Book SummaryLifting, by Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Lifting

The Stoltman Brothers' Strongmen Journey and Personal History

This section explores the Stoltman family history, particularly their grandfather's influence, and the brothers' contrasting childhood experiences in the Scottish Highlands that shaped their paths to strongman. It prepares you to understand their drive, resilience, and the unique challenges they faced.

Stoltman Family Roots and Brothers' Highland Upbringing

This subsection delves into the brothers' family roots, highlighting their grandfather's remarkable resilience and fortitude during WWII, and how this shaped the brothers' work ethic. It also contrasts Luke and Tom's childhood experiences, including Luke's rebellious phase and Tom's challenges with autism.

Polish WWII Survivor Grandfather Instills Work Ethic and Resilience

The authors emphasize the profound influence of their paternal grandfather, "Opa," a Polish WWII survivor, on their lives and professional strongman pursuits. Their grandfather's immense strength, resilience, and unwavering work ethic, forged in the crucible of war, became a cornerstone of their household ethos. Opa's wartime experiences, including escaping a firing squad, forced labor on German farms, and witnessing the atrocities of concentration camps, instilled in him an unyielding determination to survive and provide for his family. He worked tirelessly, taking on any back-breaking task, from digging drains to harvesting peat, ultimately becoming known as the most dedicated worker in the area. This resilience and dedication to hard work were passed down through generations, shaping Luke and Tom's approach to their strongman careers.

The Stoltmans highlight Opa's extraordinary physical feats, such as running while carrying heavy logs, as testament to his strength and the demanding nature of his work. They recognize that while their grandfather's physical prowess was born of necessity rather than sport, his indomitable spirit and willpower to persevere through adversity are qualities they share and draw upon in their strongman pursuits. The authors credit Opa, whose life in Scotland after the Second World War was built from scratch, often under brutal circumstances, as an inspiration that drives them to push their limits and achieve goals that might appear unattainable. His motto, "Work harder to increase your luck," is a core Stoltman principle.

Context

• Survivors of war often develop a heightened sense of determination and adaptability. These psychological traits can significantly influence their descendants, who may adopt similar attitudes in facing challenges.
• Surviving a firing squad would have been a traumatic experience, likely instilling a deep sense of survival and urgency in Opa. This kind of near-death experience often leads to a heightened appreciation for life and a relentless drive to overcome future challenges.
• In many Eastern European cultures, particularly post-war, there was a strong emphasis on resilience and hard work as a means of survival and rebuilding. This cultural backdrop likely influenced Opa's work ethic.
• The legacy of resilience and hard work is a common theme in families with immigrant backgrounds, where survival and adaptation often require extraordinary effort and determination.
• Carrying heavy logs and performing strenuous tasks would have naturally developed Opa's physical strength and endurance, akin to modern strength training, albeit without the structured approach seen in contemporary sports.
• This refers to the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or return to pre-crisis status quickly. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.
• After WWII, Scotland faced economic challenges, including housing shortages and unemployment. Many immigrants, like Opa, had to navigate these difficulties while rebuilding their lives.
• This motto reflects a common mindset in sports and competitive fields where consistent hard work is seen as a way to improve skills and increase the likelihood of success.

Brothers' Childhoods: Luke's Rebellion vs. Tom's Autism

The Stoltmans describe their distinct childhood experiences in Invergordon. Luke, the elder brother, recounts a rebellious phase marked by expulsions from school, driving infractions, and a cycle of employment in remote locations and subsequent blowouts. He felt limited by the perceived lack of opportunities in Invergordon and sought an escape through physical exertion at a fitness center. This period, though tumultuous, laid the foundation for Luke's discipline and focus, which would later translate into his strongman pursuits. He found solace and purpose in working out, developing his strength and physicality, which became a cornerstone of his identity.

Tom's autism diagnosis shaped his childhood. He describes the challenges of navigating a society that often felt overwhelming and confusing. Though he found comfort and normalcy in participating in soccer, social interactions and changes in routine proved difficult. His experiences with bullying and discouragement further compounded his struggles, leading to a period of depression and withdrawal. However, Tom's unwavering family support, particularly from his mother, in addition to Luke's encouragement, helped him find a sense of purpose and belonging at the gym. This supportive environment fostered his self-confidence and allowed him to channel his focus into physical training, ultimately setting Tom on the path to strongman. This contrast in childhoods ultimately contributed to their shared drive and their unique strengths as individuals and a team.

Context

• These could include offenses such as speeding, driving without a license, or other violations, often reflecting a desire for freedom or thrill-seeking behavior common in adolescence.
• Scotland has a rich history in strength sports, including the Highland Games, which might have...

Lifting Summary Mental Toughness, Visualization, and Sports Psychology in Strongman

This section explores how the brothers use mental toughness, visualization, and sports psychology, and their strategies and practices for developing these. It's presented as essential for achievement in strongman competitions.

Cultivating a Resilient, Positive Attitude for Strongman Competition Success

This subsection outlines two distinct but equally important aspects of the brothers' mental game. Tom utilizes visualization and concrete thinking, while Luke benefits from the guidance of a psychologist who specializes in sports. Both are discussed as essential for consistent strongman achievement.

Tom Uses Mental Visualization and Triggers to Achieve Excellence

The Stoltmans emphasize the importance of mental visualization in their practice and contests. Tom specifically uses this technique extensively. Before trying to lift weights, he meticulously visualizes the process, engaging all his senses and creating a mental blueprint for success. This method, combined with his solid thinking style, helps him block out distractions and focus intensely on the task at hand. He also visualizes everyday scenarios like journeys and competition strategies, solidifying his plans...

Shortform Exercise: Family Influence and Personal Resilience

Explore the influence of family and personal experiences on shaping the Stoltman brothers' work ethic and resilience.

How do you think Opa's experiences during WWII influenced the Stoltman brothers in their strongman careers?