I wanted to take a moment to think about how to answer this thread. For starters, I want to thank everyone who has taken a moment out of their day to say something. It means a lot! To be honest, I found it very difficult to explain why my progress picked-up and to pinpoint where it all began so I did what I usually do ? I went to the poolroom to sort my thoughts.
It was within minutes after hitting a few balls, I realized I was not playing well. If you think the talk about my rating has been active online, you can only imagine what Amsterdam Billiards has been like these past few days. I asked for a table and as usual was given the table at the head of the room. It felt like all eyes were watching my rail-testing session and it wasn't long before a friend of mine, Chris Lynch came over and said, "Why are you jabbing so much? Let your stroke out!"
A few minutes later, I was back. All the doubt about becoming an Open player oozing out of my body as each shot went in more crisp than the last, each position play, more and more precise. I reminded myself, I didn't get better this past week. I got better this past YEAR. I was playing this speed long before the league director acknowledged it.
At that exact moment, I realized the reason why I've gotten better was clear. My close friends whom I've known for a long time are superb people and phenomenal pool players and I have the luxury of seeing or speaking to them daily. Every league match, every tournament, every gambling session, my ears are bombarded with affirmations, compliments and reassurance. One that stands out in my mind, after completing a difficult out, I said to Steve Lipsky, "Wow, I'm surprised I got out there." His response was monotone and to the point, "Every time I look, you're getting out. I keep thinking, 'oh, Jude got out again.' I'm sorry sir but it's no longer surprising." Coming from a guy who has lost count of his 100 ball runs and someone I have always admired (for his play AND sportsmanship), I could not have felt better.
All of this feeds a confidence within me that grows daily. It allows me to trust my ability and my decisions. I accept the fact I'm not perfect but I can learn from my mistakes so long as I'm not distracted by frustration. I learned losing is a part of growth and mistakes are only a physical representation of something I must address. No single game or match or week can convey what type of player I am, positive or negative. All of it is me. The only thing I can do is try and give each shot my best effort with the highest expectations in mind and smile while doing it.
I take responsibility for what happens. Every time I lose, it's a credit to my opponent's ability but also an illustration of what I need to improve. Losing is what motivates me. So, after each loss, I take a deep breath, give my opponent a small smile and shake her/his hand. I hope they understand that I always let it all out so losing is always emotional for me. However, I'll be back in the room the very next day working on the material my victorious opponent provided for me, oftentimes with a much bigger smile.
In sum, I feel like I'm part of a much bigger thing. Amsterdam Billiards has just become this huge machine that is producing pool players at an astonishing rate. I'm merely its product. Steve and Gina Lipsky, Chris Lynch, Tony Robles, Rolando Aravena, Danny Barouty, SJM and Jim Gottier are amazing leaders, motivators and examples for how to play the game right and the list goes on. I can literally run off dozens of names and I'm so happy to know them, to compete against them and with them, to travel to Vegas with them, to root for them and have them there, rooting for me. I simply can't begin to tell you how much fun I'm having!
Thanks.
