Staying withing my ability level without overexerting. It seems I end up with gym buddies that like to go heavy and they think that I should go heavy too. I sometimes let them talk me into doing more than I should and I get a tear and end up hurt. I hate that.
Lifting big weight is not my goal anymore anyway. I need to improve my endurance and stamina for long range rucking (hiking) and running. I run 3 days a week and ruck 3 days. But right now I'm within 60 days of a performance eval, so I'm doing much more than I need to just stay fit.
I still lift 5 days a week, but I lowered the weight and increased reps per set. Gone are the 8 rep sets. 12-15 now, 4 sets, 4 exercises. I'd like to be ripped like Mark, but performance is my number one concern. However I look or what I weigh is secondary.