This thread had to do with my "secret" to winning, which is to accept losing before the match or tournament. This is considered negative by some players, however, I've found this technique to be a great release from pressure.
If I'm ever going to let my mind process losing, I'd prefer it's before I start, not when it's "hill/hill" against a formidable opponent like Johnny Archer or Earl Strickland. One sign of weakness and they pounce, and believe me, at this point it's probably too late!
I've found this is true for any aspect of competing, to bring out our positive characteristics we must first be willing to identify, confront and accept the opposites. It's the "love vs hate," the "light vs darkness", "fear vs courage" - it's especially the myself vs my opponent in competition.
Which brings me to another point that's noteworthy - I suggest we don't wish negative vibes, or unlucky rolls on our opponents - I've found if I process "bad" things against people I'm playing, (especially if they are negative), saps energy that may soon be vital.
Before a match I'll usually say "good luck" or "play well," and I try to mean it. I've found the more willing I am for my opponent to do well, the more confident my mind focuses, in regards to a positive outcome on each and every shot, stroke, or situation.
When I first came back from an 8 year sabbatical from the game these principles had to be re-learned. My mind was not conditioned to compete, basically I forgot how, which made it very difficult to win.....not over my opponents necessarily, in regards to myself.
This has improved over the last year requiring substantial time, energy and dedication. It's still tempting to slip back sometimes, if my expectations aren't realistic. Johnny Archer and I talked about this in London at the Mosconi Cup, he said lowering his expectations before a match or tournament helped him to become "The Player of the 90s".
Over the next few weeks I'm going to share what I've learned about competition, myself, and the game. In doing so there may be issues I address that go against what's commonly taught or thought - I suggest you "put it on the shelf" of your mind, it may prove to be useful one day. There is an evolutionary process to understanding, things that make sense now may not have meant the same thing years, weeks, or even days ago.
For me, the game may be pool, for you it can be any other unique quality that you possess, or want to accel at, - whether it's business, sports, education, parenting, relationships, or anything else that can be an analogy to pocket billiards or a "game".
'The Game is the Teacher'
..It never ceases to amaze me, how many people will fall into 'lock step', and encourage such confusing, unintelligible, nonsense as Mr. Wiley appears to be an expert at !..C'mon guys, surely no one can be naive enough, to keep falling for the same recycled horses**t ..over and over and over AGAIN ! 
..It did give me a chance to unload some of my 'other' thoughts !..:wink:
