So, I keep finding myself in this situation all the time. I am adding 5 to 10 pounds to some of my lifts every week or so. Every time I am lifting the new weight (old weight + 5 lbs), I see my form/technique deteriorate.
I asked a form-check question here for my Deadlift not too long ago. I was at 255 pounds (1s x 5r). My main problem was a little bit of lower back rounding due to not being tight enough. After getting the feedback there, and working on the same weight - 255 lbs - for two more workout sessions, I was finally able to perform my best looking set at that weight. I did not need to do two more sessions with the same weight; I just wanted to get my technique right.
Yesterday, I added 10 lbs. And hell at 265 lbs my technique again had the same problem. And a few other problems too (like rocking back a little and dropping my hips a bit, but I guess that is because I was a bit worried about my lower back with the new heavier weight). I am sure that now that I have done a set of 5 at 265 lbs, I can do it a few more times and my technique will improve or go back to where it was when I was doing 255 lbs.
But this is still annoying. This means I have to keep lifting the same weight a few times every time I add 5 to 10 lbs.
This happens for Squats too. The first day I lift the new weight (old weight + 5 lbs), I am anxious, calling on God every damn second, thinking how embarrassing it would be if I can't come out of the hole, etc. My legs are shaking a bit and I am doubting my strength - even though my lift is only 5 lbs heavier.
So I guess my question is, is this a common thing? Does it happen to other beginners? Does lifting form/technique always break down when performing the heaviest work-set for the first time? Or does this stop when you get to the 400 lbs level? Does a person, who can Squat 400 lbs, experience a minor breakdown of their technique when they squat 405 lbs for the first time?
If this is something that doesn't happen to others, then what can I do to fix the problem? How can I make sure that my form/technique doesn't break down when I am lifting my heaviest weight for the first time? What can I do to not feel anxious while lifting the new weight?