Yes, many of us have been there. At the end of the day, the stakes you are playing are too low and the impact of the losses on your plans are close to zero. So in the end, these bad calls "don't really matter".
So here are some options:
1) Stop playing poker. Seriously, poker requires discipline. If you lack discipline, you will never be aa good poker player...just a lucky one.
2) Move up stakes. (This will only work for some). The larger stakes will have a bigger impact on your plans for poker domination. The losses will be felt more keenly. This *might* give you the unction to show some humility.
3) Do something else while you're playing. I play some of my best poker whilst I'm doing the laundry, cooking dinner, etc. I do not get bored waiting around for an interesting hand and only play the
hands that fit within my target range.
4) Play more games simultaneously. A big part of the "just call it and see" mentality is simply boredom. If you play poker for fun, excitement, adrenaline, etc... and the wins give you a bump of dopamine, then you might need your focus filled to capacity. I find three to four games works...but more generally requires more screens.. Playing more games simultaneously will force you to focus on the hands which have merit and will get you more into the routine of folding the crap you should be usually folding.
5) Reprogram your brain. Think of it this way. You've gone down to the races. You are allowed to make just 5 bets over the course of the day. Do you: Put it all on the first random, three-legged horse you see? Do you put your money on the favourites? Do you put your money on the lame pony on his way to the glue factory? Surely you put your money on the horse with the best chance of winning. Poker is no different. Each hand is a horse. Putting your money on lame duck just doesn't make any financial or spiritual sense. So why would you do it in poker?
6) Is winning at poker actually part of your plan? Sounds to me that you just play for a bit of fun. If that is the case, you might as well carry on as you are, spewing chips like a leaky hydrant gushes water. But if winning at poker is in your sights, then you have to do ALL OF THE THINGS which help you win at poker: Study poker theory. Read articles, blogs, etc. Do the CC 30 day poker course. Manage your bankroll with proper BRM and stick to it. Set a plan for growth and for moving up in stakes (commensurate with your BRM ). Co,mpile COPIOUS notes on your opponents.
6.5) This is kindo of related to 6)...as it contributes to player notes. Get yourself o HUD such as PT4 or HM3. Continue to add to the notes. Review the notes during play. Pay attention to the stats during play. This will help you classify the opponents (Fish, LAG, TAG, NIT, etc). and makes it easier to avoid the NITs altogether (unless you have counter-strats).
7) Find discipline in the rest of your life. The only way discipline can be achieved is through effort. So, show yourself that YOU are in control. start doing something outside of poker which requires singificant discipline. For example, going for a walk/run/hike every day (or every other day). Or a swim or somethjing that will contribute to physiucal fitness. Sticking with the plan? Then add another challenge. Stick to it. Reward yourself when you are successful. I have found that good eating, sleeping and exercise habits help my game...and whn these are off...so is my game.
8) recognise the difference between winning a tournament and winning a hand. Those stupid calls give you a brief blip of dopamine...but winning a tourney is MUCH MUCH BETTER. I played the CC individual league for the first time the other day and came first place by following discipline.
At then end of the day, I'm more than happy to have undisciplined players at my table. But honestly, if you cannot find it...and the above doesn't work...I'd suggest a different pastime.
Best of luck,
JT
