How to overcome lack of self confidence & depression, to play to full potential?

TheWizard

TheWizard

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey Guys

It's been quite a whilst since I've been on AZB forums and to be honest, but I have a slightly complex matter that I'd like to ask you guys about for advice and suggestions because I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this thread in and so, please accept my appologies if this is the wrong section.

With not being the most confident person on the planet and also battling with bouts of depression from time to time, I can't help notice that when I'm competing in a tournament or practising in general, I'm unable to play to the skill level that I am more than capable of, it's like having some sort of mental block that prevents me from being able to string racks together or to shoot consistently like I used too.

I've been playing since the age of 5 am completely self taught by trial and error, and had gotten to the level where my highest run in 9ball is just over 7 racks and a high run of 104 (unfinished) in straight pool.

The problem I'm having is that when it comes down to competing, I'm unable to concentrate or focus properly on the match at hand and also, I'm not the most confidenat of people and so I have a tendency to second guess alot of shots that normally would be in the pocket without a 2nd thought.

The most noticeable thing of all though in general, is sometimes I struggle to keep an interest in pool overall, not just in the competitive sense, but even as a hobby and I know this is linked to having depression.

With having just started competing on a new tour, where I'm losing matches that I should never be losing in a million years, I thought it best to ask you guys for some advice and suggestions on how to begin playing again to the level of pool that I'm more than capable of.

All help and advice is greatly appreciated and I thank you all for taking the time to read this message.

My sincerest and very best wishes to you all,

Willie
 
Depression ...

TheWizard said:
Hey Guys

It's been quite a whilst since I've been on AZB forums and to be honest, but I have a slightly complex matter that I'd like to ask you guys about for advice and suggestions because I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this thread in and so, please accept my appologies if this is the wrong section.

With not being the most confident person on the planet and also battling with bouts of depression from time to time, I can't help notice that when I'm competing in a tournament or practising in general, I'm unable to play to the skill level that I am more than capable of, it's like having some sort of mental block that prevents me from being able to string racks together or to shoot consistently like I used too.

I've been playing since the age of 5 am completely self taught by trial and error, and had gotten to the level where my highest run in 9ball is just over 7 racks and a high run of 104 (unfinished) in straight pool.

The problem I'm having is that when it comes down to competing, I'm unable to concentrate or focus properly on the match at hand and also, I'm not the most confidenat of people and so I have a tendency to second guess alot of shots that normally would be in the pocket without a 2nd thought.

The most noticeable thing of all though in general, is sometimes I struggle to keep an interest in pool overall, not just in the competitive sense, but even as a hobby and I know this is linked to having depression.

With having just started competing on a new tour, where I'm losing matches that I should never be losing in a million years, I thought it best to ask you guys for some advice and suggestions on how to begin playing again to the level of pool that I'm more than capable of.

All help and advice is greatly appreciated and I thank you all for taking the time to read this message.

My sincerest and very best wishes to you all,

Willie
Click to expand...

Willie,

I can only suggest getting in touch with what exactly is causing the depression. Deal with it and how you feel FIRST and foremost.
Once you have that under your thumb, maybe you'll enjoy pool a bit more, get a little more interested and by simple cause and effect, your concentration should steadily rise.

As far as the confidence, I can only suggest that you "fake it til you make it" ... "act as if". I'm sure you've heard those things before.

Best Regards,

Ivan
 
TheWizard said:
With not being the most confident person on the planet and also battling with bouts of depression from time to time, I can't help notice that when I'm competing in a tournament or practising in general, I'm unable to play to the skill level that I am more than capable of, it's like having some sort of mental block that prevents me from being able to string racks together or to shoot consistently like I used too
Click to expand...

Write in a journal what things you're thinking about when this is happening. After you finish playing, find some time to reflect on it again and write in your journal again. Write as you think. Be open and honest with yourself. Write every thought down. It may take a while, but you should begin to see what is interfering with your focus and begin to make changes.
 
Hi Willie,

next to the really good advice from Mark Avlon i wanna recommend you to read the book "Pleasures of small Motions" written by Bob Fancher. I really think that this book could help you out. Imo best written book about the mental part of our game-and nice to read also ^^

lg from overseas,

Ingo
 
Ratta said:
Hi Willie,

next to the really good advice from Mark Avlon i wanna recommend you to read the book "Pleasures of small Motions" written by Bob Fancher. I really think that this book could help you out. Imo best written book about the mental part of our game-and nice to read also ^^

lg from overseas,

Ingo
Click to expand...

I second the motion. It will really help you understand your mental process.

Steve
 
You are a warrior at every moment that you make the decision that is what you are.

Develop some affirmations that exemply what you want to be. Repeat them as needed and BE it.
(I am a warrior. I go for the kill. I never accept defeat. I WILL shoot lights out pool.)

As it is, you are just making excuses for weakness and allowing the weakness to rule.

Affirm the strength within you and the strength is what you will be.
 
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What you describe are the symptoms of a person who needs professional help. Most men in our society think that seeing a psychologist is in some way a weakness. It is no more a weakness than having a mechanic work on your automobile's transmission.

I was in the US Marines (there are no ex-Marines) and am now retired after practicing psychology for over 30 years. What we do as psychologists is not much different than any other mechanic. We are just mechanics of the mind – a highly skilled profession.

Where you live there will be telephone listings for licensed psychologists. Seek one who has a PhD and specializes in clinical psychology. Ask if they have served an APA (American Psych Association) clinical internship. Accept no substitutes. Psychologists have specialties like any other doctor and what you need here is a specialist in clinical psychology.

Psychologists usually work in conjunction with your family physician. The first thing they will do is have you get a thorough medical examination to rule out any possible physical problems. The psychologist will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the source of the psychological problem. This is followed with a specific plan to address the symptoms you describe. It is not uncommon to find that it will require three months or so for you to learn how to address the underlying issues.

You can limp along with these issues for years or you can have a professional assist you in developing a course of action that will address the problems in a reasonably short period of time. It took some time and serious issues to get to where you are now. It will take some time to fix the problem.

Most people think that because they have a mind they should know how to fix it. Your mind does not come with a user’s guide let alone a repair manual.

It would be unethical for any professional to discuss your symptoms in depth without a thorough diagnosis. From what you describe it is time to seek a professional mechanic.

For the record,

Joe Waldron, PhD, psychologist (retired)
 
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One of my favorite jokes is about a fellow who took his car to the station. The machine was making loud noises, rumbling and barely had the the power to get into the station. He asked the mechanic to fix it. The mechanic listened to the car, walked around it listening at various points. Then the mechanic got a rubber mallet and after running his hand over the fender smacked in with a rubber mallet.

The guy was elated, his car was running as smooth as ever. He asked the mechanic for the bill and the mechanic said "One hundred bucks."
“What – can I have an itemized bill.”
“Sure,” the mechanic said. And here was the bill for services

Hitting car with mallet $0.50
Knowing where to hit car with mallet $99.50
 
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