For various reasons I will not be posting my results in terms of $, but I did have my best month in a long time (without factoring in rake back). Yes, I ran quite hot, but nonetheless, I've been working on my game, working on playing in my optimal mental state, and I feel that I'm headed in a good direction.
I'm a substantial amount behind SNE pace, though not so far that achieving SNE this year is totally unattainable. I can't say I'm 100% sure that I'll be earning 1 million VPPs this year since I've taken a huge hit with the rake changes. I'm now earning between 30-35% less VPPs. If I don't, then I will for sure be setting my sights at 700k or 800k. I'm hoping that PokerStars comes out with Zoom poker soon, and that I'll be able to increase my hourly vpp rate playing some of those tables. Also, I've been playing 200NL and started mixing in 400NL too, so if I can continue to do well in those games, I'll have a much easier time getting back on pace.
Coaching
I have mentioned a few times in previous blog posts that I was looking for a coach to work with. I was so hesitant for so long, but a couple things really gave me the push that I needed. From a previous blog post, I got a couple comments from players vinivinci9586 and frosty012 with some really good advice that I took to heart. As I was slowly trying to put their advice into action just around the time I attained SNE in Decemeber, I came across this video of Tony Robbins where he is explaining the steps to changing an area in your life:
I know he hates to be called a 'motivator' but he sure does motivate me! What he says between 1:50- 3:20 totally changed my mindset and suddenly it all made sense. I went from thinking: "I suck at cash games, I need to find a coach... ugh, their going to tell me I'm doing a million things wrong...", to thinking, "I'm going to find a great mentor to show me the way to become successful, and learn how they have attained their success".
I got in contact with fellow Ultimate Grinders coach, Mike Brooks, known on PokerStars as 'MeleaB'. He was exactly what I was looking for: a very successful, high volume, SNE player. After my first session with Mike, I was in shock about just how powerful one hour could be. Instantly I was learning all sorts of things he did differently, and as Tony Robbins would say, he was giving me new 'tools' to put in my toolbox.
My mindset towards poker has changed dramatically, and I'm more excited about improving my game, and mastering poker than I have ever been. I'm finally on a poker upswing and I'm determined to keep it going!
March
March is definitely going to be a poker oriented month.
- minimum 250,000 hands
- have at least 2 or 3 coaching sessions
Besides poker, I'm going to Montreal (my favourite Canadian city that I've visited) for a Montreal Canadians game with Adam and a few friends which will be a nice break in the middle of the month. Go Habs Go!!!
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