[mosquito]

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Just a thought - Is it possible that both "problems" are related to self-image?

Do you fear that slow playing a hand will allow someone to catch up thereby creating the impression that you played the hand poorly?

Do you feel that you're too superior of a player to "chase" draws? And that somehow if you "chase" a draw and hit it, other players will think less of you? And you might be embarrassed?

Just a thought.

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I don't think it's a self image problem. I think it's more of a personality problem. I tend to be risk adverse in the sense that I'm not willing to take gambles on long shots unless I can definitely see an edge.

I'm ok with aggression. I'm good at being aggressive and don't mind taking a few chances as long as I'm the one initiating the action. Maybe this is due to the fact that the advantages are so evident. I mean, fold equity is pretty easy to grasp.

The more I think about it, though, the more I'm sure it's a larger issue. I've been risk adverse for my entire life. I should have quit my job years ago, but I'm good at what I do and the pay is enough to support my family.

Nevermind that I've stopped growing professionally, am failing to live up to my potential, and am currently bored out of my mind.

The fact is I consistently let good be the enemy of great.

So, here I am plugging away in my spare time at NL SNG 11's and I'm already stuck because my current system works well enough to win a couple of bucks off of the drunks, jackasses, and clueless housewives frequenting the tables.

The more I think about it, the more it pisses me off that I can't bring myself to make a loose call or two because some jackass on Party Poker might end up with my chips. God, what do I care? I don't do this for the money. I play because it's fun and I want to get better.

So, I think I may have answered my own question here. Sometimes it helps to just type out my thought process.

Any additional input/advice on breaking out of my comfort zone would be appreciated.

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I'm interested in any solutions you may find, I sometimes face similar problems (risk averse). Hobbes, feel free to PM
me with anything relevant to this discussion.