It’s a question I ask myself quite frequently, and I get an answer that varies quite frequently. The problem with these varying answers, however, is that the same ultimate goal of making money is always why I’m playing poker. Yes, I lie to myself sometimes, and this can cause serious problems for not only me, but for anyone else who does the same thing.
For example, let’s take my answer a couple weeks ago: “I am just playing for entertainment.” If I’m just playing for entertainment, it must mean I’m not concerned about losing money. However, I am. Why would I say this to myself then? I believe it boils down to two reasons that a lot of poker players can justify:
1. You’re losing - It’s easy to say you’re just playing for fun if you’re losing, and you don’t have to justify why you’re getting your ass kicked by everyone at the table if you don’t care about what you’re doing. This technique is of a face-saving variety, and while it may make you feel better around your peers, it makes you feel worse about yourself in the long run.
2. No Motivation - I found this to be the most recent of my problems. I had just won a big tournament, and since I had made a lot of money, I wasn’t really playing for anything in particular except to pass time. At that point, I really didn’t care about losing money. How does this problem get remedied? Well, it’s very possible that you could lose everything you won, and then you’re back to square one. However, since this is not ideal, I think another thing that can bring you back into a realm of focus at the table is to set a goal for yourself. It’s simple, and it’s common, but sometimes we don’t do common things because they are so run-of-the-mill, and only the “losers” have to do something like that.
Take me, for example. I am making the transition from school to the real world, and I need to buy a lot of household items like furniture, electronics, etc. I decided to set a goal for myself that would equal a profit large enough to buy one of these items. Coincidentally, my focus has increased dramatically, and while I’m still hovering around even, the game is more exciting to me and I have a new desire to win.
Figure out why you’re playing - and be honest, then do something to help you accomplish your reason for playing. It sounds simple, but it requires honesty and commitment, two things a lot of us have a hard time putting together.
Good luck at the tables and with yourself.
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