Lacking Motivation
 

Playing a lot over the past couple of weeks has led me to realize something. I play poker for three reasons now:

1. I am greedy.
2. I am bored.
3. I am addicted.

Up until a couple of months ago I enjoyed playing short-handed games at 50/100 and above because I believed the players to be extremely tough and the challenge of beating them always made playing fun. Now I am back to 6-tabling Full Ring 25/50 because the swings were too crazy, and while I'm making good money, motivation to play is gone aside from wanting to make money and wanting to kill time on days when I'm bored and don't have much to do. It is almost habitual, whenever I'm on my computer I'm either playing poker or at least have tables open.

How common is this among high-stakes players and how do you learn to deal with it? I've seen, talked about, and analyzed enough hold'em hands to a point that no spots intrigue me and no games are intellectually stimulating. And I don't really like the idea of playing solely to make money, but on the other hand it won't always be around and the money is pretty good.

So...is it worth it? How do you deal with issues like this?

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

I would say donation to the players in ssnl who have potential.







like me.

Thanks

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

But seriously try coaching people for free. It will give you a good feeling

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

First of, your post doesn't contribute whatsoever, so thanks for that.

Second of, while we are on the subject, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. Earlier tonight I was bored and went to a 1/2NL table, and started pushing all-in every hand. Through some crazy twisted bad luck I couldn't win a hand and lost like 7k in an hour. And then I did two blind allins at 10/20 and lost.

I don't really care about doing this kind of thing occasionally, but I find myself doing it way too often. It's probably out of boredom and unfulfillment I get from playing actual poker so i say, "F it, I'll just gamble and try to make 5k the easy way" or something like that. It doesn't make much sense, but at the same time it's another recurring problem and I guess it all goes back to not being happy playing poker.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...;gonew=1#UNREAD

[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

MG,

Exactly how I've felt over the past few months, besides maybe being addicted. Oftentimes, If I'm feeling bored I will usually play poker because "well, I mine as well try to make some money." Rarely do I ever get the urge to just play poker for excitement/ challenge etc.. like I used to. Personally I'd rather be doing other things for the most part.

I'm greedy and if I'm not playing then I'm losing money.
Also, I invested a lot of my $$ in the stock market, and at least currently I find the market to be more interesting. I also realized that poker is not something I want to do as a long-term career for sure. It's just too swingy and stressful.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

I just think Barrin6 wished he was you ... many strugling SSNL'ers dream of having a roll of those 7000$ you casually blow.


Dude, with all respect .. sure poker is boring, and if you don't need the money, do something else for a while like start playing the Ukulele or something.


But hey, Work is boring .. and at least you don't have The Man looking over your shoulder.


Just do it, when you need it and well ... at least you aren't running a Johnny Beef operation like some of us, desperately trying to win around 2000$ a month just to keep afloat. (and yeah, I'm stupid, I know ... [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

This doesn't answer your general question but you need to reflect on your actions in terms of the absolute value of money. Blowing $7k is the most retarded thing ever by shoving all in every hand as stakes that "don't matter." If you are doing this, you shouldn't be thinking, oh it's only 1.5 buy-ins, you should stop yourself under the realization that it's seven thousand dollars. Think of all the things you could have bought (cruise/vacation to clear your mind, etc), and start to regain an understanding of the absolute value of money. In your NORMAL game when you try to make money, you use money as a tool. However, as soon as you step out of your true game, and into another game where you no longer are doing that, you are abusing your money. As soon as this thought crosses your mind, you need to step back and say "If I shove every hand x times, I am pretty certain to lose y-z amount. Instead of shoving every hand at 1/2, I could go and buy ___." Hell, donate it to a charity. Blow it on entertainment. But shoving every hand at 200 is certainly not worth seven grand.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]
This doesn't answer your general question but you need to reflect on your actions in terms of the absolute value of money. Blowing $7k is the most retarded thing ever by shoving all in every hand as stakes that "don't matter." If you are doing this, you shouldn't be thinking, oh it's only 1.5 buy-ins, you should stop yourself under the realization that it's seven thousand dollars. Think of all the things you could have bought (cruise/vacation to clear your mind, etc), and start to regain an understanding of the absolute value of money. In your NORMAL game when you try to make money, you use money as a tool. However, as soon as you step out of your true game, and into another game where you no longer are doing that, you are abusing your money. As soon as this thought crosses your mind, you need to step back and say "If I shove every hand x times, I am pretty certain to lose y-z amount. Instead of shoving every hand at 1/2, I could go and buy ___." Hell, donate it to a charity. Blow it on entertainment. But shoving every hand at 200 is certainly not worth seven grand.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know. I didn't do it because I thought it would be worth it. I did it because I find poker unfulfilling and unexciting, and because I'm stupid. And because at some point, the numbers in your cashier just begin to lose all meaning whatsoever. And that in my mind, all it is is an endlessly oscillating number slowly going up over time but with daily fluctuations.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
This doesn't answer your general question but you need to reflect on your actions in terms of the absolute value of money. Blowing $7k is the most retarded thing ever by shoving all in every hand as stakes that "don't matter." If you are doing this, you shouldn't be thinking, oh it's only 1.5 buy-ins, you should stop yourself under the realization that it's seven thousand dollars. Think of all the things you could have bought (cruise/vacation to clear your mind, etc), and start to regain an understanding of the absolute value of money. In your NORMAL game when you try to make money, you use money as a tool. However, as soon as you step out of your true game, and into another game where you no longer are doing that, you are abusing your money. As soon as this thought crosses your mind, you need to step back and say "If I shove every hand x times, I am pretty certain to lose y-z amount. Instead of shoving every hand at 1/2, I could go and buy ___." Hell, donate it to a charity. Blow it on entertainment. But shoving every hand at 200 is certainly not worth seven grand.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know. I didn't do it because I thought it would be worth it. I did it because I find poker unfulfilling and unexciting, and because I'm stupid. And because at some point, the numbers in your cashier just begin to lose all meaning whatsoever. And that in my mind, all it is is an endlessly oscillating number slowly going up over time but with daily fluctuations.

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand why you did it, and I have done some stupid stuff in the past as well. I was chastizing you to prevent you from ever doing something like that again [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img].

Think of NL5K as your office (that's what you play I'm assuming?). Once you step out of office, you are done with work. Don't associate Stars/the poker site with your job, only the tables you play seriously.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

don't be spoiled man, greed is a perfectly fine reason. you will have plenty of time to stimulate yourself once the online boom is over and you still have a [censored] of cash in your pocket.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]
don't be spoiled man, greed is a perfectly fine reason. you will have plenty of time to stimulate yourself once the online boom is over and you still have a [censored] of cash in your pocket.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not spoiled, I understand how valuable money is, but at the same time I'm fortunate enough to understand that having a lot of money at a young age does not equate happiness.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]

at the same time I'm fortunate enough to understand that having a lot of money at a young age does not equate happiness.

[/ QUOTE ]


You are right, it doesn't ... it most likely will make you a lot happier at an older age, than if you hadn't played poker

Then again, now is now .. if you where not playing poker ... what do you think you'd be doing ? (And btw, the blowing of 7K .. who cares, it is your money ! And if it makes you feel better, then ... holla ! )

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Try playing a different game might give you some more motivation to beat it. That's what i do anyway when im bored of nl holdem.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

try living a more exciting life outside of poker maybe ? that sounds like what the problem is here .....

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

take a break

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Learn a new game maybe, if you haven't already? give you a new challenge.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Get a girlfriend?

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

ive read a couple of these types of threads in HSNL and im not sure whats so difficult. Maybe your just lazy? Learn something new that your not good, anything... you have alot of capital to invest in all kinds of stuff. Go to college part time and find something that interests you there. Find a good cause that your passionate about and donate money or go volunteer. Someone could write forever on all kinds of activities, challenges or whatever, for you to do. Im sure your a smart guy and so were the other couple of posters that had your similar predicament (sp?)... which is why it confuses me on how you guys can be at a loss for what to do in life besides poker.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

quit the game for a while. not kidding. like quit quit. Go to some foreign place and build houses for the poor for a few months. Get some perspective.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Learn about stocks.

Buy a house.

Open a business.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

gimme some money

best tip: get a girl!

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Mad, the cure is a simple one.

1. Buy E-Flite Blade CP Pro (Make sure you get PRO and don't let the sales people talk you out of it even if you have no experience)
2. Get additional AC adapter, 3 extra batteries, and a couple of spare blades
2. Google RADD training
3. Finish RADD training
4. Perform 3D manuevers
6. Know that you're are the man!

Then play poker cuando te sale de lo cojones!!

IRV

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

I'm pretty sure OP here is already currently enrolled in a top university in the country, so he should be decently busy. Chris, take some time to focus on your studies. If you have that much free time, start taking 5 classes or get involved in more clubs. Maybe take some time over winter break to figure out why poker is unfulfilling to you. Over time, despite the fact that I don't make anywhere near as much as you nor am I as good as you, I've also found poker to be less intellectually stimulating and realized I was playing solely for the money. Since then, I started playing a lot less. Try to find a new intellectual pursuit, perhaps investing, where you can apply similar competitive skills and analysis to make money.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

smarty he needs fulfillment as a human being not more money or a competitive challenge.

to OP:

go volunteer with your spare time or do research about interesting topics to grow as a person you fing degenerate. also stop being a dick to sincere individuals who are just trying to remind you HOW LUCKY YOU ARE.

that is all.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

MAdgenius, why not move up if you feel the game is beatable? Get some more challenges; play against phil ivey or mike on FTP. Become the next ABA?

Think some things over of why you are playing poker. Is it for money or for excitement? Then stick with it.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Go get a real job for a week or two and see how you feel.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]
Go get a real job for a week or two and see how you feel.

[/ QUOTE ]

omg second that. Like no joke, you would quit the first day.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Interesting post Genius - couple suggestions. Try donating your time and money to a charitable organization or cause you are passionate about; this would also probably prevent you from doing things like pushing pf at nl200 games (as you'd realize what 7k could do for a poor family who can't afford to buy Christmas presents for their children). Volunteer at a hospital, read books to the elderly, etc. I know there are a bunch of poker players who coach for very reasonable rates not for the money necessarily, but because they genuinely enjoy helping others to learn a game they have achieved success at. Whatever you decide to do, focus on building positive relationships as online poker can make you feel isolated.

On a more poker-related topic, learn a different game. Play PLO or Stud or something else. Take on a protege a la Green Plastic. Take a break for a few weeks like lolo.

Best of luck man. Hope the post was helpful.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

[ QUOTE ]
went to a 1/2NL table, and started pushing all-in every hand

[/ QUOTE ]

This is no big deal. It's standard and part of human nature to have the urge to do it sometimes. It's like people who play slot machines when they know they are going to lose: it's for entertainment. It actually seems less bad to me than that, in fact, since you at least made some people temporarily happy (or at least made their life a little more exciting) at the 1/2 table. I wonder what the guy who objects to it would say to the thousands of people playing high stakes casino games.

Your life obviously sucks, though. Most likely you are filling your spare time playing poker when you should be developing other interests. If poker wasn't there, you'd be forced to. So, I agree you should quit poker for awhile. I'm sure you have more money than you need right now.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

ask HIV.. he usually carries pounds of motivational magic

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

this is true

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Thanks for some of the suggestions.

Just to clarify, the problem is not that I'm lacking a balanced life. The problem is just that I am feeling no satisfaction and reward from playing poker, which takes up a significant portion of my everyday life. I don't feel any REAL physical and mental challenges in my life, classes don't stimulate me as much as they should, nor does poker. My university offers a lot, but I don't find most people here to be truly passionately involved in something, and if they are, then I haven't found the right thing for me.

I have been withdrawing chunks of money to buy a car, a house, and invest in the market, and these concrete things will both help me secure my future and appreciate what poker has done for me, for a change. Also, charity and/or going to do some volunteer work sounds interesting.

I don't want to come across sounding like a spoiled prick but I guess people will always interpret what you say the wrong way. FWIW I don't take money granted and I worked 9-5 long enough to realize how hard 'real work' can be.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

read a lot of books and exercise instead of sitting at the comp all day. it actually helps quite a bit. i only spend like 2 hours a day actually playing. i spend a lot of time sitting here doing nothing, which sucks, im working on all this motivation stuff also. holla

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

take up golf if you live in the south. Almost as addictive as poker,

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

It's crazy how the grass is always greener on the other side. Reading this I understand how a very close friend of mine almost hated playing online poker even though he was making an insane amount of money. No Challenge, no entertainment. It was like working at a meat packing plant or something.

I know I strive to become able to play in hshe, I have so many things I need to pay like mom's mortgage, get a new car, pay off student loans. But once I have all those things paid for by one means or another I don't know what else I would need, like get a super fancy car and another motorcycle, everything after is just gluttony.

Find some other things you enjoy in life and do them. You can't go wrong with traveling, trying a new sport. Anything to get your blood flowing. Gl I know if you put some time into it you will find some other things in life to take up your time and make poker a part of that so you can enjoy other things in your life.

All work and no play makes Jack a Dull boy

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

OP - I have a very similar problem as you do. I only play like 2 hours a day (and luckily that's plenty of money for me), but I do tons of other stuff that helps out.

I read tons of books, work out a lot, play some sports, have other hobbies, and go out a ton... I'm also trying to develop more skills so that I can one day build "empires" or some such stuff to do different things. I've found that working with some friends to build things from the ground up is much more fun and fulfilling than playing poker just to make money. Sorry for being so vague, but hopefully you get the idea. Good luck...

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Take the same motivation you obviously have (to have achieved at such high limits in poker), and apply it to other parts of your life. Make a commitment to yourself to improve yourself in some way every day, whether its to learn something new, or improve your relationship with someone, or to extend your knowledge in something you have put on the back burner.

I suspect that the boredom you are speaking of comes not directly from the fact that poker no longer challenges you, but more from the fact that your life is no longer balanced in other areas.

Learn spanish, go to the beach, learn to play the guitar. Go hit up a nightclub and try new and interesting drugs. Call your family and see how they are. Call an old friend you havent heard from in a while and catch up with them.

Find a better sense of balance in your life, and improve your all round well being. You'll be happier for it.

Also read "the Zen of Happiness" and learn about Taoism if you havent already. It's an amazing way to look at life, and teaches you a lot about humility and balance.

This isn't gospel, its just advice coming from someone who has encountered the same problems (not in poker, but in other areas of life).

Whatever you do, good luck [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] If you have the talent to achieve at the highest stakes of online poker, you have the talent to do anything you commit yourself to.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Were addicted gamblers man........Just live with it and try not to lose ur money.....Thats what im trying to do.

Re: Lacking Motivation
 

Also, join the Army Reserve (or whatever your equivalent is, im an Aussie).

It's an amazing experience, you'll learn stuff about yourself you never knew, and you'll make some great mates along the way. [/end plug]