Powerlifter Stefi Cohen on Attaining Self-Mastery

Self-Discovery

Stefi Cohen's journey to self-discovery is marked by her willingness to embrace change and explore new paths. She shares how her athletic journey began with soccer, which she pursued after moving from Venezuela to the U.S. on a scholarship. Despite initial struggles, she transitioned through various sports, eventually finding her calling in powerlifting and CrossFit 1. Stefi emphasizes the importance of trying different things to find one's true passion, stating, "I want to try something. I want to see objectively if I'm well fit for it. And if not, then I have no problem quitting and moving on to whatever the next thing might be" 2. This mindset allowed her to discover what truly resonated with her.

   

Boxing Transition

Transitioning from powerlifting to boxing presented Stefi with new challenges and opportunities for growth. She describes her decision to take up boxing as a response to feeling too comfortable in powerlifting, seeking a new challenge that would push her limits 3. Stefi recounts her first experience in the boxing ring, highlighting the stark difference from weightlifting: "It was all fun and games until I stepped in that ring and I looked into her eyes and I saw that she was there to absolutely murder me" 4. This transition not only tested her physical abilities but also her mental resilience, as she adapted to the intense demands of the sport.

   

New Beginnings

Stefi's mindset of choosing new beginnings is driven by her desire to pursue excellence and personal growth. Despite starting weightlifting later than many peers, she never doubted her ability to succeed, driven by a belief that "the limit does not exist" 5. She discusses the challenges elite performers face in knowing when to push through discomfort and when to intelligently quit, a distinction she finds crucial for long-term success 6. Stefi's approach to new challenges reflects her commitment to self-improvement and her willingness to leave behind successful careers for the unknown.