Trying to de-donk myself

[JustToast]

[ QUOTE ]
I took a line very similar to JustToast's over aggressive style. I figured that this was the perfect place for a semi-bluff, although I agree it was possible that I had best hand. I was basically 50/50 with AK, AQ, etc, and way ahead of all pocket pairs except 22 and 88.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $1.00 BB (9 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

MP2 ($52.50)
MP3 ($102.40)
CO ($72.35)
Button ($23.85)
SB ($39)
BB ($59.20)
Hero ($90.95)
UTG+1 ($39.15)
MP1 ($47)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with 9[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], A[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img].
Hero calls $1, <font color="#CC3333">UTG+1 raises to $3</font>, <font color="#666666">6 folds</font>, BB calls $2, Hero calls $2.

Flop: ($9.50) A[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], 2[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], 8[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(3 players)</font>
BB checks, <font color="#CC3333">Hero bets $37</font>, UTG+1 calls $36.15 (All-In), BB folds.

Turn: ($82.65) 5[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players, 1 all-in)</font>

River: ($82.65) A[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players, 1 all-in)</font>

Final Pot: $82.65

[/ QUOTE ]

You don't want to totally discourage action and betting 4x pot is definately discouraging it. Just pot the flop if you want him to know you're serious and get it in afterwards if that's your intention.