I’m going to help you improve your poker skills through the smart use of willpower.

Watch this episode #529 on YouTube:

Or, listen to the podcast as you follow along below:

Poker Improvement and Willpower

One of my favorite books is The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan.

“Where there’s a will there’s a way.”

But is this true?

The intention is there… but the will power/energy/drive? Often after a long day of work, we often can’t study/play efficiently, even though we really want to. Our willpower depletes through a day of hard work.

“Willpower isn’t on will-call.”

It’s a limited resource, but rechargeable (like your cell phone).

Take a break, rest eat some food. For most, it’s highest in the morning after a night’s sleep.

“When you have your will, you get your way.”

You person timing is key.

If you want something done, do it when your willpower is at its peak. You have to figure out when you have the most and get your work done then.

The Impact on Paroles

A Stanford study found that paroles were more likely to be granted when the judges had high willpower (at the start of the day and after breaks).

We fall back to default when will power is low.

In the prison study, a judge’s default setting is probably, “Keep the prisoner in prison to keep the public safe.” They just don’t have the willpower to consider all the factors for release.

When tired/distracted/drunk, we revert to C-game play. This is what Jared Tendler discussed in The Mental Game of Poker about defaulting back to our unconscious competence.

Lesson: Do Poker at Times of High Willpower

Be aware of your willpower.

Me: Early mornings are high will power times. In the afternoon & evenings, I’m tired, will power is low so > C-game poker studies and play.

What Taxes Your Willpower?

These things sap your willpower, and each is intrinsically a part of A-game poker.

Each of these are poker-related! No wonder low willpower = ineffective/poor poker study and play.

Take Action

Do YOUR poker at YOUR time of peak willpower. Figure this out, schedule into your daily routine and just do it!