http://www.deucescracked.com/blogs/maglame Recent blog comments published at maglame's blog on deucescracked.com en-us Comment on Reasons not to play by oopsipooped I can relate to all three of those mindsets you described to a T. I was a full ring micro grinder for the last year and a half, putting in huge volume and not loving it, not to mention not making any money or progress. I took a few months off and didn't use one brain cell to think about poker. I started up again this month because I missed the game (but moved to 6max) I think that's really the key. You have to be playing, not because you want to just make money or attain some level in the game for the sake of it. There is something to be said for hard work and study, but I don't think you should feel like you have to put your head down and soldier on. If that's the case, you won't be fulfilled no matter how you do. Starting up again this month I've managed to put some distance between my mental state and the fact that it's real world money. This was always a tilting point for me. I have also found a new interest in the process, rather than the outcome. I try to keep in mind that it's just a game with luck and strategy. I think if you look at all of the really successful players, they truly love the game. Things I've found that have helped me this month: 1. Not holding myself to rigid goals or time lines for progress. 2. Control my emotional state and my attachment to the money - don't slip into the mindset of "I have to make it back" 3. Take a break when I realize I am no longer enjoying the process. 4. Don't play volume just to make some bonus status i.e. iron man/VIP level 5. Study, write and think about poker, but don't expect that "time invested in study" = "level of success in game" I've fallen into that trap and got really down on the game. It takes time and study in necessary, but the application of what you learn won't be perfect or instant. You can follow the blog I just started here at http://www.deucescracked.com/blogs/snackbucket Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:12:31 +0000 /blogs/maglame/30031-Reasons-not-to-play#comment33791 /blogs/maglame/30031-Reasons-not-to-play#comment33791 oopsipooped