I dropped 260lbs on my toe

“Bar is loaded” I hear as I’m next in line to step onto the platform for my powerlifting competition.

Placing 4th so far in my weight class… I needed to lock the next lift in to get onto third.

“Up next, Lara Acosta” the ref calls my name.

My heart was beating, hands all covered in chalk… I go for it.

The weight didn’t move for what it felt like hours.
But it did, I lifted 260lbs of the ground.

“Good lift” the ref says. I made it to top 3.

The thing no one saw, was that when I put the weight back down it hit my big and pinky toes.

The entire weight of the bar and the metal plates hit them.

I lost my big nail forever, it’s never grown back properly.

Did it hurt, yeah hell yeah - did I show it? no.

Because I made it to the top 3. I didn’t care, I would do anything it took.

And I’m telling you this because people think building a personal brand is hard.

Building a business is hard. Getting more engagement on a post is hard.

And they can be, but my secret is to learn to love the pain of it.

By now we can all agree I’m literally insane, and it was my time at the gym training to compete nationally and internationally where I found that insanity.

No one in life who’s ever reached their goals isn’t at least slightly crazy or obsessed.

Calling out my own BS:

Those tap out in moments where the weight is falls on them (literally for me) never reach their full potential.

They stay comfortable, and comfort is the enemy of growth.

I was one of those people a few years ago.

Thinking that because there was nothing special to me I couldn’t make it.

“I don’t have their genetics, I can’t make it to worlds”
“I’m not smart enough, I don’t think i have anything to say online”

I called BS on myself though - because I saw people with less of everything than me doong the damn thing every single time.

But calling my bs out wasn’t enough obviously, it’s not that easy.

I had to buy access to the best gyms, the best lifting societies, the best coaches and buy in into networks (by engaging like a maniac) to be surrounded by the obsessed.

See, the biggest hack in life isn't just about being self-aware of what you’re doing wrong or what you’re not doing…

It’s about being around those who are doing it right.

And so my friend, pardon my french but I’ll call in on yours.

I’m not saying you need to drop weights on your toes or run marathons on 3hrs sleep.

But I am saying you need to surround yourself by people who do.

Because that drive? that passion? rubs off.

If you’re as ambitious, of course.

I’ve seen it with 100s of my clients and members inside Literally Academy.

This isn’t just a course or a community - it’s your chance to step onto your own platform and show them.

Show them you are good enough.

But most importantly show you.

Put your limiting beliefs to rest and actually go for it.

Because you’ll never be a “pro” if you don’t start acting like it.

and I’ve got the best place for you to start.

Join entrepreneurs, founders and creators inside Literally Academy.

We’re closing our launch offer in 24hrs. 200+ people have grabbed their spot, come secure yours.

PS: I’m hosting a FREE webinar for you!

Join me on Sept 23rd for a whole 60 minutes of me workshopping through LinkedIn growth and showing you around Literally Academy!

I’ll be taking questions from the audience, playing some games and see who guesses how many energy drinks I’ve drank this week.

Mark your calendar, and sign up here!