1 Year as a Poker Pro - A Look Forward

[scapegote]

An interesting title for someone who's considered themselves a semi-pro/professional player for almost a year already. A couple months back, I made a post about getting serious into poker, it was right around the time that I started these weekly updates. I said in my last post that this would be a "Goals" post, so I sat down and came up with some goals.

1. I would like to be able to decide what I would like to do this summer with no constraints caused by a job or needing to play for money. My thoughts are National Outdoor Leadership School, Traveling around the country, Working at Camp again, Playing Full time, or anything else I choose to do. I want poker to enable me to enjoy life.

2. I would like to be able to say that poker is not getting in the way of any social life that I may have. I also want it to fit into my life goals, not hinder them.

3. I would like to give more of what I make playing. Being a Christian I believe in the biblical principal of tithing, giving 10% of what you make to those who need it. I don't believe in my instance that my somewhat well off church in Grand Rapids needs my money, so I will be looking for other places to help out. I figure if I can give 10% of what I make at months end, I could feel like I was doing something of worth with at least some of the money I make.

So those are my general goals for the year, my more specific poker goals involve:

1. Moving up the lmits and playing in at least 15/30 by years end. I would like to know how well I can perform in the high limit games.

2. Making weekly posts (also re-opening my blog, where I will double post all these updates, as well as others)

3. Playing a considerable number of hands per week, I figure at least 20-25 hours a week, whatever that ends up being hands wise.

4. Cut back on any non-essential spending as my bankroll grows, use rakeback as living expenses.

5. Play more live games, also diversify into other games, 7-stud, O8, be able to play in the mid-high level rotation games at casinos.

6. Play in one major tournament with a buy in of at least 2500. I would like to play the WSOP, but depending on summer plans.

I think these goals are reasonable, I want to test myself over the next year, see what I think of playing for a living seriously. I need to know whether burnout is just around the corner, or whether I will still enjoy the game in the way I do now.

Scapegote

[Seadood228]

I have no doubt that you can achieve every goal on that list.. Good luck this year..