Preparation

Your day should always start off with a good meal.  You need energy to lift those heavy weights, and how else could you get better energy than by eating a solid healthy meal.  I always eat oatmeal in the morning or I'll eat an egg sandwich (egg and cheese and fried bologna). Without the appropriate carb in take you lack the energy needed for the long intense workout some people look for. Eating oatmeal and eggs and chicken in the morning are all great morning meals with high carbs. Eating good meals is not the only thing needed for a good work out though. Your sleep patterns can really affect the amount of energy you have while lifting. Too little sleep and too much sleep can tire you out and not give you the energy you need, 6-8 hours of sleep are suggested for the norm.  Choosing the correct time of the day to work out is a big kicker too.  Try to work out during the day when you have the most energy because then you will be able to lift your heaviest weight.  Hydration is also a key factor when it comes to lifting to your highest potential. Take all these things into consideration, you don't always need to be perfect with all these different benefits that can help with a better work out, but if you can manage to stay on top of as many of them as possible you should really see a big difference in your lifting or weight cutting depending on what your looking to do. Another big thing is whether you want a work out partner or not. Some people like to have another person with them to encourage them more and push them as hard as they can. While other people like being alone and going at their own pace.  For me it depends on my mood.  Sometimes you just want to be alone and "crush it" and other times its nice to have someone to help you along the way and get you going.  One good hint though, when your lifting heavy weight and don't know if you can get it, that is when it is good to have a partner to spot you.  Better safe then sorry.