Embracing reality, no longer improving my game

jalapus logan

jalapus logan

be all. and supports it to
Silver Member
Well, it’s sad but true. I have reached a plateau and am not improving, nor do I expect to. I have the desire to improve, but not the time to practice in order to make that happen. I made the decision to take on a part time job and another seasonal summer job a couple of years ago in addition to my full time gig. Doing all of that and trying to stay married has cut waaaaayyy down on my available pool time. Hey, we all have to make decisions in life, and this one is ultimately right for me. But, I find myself growing frustrated at the table knowing that I can do better, but also knowing that I can’t devote the time to do so.

Long story short, I still enjoy the game, but am having trouble reconciling my constant desire to improve with my current reality. Maybe at age 38 I am still pining for the carefree days a decade or so ago.

Any suggestions as to how to lighten up and to just enjoy the game on these terms?
 
jalapus logan said:
Well, it’s sad but true. I have reached a plateau and am not improving, nor do I expect to. I have the desire to improve, but not the time to practice in order to make that happen. I made the decision to take on a part time job and another seasonal summer job a couple of years ago in addition to my full time gig. Doing all of that and trying to stay married has cut waaaaayyy down on my available pool time. Hey, we all have to make decisions in life, and this one is ultimately right for me. But, I find myself growing frustrated at the table knowing that I can do better, but also knowing that I can’t devote the time to do so.

Long story short, I still enjoy the game, but am having trouble reconciling my constant desire to improve with my current reality. Maybe at age 38 I am still pining for the carefree days a decade or so ago.

Any suggestions as to how to lighten up and to just enjoy the game on these terms?
Click to expand...
The Pleasure of Small Motions
 
You're singing my song....I've really wanted to improve, and perhaps do in small increments, but simply dont put in the time necessary to really achieve progress.

And I'm much older than you.... :p

My answer to your final question: drink more :)
 
Well, every amateur player reaches this some time. I'm currently in the same position but still expect to make some (maybe the last round of) improvement soon.

What has helped me greatly and you might try:

- Enjoy the game, it's not a competition (anymore) or you have to beat somebody. It's a leisure activity! You can say no to overly difficult shots or shots you don't like and simply play safe.

- Do not (mentally) note all the shots/... you cannot do. Pick one to practise in this day's/week's games. Last night I chose OBs close but not frozen to the rail.

- Allow for Snooker-style re-do, where you are allowed to repeat a shot ~5 times (and re-arrange the balls to their original position) until you get it right.

- Try different games: Cowboy, Cutthroat, Carom (not 3 cushion, which is hard), Four-Ball, Five Ball (http://www.saluc.com/html/billiard/index.php?idlien=47), , 14.1, ...

- Get a different/new cue/shaft, just for fun and play every other evening with it. Doesn't have to be expensive, .... - just different from what you would normally do.

Cheers and enjoy,
M
 
You made a decision many of us have made at one time or another including myself. I stopped playing when I went collage in 1970. School, marriage, family, work. Got back into it 2 years ago after a 40 plus year layoff because my son started playing. I can't even begin to express the joy I have hanging with my son in the poolroom 2 nights a week and sometimes on the weekend. I am bit as hard as ever.
You are making the correct decision by prioritizing. The guys that didn't, possibly went down the wrong road. I have a feeling most of the guys on this forum have made the same decision as you have.
If your fundamentals are good, when you get back serious again your stroke will return. Mine did.
 
justadub said:
My answer to your final question: drink more :)
Click to expand...


That, my friend, will be difficult to do. One of my other many distractions from my game is that I've recently gotten into home beer brewing with my wife. We currently have 5 gallons of Belgian IPA bubbling away in the basement presently...
 

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jalapus logan said:
That, my friend, will be difficult to do. One of my other many distractions from my game is that I've recently gotten into home beer brewing with my wife. We currently have 5 gallons of Belgian IPA bubbling away in the basement presently...
Click to expand...

Oh my........

Well then, carry on! :p
 
M.G. said:
Well, every amateur player reaches this some time. I'm currently in the same position but still expect to make some (maybe the last round of) improvement soon.

What has helped me greatly and you might try:

- Enjoy the game, it's not a competition (anymore) or you have to beat somebody. It's a leisure activity! You can say no to overly difficult shots or shots you don't like and simply play safe.

- Do not (mentally) note all the shots/... you cannot do.
Click to expand...

These two are particularly meaningful to me. I have been getting down on myself when I fail to execute "super" stroke shots for instance.

As for 14.1, I practice that on occasion. I can usually get in the 30's and 40's and then I do something ridiculous that ends the run. Great game though. Too bad it is rarely, wait, never played in my area.

Best,

JL
 
jalapus logan said:
Well, it’s sad but true. I have reached a plateau and am not improving, nor do I expect to. I have the desire to improve, but not the time to practice in order to make that happen. I made the decision to take on a part time job and another seasonal summer job a couple of years ago in addition to my full time gig. Doing all of that and trying to stay married has cut waaaaayyy down on my available pool time. Hey, we all have to make decisions in life, and this one is ultimately right for me. But, I find myself growing frustrated at the table knowing that I can do better, but also knowing that I can’t devote the time to do so.

Long story short, I still enjoy the game, but am having trouble reconciling my constant desire to improve with my current reality. Maybe at age 38 I am still pining for the carefree days a decade or so ago.

Any suggestions as to how to lighten up and to just enjoy the game on these terms?
Click to expand...
Beware of self-fulfilling prophesies...sometimes you just gotta play.
....and be open to jumping to another level.
.....or not.

I have seen several players have epiphanies....instead of bashing their head against what
they perceived as a ceiling that was stopping them, they started to use what they already
had....in a positive manner.
 
Glad you finally admit it.

Now sent me 50% ofl the $ you were gonna lose to me when i was gonna show you what you figgerd out alome..
 
Since there is no time for the work...

It's time for the fun part...

To PLAY...

As best that you can...

& have FUN doing it.

Play Well & All of the Best for You & Yours,
Rick
 
pt109 said:
Beware of self-fulfilling prophesies...sometimes you just gotta play.
....and be open to jumping to another level.
.....or not.

I have seen several players have epiphanies....instead of bashing their head against what
they perceived as a ceiling that was stopping them, they started to use what they already
had....in a positive manner.
Click to expand...

That' It!

Too many work on what is supposed to be their game but they really have no game.

There comes a time when it's just time to PLAY, have FUN doing it...

& often times one actually Plays the best that they ever have.

Best 2 All,
Rick
 
I'm definitely there with you. But I think I not only have hit a plateau but have regressed as well. Too much work to do and not a lot of playing time nowadays. Solution: do well at your job, get paid, buy a house big enough for a 9 footer, buy said 9 footer, and then play all you want.

Really though, too many things to do in life and this is just a game to have fun, right?
 
jalapus logan said:
... Any suggestions as to how to lighten up and to just enjoy the game on these terms?
Click to expand...
Spend a few minutes when you have the time working on new shots. Go through Ray Martin's book and Bob Byrne's "Complete Book of Pool Shots". Work a little on shots you don't normally shoot.

I second the suggestion of "Pleasure of Small Motions" and you might like "Inner Game of Tennis" as well for "attitude adjustment". They both helped me.
 
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jalapus logan said:
That, my friend, will be difficult to do. One of my other many distractions from my game is that I've recently gotten into home beer brewing with my wife. We currently have 5 gallons of Belgian IPA bubbling away in the basement presently...
Click to expand...
Drink more WHILE playing pool!
Best of both world's.
And you'll "THINK" you're getting a lot better!!
🍺
 
pt109 said:
Beware of self-fulfilling prophesies...sometimes you just gotta play.
....and be open to jumping to another level.
.....or not.

I have seen several players have epiphanies....instead of bashing their head against what
they perceived as a ceiling that was stopping them, they started to use what they already
had....in a positive manner.
Click to expand...

I agree with PT. And his statement is backed up by psychological research too! Those who exhibit and maintain what is called a growth mindset are more likely to improve than those who feel that learning and improvement is unlikely.

Search for Carol Dweck for more info.

Even with limited practice you can still improve. Just don't try to overhaul your technique. Small adjustments and better shot selection can still make a big difference. And you never know what will happen in 5-10 years time. 38 is still pretty young.
 
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