetence, and inconsistency, and gives examples of how to execute these methods effectively. However, as I read through the book, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the methods of sabotage outlined in the book and the self-sabotage that can occur during workouts.

The most common forms of self-sabotage that I have experienced in the gym are procrastination and inconsistency. Procrastination takes the form of skipping workouts, putting off starting a workout, or delaying progress by not increasing weights. Inconsistency takes the form of missing workouts or going through periods of time without lifting weights at all. These may seem like small obstacles, but they can have a significant impact on progress in the long run.

By reading “Simple Sabotage Field Manual,” you can learn to recognize self-sabotage behaviors and how to overcome them. One of the ways the book suggests combating sabotage is by setting small, achievable goals to build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment. In the case of lifting weights, this could mean increasing the number of reps you do for a particular exercise or adding a small amount of weight to the bar each week. These small wins can help you overcome procrastination and inconsistency and create a more consistent workout routine.

In addition to providing insights into self-sabotage, “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” is also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the tactics of espionage. The book provides a unique glimpse into the mindset of those who were fighting the war and the lengths they went to in order to win.

So, for those of you struggling with a weak bench press, I highly recommend giving “Simple Sabotage Field Manual” a read. You may be surprised at the insights it provides and how it can help you overcome your self-sabotage tendencies.

Today, I challenge you to reflect on your own workout routine and think about whether you are engaging in any forms of self-sabotage. Have you been putting off starting a new lifting program? Have you missed several workouts in a row? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s all work together to overcome our self-sabotage tendencies and achieve our lifting goals.