frustrated when you find out you're not as good as you thought you were?

michael4

michael4

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK, I'm playing more lately, noticeably better than I was 4 months ago, and probably playing the best pool of my life.....HOWEVER, when I recently took some self evaluation tests (rating drills) I'm not where I thought I was,,,,,,,:angry:

still a little too inconsistent, ,,,, :angry:
 
Self evaluation is the first step. Work to get better. I don't worry about it. No matter what my skill level is ive been playing this game for 25 years and that's not going to change any time soon.
 
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michael4 said:
OK, I'm playing more lately, noticeably better than I was 4 months ago, and probably playing the best pool of my life.....HOWEVER, when I recently took some self evaluation tests (rating drills) I'm not where I thought I was,,,,,,,:angry:

still a little too inconsistent, ,,,, :angry:
Click to expand...


This is a feeling that will haunt you your entire pool playing life, no matter how good you get.

Lou Figueroa
 
Embrace the Learning

lfigueroa said:
This is a feeling that will haunt you your entire pool playing life, no matter how good you get.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...

Pretty true statement.

The great thing about the game is that you find specific details about it that you can learn to conquer. So you go off by yourself and work on them. When I do this I can zone into my game, work on my game and find the answers. It's sort of a mini retreat in the midst of a chaotic world. The great thing is every little thing you work on builds a stronger and stronger game.
 
That is a major problem that I have that mostly stems from how others rate me, so I almost never match or live up to that, at least not consistently. The other problem is Knowledge, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you are one who immerses yourself in pool then there is the possibility that you could have what I call "the fat coach syndrome" and this is knowing more than you know to do.

Honestly I don't think that selling ones self short is that bad of a thing once used correctly, humble your self to a point where you do not think that you are as good as you think or cannot score (set the bar low) X on a drill, accomplish that and build on that. I think it was Dr Dave that mentioned that in one of his sessions where you should set up an easy shot at the end of a particular drill or do a very easy drill at the end of your session in order to help build confidence and not suffer the emotional trauma of being unsuccessful because you failed to meet a goal that may of been out of reach to begin with.

I feel your pain and suffer with you.
 
I know how you feel. I think setting goals is important. Got back into the game a year ago after decades off with the specific purpose of getting back in stroke for the SBE. I have been working my butt off this past year. I have noticed that if you keep your goal in sight every time you move backwards or hit a plateau you bust through it as a better player. Playing the best players I can find is better than taking a lesson for me. An affordable wager also works for me because it is an incentive to concentrate and I have no problem taking a loss because all I did was pay for a lesson and it adds to my store of knowledge if I have observed my opponent correctly.
 
My advise to all of you. Lie to yourself! Always lie to yourself....

If you all of a sudden realized you aren't as good as you thought you were..

Sounds like a mental lapse to me. Get back in there !
 
trob said:
No matter what my skill level is ive been playing this game for 25 years and that's not going to change any time soon.
Click to expand...

Been playing for over 50 years and always knew I'm a hot dog but only played and play for fun. Decided to take lessons and I definitely improved. As most people think they are better than they actual are...I do not feel that way about myself. That has nothing to do with confidence. Enjoy the game and do what you can do to improve. Relax and have fun. It's not your livelihood :)
 
michael4 said:
OK, I'm playing more lately, noticeably better than I was 4 months ago, and probably playing the best pool of my life.....HOWEVER, when I recently took some self evaluation tests (rating drills) I'm not where I thought I was,,,,,,,:angry:

still a little too inconsistent, ,,,, :angry:
Click to expand...

That is the first step to getting better, realizing you are not as good as you think. Ever try to teach a teenager or a kid? They already know everything so it's impossible to teach them unless they let go of the fact that they still have the whole mountain to climb, they just got over the first small hill.

While in games you can catch a hot streak and run out well, or you may win a lot but your opponent lets you in the game when you should have lost (say they miss the 8 or 9 in 9 ball or miss the 8 and leave you an easy runout). Then in your head you are winning, but winning not because you are just winning, you may be winning because the other player just messed up.

Drills and playing the ghost really shows how YOU play. Keep playing till the drills match where you think you are.
 
Be enlightened not frustrated...

michael4 said:
OK, I'm playing more lately, noticeably better than I was 4 months ago, and probably playing the best pool of my life.....HOWEVER, when I recently took some self evaluation tests (rating drills) I'm not where I thought I was,,,,,,,:angry:

still a little too inconsistent, ,,,, :angry:
Click to expand...

Unless you are practicing and playing pool 8-12 hrs a day..... Every day........you have not earned the right to be frustrated...this game is one of the most difficult things to do proficiently and takes many many years and hrs to get good at... Know that you are preforgiven for errors and mistakes ....you are an amateur and I am quite sure pool is not the only thing you have happening in your life.....(. Wife, kids, job, golf clubs, fishing poles, basketball, music festivals, mountain bike, movies, beach, camping, hiking,family, etc etc etc.......). Know what and where you really truly honestly are with the challenges of knowing and playing this game.... Have fun....Mr. J. :-)
 
michael4 said:
OK, I'm playing more lately, noticeably better than I was 4 months ago, and probably playing the best pool of my life.....HOWEVER, when I recently took some self evaluation tests (rating drills) I'm not where I thought I was,,,,,,,:angry:

still a little too inconsistent, ,,,, :angry:
Click to expand...

When you're convinced you're better than you really are, it's time for a complete top to bottom check. Every shot, every rack, every match is a learning experience. Take the good, file it away and work to improve and be consistent. Take the bad, file it away and try not to duplicate your mistakes. As someone important said many years ago, "those of us who forget the past are condemned to repeat it". Good luck and keep playing.

Lyn
 
How good you are is not a destination. But only a part of the journey. Drills and tests are like a map. They show you where you currently are, and what direction you need to go to get to where you want to be.
 
To keep myself in check, i make sure to tell all of my opponents how bad i am and always ask for an appropriate spot. :o
 
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