Ever felt like you’re on top of the world, making all the right moves, and just dominating the game? That rush of success, whether you’re playing poker or conquering any challenge, is absolutely exhilarating! It’s not just in your head either; winning actually triggers a dopamine rush that makes you feel great, supercharges your motivation, and makes you want to keep that winning streak alive.
But here’s the twist: when you’re winning big, your brain can start playing tricks on you. You might start believing you’re “unstoppable” instead of simply acknowledging you’re playing well. This is what psychologists call cognitive fusion, where your thoughts and emotions become your perceived reality. And in the world of poker, this can lead to some risky moves, like jumping into higher stakes games prematurely or skipping out on practice.
The Sneaky Traps of Success
It’s easy to get caught up in the “illusion of total control” when you’re on a roll. You might think you’ve cracked the code and are immune to the unpredictable nature of the game (or life!). While your skills might have improved, remember that variance (the natural ups and downs) is always lurking, even when it feels like everything’s going your way. Confusing good outcomes with perfect play is a surefire way to set yourself up for a rude awakening when things inevitably shift.
And here’s a crucial point: feeling good doesn’t always equal playing great. Your emotions are just signals, not infallible indicators of your performance. Even the best players can fall prey to what’s known as “winner’s tilt.” Take Daniel Negreanu, for example, who admitted to losing a whopping $2 million in 2023 due to this very trap after a stellar 2022!
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
Winning streaks, while fantastic, can subtly shift your mindset off course. Here are four common traps and how to avoid them:
Trap #1: Overconfidence
It’s natural to feel confident when you’re winning, but overconfidence can make you stop questioning your decisions and disrespect your opponents. This is when mistakes creep in. You might start playing looser, skipping reviews, or dismissing valuable feedback because “what you’re doing is working.”
- The Fix: Stay grounded! Before making a play, ask yourself: “Would I make this move if I were losing right now?” And always review your winning sessions to discern if your plays were skillful or just plain lucky.
Trap #2: Entitlement Tilt
When winning becomes a habit, your brain might start telling you, “I’m supposed to win.” The moment things don’t go your way, you feel irritated, chase losses, or believe variance “owes” you something.
- The Fix: Reframe your expectations. Focus on playing well, regardless of the outcome. Remember, success is built on process, not just results.
Trap #3: Risk Creep and Undisciplined Shot-Taking
Feeling invincible can lead to taking on bigger games or longer sessions, not because it’s part of your strategy, but because you’re fueled by emotion.
- The Fix: Set shot-taking rules before you’re on a heater. Ask yourself: “Am I prepared for this, or am I just overexcited?”
Trap #4: Letting Study and Discipline Slide
Ironically, winning streaks can make you abandon the very habits that got you there. You might skip hand reviews or warm-ups, prioritizing the “rush” over long-term growth.
- The Fix: Double down on your process during winning streaks! This is the perfect time to solidify good habits while your confidence is soaring.
Staying Anchored in Success
You absolutely should celebrate your wins and enjoy them! But to truly thrive long-term, you need to stay anchored.
- Create a “Winning Streak Reset Ritual”: After a great session, take 5-10 minutes to pause and reflect. Ask: “What specific decisions led to my success? Would I be proud of this session even if the results were different?” This helps you focus on your process, not just the outcome.
- Lock in a Weekly Study Routine: When you’re winning, your confidence makes it easier to learn and review mistakes. Dedicate at least an hour a week to study.
- Capture What’s Working: Don’t just reflect when you’re stuck. During a winning streak, identify the patterns, adjustments, and mindset that contribute to your success. This creates a repeatable foundation for future wins.
When the Heat Ends
All winning streaks eventually cool off. For many, this feels like a psychological crash, leading to self-doubt and panic. This is where true professionalism shines through.
- Normalize It: Variance is a part of the game. The game doesn’t owe you anything, and that’s liberating! Your edge comes from how you respond when conditions change.
- Watch for Comparison Thinking: Avoid comparing your current performance to your peak streak. This leads to forcing plays and chasing losses. Instead, focus on the “next best decision.”
- Return to Your Systems: When emotional reinforcement from results fades, your routines become your bedrock. Double down on your study, session structure, and mental reset tools.
- Build Emotional Range: Learn to enjoy winning without needing it to last forever, and to feel the sting of losing without spiraling. This emotional flexibility makes you a more resilient player.
Winning streaks are awesome. They’re proof your hard work is paying off. But they also test your discipline and focus, especially when everything’s going right. The real champions aren’t just good when they’re running hot; they’re the ones who use success to strengthen their habits and continue learning, ensuring they’re ready for whatever the game throws their way!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying grounded when you’re experiencing a run of good luck?