12 Jun 2024 mental game mindset motivation Life and poker are both full of ups and downs, but ultimately, much depends on how we perceive situations rather than the inherent characteristics of those situations. Therefore, it makes sense to work with what we can control. If a situation cannot be changed, and some situations cannot be avoided, we should learn to perceive them in a way that does not lead to feelings of frustration or defeat. The "Finding Positives" Exercise One effective method for this is the "Finding Positives" exercise. To perform this exercise, you should focus on the positive aspects of a negative outcome, actively looking for positive moments in it. Do this consciously and purposefully. This exercise can help you to handle difficult situations more calmly, giving you more strength, energy, and optimism to deal with challenges. Personal Experience From the author: "In my life, there have been times when everything seemed terrible. My psychotherapist gave me this task, and after a week, I noticed that I automatically began to see the positives in situations that previously depressed me. This helped me maintain my emotional state at a decent level, sufficient to deal with difficulties. This habit continues to be a valuable in my life and poker." How to Perform the Exercise? Notice Situations You Dislike Pay attention to situations that you find unpleasant. Identify 3-5 Positives Find at least 3-5 positive aspects in each such situation. Think about what could be good because of this situation. Record Your Findings Write these positives down in a notebook or on a gadget. Practice Regularly Practice the "Finding Positives" exercise regularly. The more you do it, the easier it will be to find positives in any situation. Be Creative Do not limit yourself to finding obvious positives. Think about what hidden advantages a situation might have. This mindset can be particularly helpful in highly competitive environment, such as poker, where maintaining a positive outlook can influence decision-making and long-term performance. Share with Others Do not hesitate to share your findings with others. This can help them see positives in their own game and lives. Knowing about the exercise and not doing it is the same as not knowing. So, give it a shot! In the context of poker, where players often expereince unexpected coolers and bad beats, the "Finding Positives" exercise can be particularly beneficial. For instance, a bad beat might initially feel discouraging, but by finding positives — such as learning from the situation or recognizing it as part of the game — players can maintain their composure and continue to play effectively.
