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Message: [QUOTE="Pitonealal, post: 7179021, member: 1052667"] Hey everyone, This might be a bit more personal than usual, but I wanted to share something that’s been on my mind. I’ve always struggled with self-confidence in life. I’m the kind of person who doubts myself a lot, even when things go right. And sometimes, I feel that same lack of belief carry over into poker. --- The Problem 😕 Poker is a game that constantly tests your emotions. Even if you know the math, the strategy, the ranges—there are still those moments where doubt creeps in. You make a tough call and instantly think, “What if I’m wrong?” You fold a hand and then feel stupid when the board would have hit you. For someone who doesn’t naturally believe in themselves, poker can feel brutal. It’s almost like the game amplifies those insecurities. Losing a flip doesn’t just feel like bad luck—it feels like proof that “I’m not good enough.” --- What I Try to Do 🛠️ Over time, I’ve realized poker isn’t just about cards. It’s also about mentality. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re basically playing at a handicap. Opponents can sense it. You hesitate, you second-guess, and you miss spots where you should have acted with confidence. I started working on a few things to fight this: 👉 Small wins – Instead of chasing huge results, I focus on small goals: folding less out of fear, making one good bluff, or reviewing one tough hand. When I achieve these, it builds confidence little by little. 👉 Study = confidence – The more I study ranges, math, and theory, the less room there is for “self-doubt.” Knowledge is like armor—you don’t have to “feel confident,” because you can rely on the numbers. 👉 Accepting variance – This was huge for me. I had to understand that losing doesn’t always mean I played badly. Sometimes you make the right move and still lose. That doesn’t mean you’re a failure—it means you’re playing poker. --- Why Poker Might Actually Help 💡 In a strange way, poker has helped me work on my self-belief. The game forces you to make decisions and live with them. There’s no hiding. Over time, I’ve noticed that if I can be brave at the table, maybe I can be braver in life too. --- Question for You ❓ Has anyone else struggled with self-confidence while playing? How do you deal with doubt at the table—and in life? I’d really love to hear your thoughts. Maybe we can support each other through this, because I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. 🙏 [/QUOTE]

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