A Positive Update

I've come to a realization the last few days. I think I've gotten kind of complacent about my situation in life. I haven't been studying as much as I should be; people on 2p2 can attest that my post rate has plummetted, and I haven't exactly been burning up the Deuces Cracked servers downloading videos. Part of this was due to traveling a lot the last 10 weeks, and yet more was a disenchantment with the poker establishment due to an unfortunate situation that happened to a close personal friend, but the bulk can be attributed specifically to laziness. I think I've also gotten complacent in the way that I've been going about the actual playing of hands. Specifically I think that I've been lighting 2 big bets on fire way too often in the name of not being "exploitable", but I can think of some other situations where I have auto-piloted hands that required way more thought. I stand by my guns that live 20/40 is beaten fiercely not by people who play GTO strategies (although those people should still obviously win), but by people who learn to best exploit their exploitable opponents while not being taken advantage of by the few players in their games who have a clue. In a way I've developed a sense of entitlement, just assuming that if I keep doing the same thing eventually my results will be different. I think Einstein said that was the definition of insanity. Also, I've kind of just adopted a woe is me attitude about the entire LA situation (the traffic, the assholes at the tables, not having any friends) instead of trying to improve the situation.

So I'm ramping up study time again, focusing my energy when I play and trusting my gut more than the little voice in the back of my head screaming "but if you fold here you're folding so much that he has a profitable raise with any two cards". I'll still listen to that voice, but I'll ask him if there is any possible way the other guy knows or even understands that. If he says no, then my opponent isn't going to get my $80. I'm going to work on finding some vague semblance of a schedule that suits my circadian rhythm, allows me to see Danielle, and avoids traffic (admittedly this might actually be impossible). I'm going to try to have a more positive attitude towards the players around me, engaging them in mindless banter. I mean most of them are pricks, but there are usually 1 or 2 guys at the table who are actually nice people that I could have some reasonable conversation with. And I'm going to redouble my efforts to build friendships with other players in the area. The Sloth and I are getting to be pretty good friends. Quantum Hoops and I have fallen out of touch for scheduling reasons, but I'm working on an appearance at the Physics Mansion in Bel Air. I had a drink with Bellatrix last week. The Big Potato relentlessly responds to my texts about silly blind defense hands. I'm going to get lunch with Joe Tall (and pick up my power supply and Danielle's skirt, which were both left behind at Babar's place in Vegas....maybe that's why I haven't been doing so well online) who is a super nice guy and obviously worth knowing.

So that's the plan for the time being; study more, focus more, make friends. If you live in the LA area and want to help with the last one, just drop me a line.