Balancing Parenthood, Powerlifting, and Policing: This Strongwoman's Journey to Inner Strength
Zoe Thompson went from being overweight and rarely leaving her house to competing at Europe's Strongest Woman—all in 12 months. But her real strength wasn't measured in deadlifts. It was learning to push past mental limits that had kept her small for years.
Key Takeaways
• Your ceiling isn't your ceiling. Most people think they're at 100% when they're actually operating at 40% of their true capacity.
• Action builds confidence, not the other way around. Stop waiting to feel confident before doing something. Do it first, then the feelings follow.
• Physical state changes mental state. When you feel tired or defeated, change your posture, move your body, and watch your mindset shift.
Notable Quotes
"I found that going into the gym that I was pushing myself a lot more following the plan than I would have done if I was on my own and so it really helped me to start to question like what is possible."
"People will attach the behaviors to their character as well but ultimately we can feel all the feels and we can do all of the behaviors... that's something that we do and that we feel in moments and it comes and it goes."
"We're human beings not just human doings and I think that actually having a little bit of a slower pace is beneficial."
Real-World Applications
Start with micro-agreements in meetings. Don't jump straight into challenging ideas. Begin by saying "I think that's a great point" to get your voice heard, then gradually add your own thoughts.
Use the "What else?" technique when stuck. Ask yourself this question repeatedly to break out of tunnel vision and discover options you hadn't considered.
Change your physical state to change your mental state. Feeling tired? Say "I'm full of energy" while jumping up and moving around instead of giving in to fatigue.
Strength isn't just about lifting heavy weights. It's about recognizing that the stories you tell yourself can either cage you or set you free. The gym taught Zoe that her limits were mostly mental constructs. The real win? Learning that confidence comes from doing, not from waiting to feel ready.
01:32 Zoe Thompson's Background and Journey to Strong Woman Competition
05:53 The Impact of Physical Challenges on Personal Growth
10:07 Exploring Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
13:40 The Power of Perspective and Choice in Personal Development
20:42 Understanding Emotions and Their Importance
22:56 The Power of Body Language
24:22 How Our Physical State Impacts Our Mental State
25:09 Asserting Presence in Meetings
31:06 The Importance of Rest and Downtime
34:42 The Art of Balancing Productivity and Rest
36:58 Cultural Differences in Expressing Appreciation
39:03 Connecting with Zoe and Learning More
Links Mentioned:
Zoe on LinkedIn: / zoe-thompson-phoenix-lifeandwellbeing-coach
Phoenix Coaching Website: https://www.phoenixlifecoach.co.uk/
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.