How to keep motivated after bad sessions?

L

LiviuRo123

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 11, 2025
Total posts
122
RO
Chips
55
What keeps you coming back to the tables after a bad session? Any habits or tips for staying motivated?
 
Aleksandr1991

Aleksandr1991

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Oct 17, 2022
Total posts
673
Awards
1
UA
Chips
414
Что заставляет вас возвращаться к игре после неудачной сессии? Есть ли у вас какие-нибудь привычки или советы, как сохранять мотивацию?
Regular rest and switching between tasks help you regain strength and keep your mind fresh, which is important for staying motivated at a distance.
 
Prophet

Prophet

Rock Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Total posts
126
Awards
1
Chips
43
What keeps you coming back to the tables after a bad session? Any habits or tips for staying motivated?
For me it’s just knowing one bad session isn’t the end of the world. I try not to overthink it, maybe look at a few hands later to see if I messed up or just ran bad, then move on. Sometimes I take a day off and come back with more energy. Just gotta focus on getting better, not on losing one session.
 
ArmiSoo7

ArmiSoo7

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Total posts
664
Awards
3
LV
Chips
250
My motivation is to win big.
Poker is game where you can not win all hands. So deal with lost tournaments and try next one. You never know, maybe next tournament will be your lucky one.😎
 
Emily Trott

Emily Trott

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Nov 11, 2020
Total posts
2,046
Awards
6
US
Chips
815
I keep coming back because I enjoy it. I didn't give up on fishing just because of getting skunked some days, so why would I give up on poker?
 
oroochimaru

oroochimaru

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Mar 24, 2019
Total posts
450
Awards
3
DE
Chips
345
What keeps you coming back to the tables after a bad session? Any habits or tips for staying motivated?
Reminding myself that poker is a long term game is what keeps me at the tables after a difficult session. A bad session doesnt define me as a player and I try not to let one unlucky streak affect my overall perspective. Variance is part of the game and sometimes it just doesnt go your way. I have picked up a few habits to keep myself motivated. I start by making sure to take frequent breaks. Taking a break for a few minutes when things arent going well, whether its going outside for some fresh air or simply having a bite can help you calm down and clear your head.

A further piece of advice is to go over the session afterwards. I examine the hands where I made errors or lost large sums of money. Although its simple to become emotional during a terrible session, I can utilize those experiences to learn and get better at my game if I maintain a clear mind. Last but not least, maintaining perspective is crucial. I keep in mind that poker is all about making wise judgments over time and not about particular outcomes. Maintaining a positive attitude and concentrating on the long term objective enables me to persevere through difficult times and remain committed to continuous improvement.
 
TheniT

TheniT

Rock Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Mar 15, 2019
Total posts
175
Awards
2
BR
Chips
113
After a bad session, stay motivated by focusing on long-term growth, using structured habits to reset, and viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and build resilience.
 
eetenor

eetenor

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Mar 5, 2019
Total posts
2,652
Awards
2
Chips
672
What keeps you coming back to the tables after a bad session? Any habits or tips for staying motivated?

after a bad session if you study well and learn new concepts it will naturally make you excited to play again.

:unsure::geek:
 
martinoni

martinoni

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Jan 20, 2022
Total posts
449
Awards
1
BR
Chips
607
Sometimes keeping yourself away a little and studying the spots that made your session get bad
 
yomarianob

yomarianob

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 20, 2016
Total posts
86
Awards
1
AR
Chips
19
I like to do something different from poker. Reading a book, go to a park, play videogames, whatever.

When you feel that desire to play again, then come back to it.

It's important to get the motivation back before playing, because you will lose it quickly at the 1st bad beat. I like to watch some train videos or hand analysis and that motivate me to play.
 
IveGotToeJam

IveGotToeJam

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 11, 2025
Total posts
43
GB
Chips
61
I've had a rough session today. It's been non stop 2 outters :D just remember variance exists and you've also hit 2 outters at some point :)
 
fewerz

fewerz

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 16, 2025
Total posts
30
UA
Chips
42
Time heals. I’ve never forced myself to keep playing poker or anything like that. I just enjoy the process of playing, and sooner or later I return to poker hoping to get enjoyment from the game and have a good time.
 
Top