Psychologists tell us that a great way to establish a new habit is to couple something we want to do with something we ought to do. I’ve been “earning” my poker games by getting an hour of exercise before I allow myself to play. (Believe me, this is a new habit I really needed to form, and a game of poker is totally motivating for me.)
What can poker motivate you to do? (Serious or silly responses both accepted.)
Before playing I like to make sure I’ve taken care of everything that I have to. For example make sure the house is clean, dishes are done, If I’m doing laundry the laundry is done and put away etc.
This way when I am playing I can focus on the game and not think about things I have to do after I’m finished playing. For me poker is a good motivation to get things done around the house and not procrastinate.
A lot of pro poker players talk about the importance of exercise & being fit. Kristen Bicknell even mentioned that exercise and being fit makes her play better and feel better about playing. Seems like double motivation, with double benefits.
For me I’ve been studying meditation, processing emotions & feelings. Poker is a whirlpool of emotions for most amateur players. Learning to accept results & outcomes and always process things analytically = learning & improvement and better poke overall.