So I was right that there's an additional dimension to this sport. I've only really thought through the motions and movements for a lift, never actually for lifting the weight that I was going to lift.
I've always been laid back too, and apparently I'm often too laid back so I'm not releasing my full potential in the lifts.
I had a brief read up on sports psychology, it isn't half complicated. I guess this is why some powerlifters do some sort of funny dance before doing a heavy deadlift?