If you’re successful in life, you have the potential to be a winning poker player. Over my career in the poker scene, from a professional player to a game design consultant, many people from various backgrounds have asked me to coach them. Learning the intricacies of poker has helped me tremendously in all aspects of life. In this article, I will discuss how success in life has helped me become a successful poker player. Hopefully, these points will help you see how winners think and inspire you to apply life principles to your poker game for parallel success.
1. Have a Plan, Set Goals & Stay Focused
In life and poker, planning and preparation are crucial. One key difference between non-pro and professional poker players is that pros have a strategy for every street of the hand. For example, if a pro raises a pot, they already know their next steps, depending on how their opponent acts. Similarly, successful individuals have a backup plan (B, C, D…) in life. In poker, go in with a plan, give yourself options, and make informed decisions.
2. Break Down Goals into Achievable Steps
People who set and achieve short-term goals often reach their long-term goals without realizing it. In poker, mindset is everything. Visualize your end goal, then break it down into achievable steps. Tournament poker exemplifies this concept—you need to analyze the tournament structure, break it down level-by-level, and adjust your play to your chip stack.
3. Know Your Limit & Manage Your Bankroll
Good money management is vital both in life and poker. In poker, it’s called bankroll management. Playing stakes that are too low or too high affects your performance. Play within your means, so you care about your decisions. Remember, variance and luck are part of the game; managing your money properly ensures long-term success.
4. Stay Classy & Take the High Road
Life and poker can throw unexpected challenges at you. You must be resilient, learn from setbacks, and move forward. In poker, getting beaten is part of the game. Whether it’s a miracle “one-outer” on the river or a bad beat, maintaining composure is key. Don’t let emotions affect your play; instead, get your mindset back on track for optimal performance.
5. Stop Complaining & Enjoy the Game
Everyone has experienced bad beats in poker and setbacks in life. Complaining only amplifies negativity. Instead, practice gratitude and have fun with the game. Appreciating what you have—both in poker and life—keeps you positive and focused on growth.
6. Luck is Real, But You Create It
Success in life and poker doesn’t just happen; you need to put yourself in positions to get lucky. Work hard, seize opportunities, and open up your game to more value spots. The more you get involved in positive spots, the better your chances of success.
7. Tame Your Ego & Let Go of Entitlement
Your ego can be your worst enemy. In life, nobody likes an egomaniac; the same goes for poker. Stay humble, pick your spots carefully, and don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone. The goal is to be a real winner, not to show off.
8. Think Long-Term, Not Short-Term
What are you doing right now that positively impacts your long-term success? In poker, you may have heard of positive expected value (+EV)—it means making the right decisions even if they don’t pay off immediately. This mindset ensures you’ll be on the upside over time.
9. Balance & Unwind
No one wins poker games consistently while on tilt or stressed. If you’re losing, don’t grind for 16 hours with a tired brain. Take a break. The same goes for life—sometimes, you need to slow down to speed up.
10. Know the Value of the Cards You Hold
When things go off course in life, successful people go back to basics and rebuild. In poker, knowing your options (fold, call, or raise) and their consequences is crucial. Starting hand selection and basic strategies go a long way in achieving success.
11. Adjust to Different Personalities
Life and poker involve interacting with various personalities. Don’t assume; instead, observe and adapt your game. Adjusting to different personalities and table dynamics without judgment is the hallmark of a professional player.
12. Fail Fast & Pivot
Failure isn’t a problem if you learn and grow from it. In poker, sometimes you must accept when you’re beat. For example, folding AA pre-flop when things go downhill isn’t shameful—it’s strategic. Failing fast and pivoting to better opportunities ensures you stay on track.
13. You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play
Get in the game and never give up. Poker, like life, is about persistence. Statistically, you can’t lose forever, so keep playing, and you will eventually win.
Good luck at the tables! I hope these life lessons give you insights into becoming a successful poker player.
