There are only two ways to think about the 1% of the pool players who have become run out players and tournament champions.
One way is to think that their position is unjust. To think that what they have is simply a result of randomness or luck, and beyond most people’s reach or they were simply blessed with crazy talent and just the right circumstances to make them as good as they are and able to win as much as they do.
This type of thinking basically guarantees that one will not have to worry about becoming a great player.
The other way to think about it is: If one person can do it, then there is no reason I can’t do it too. If he can do it then that is proof that others can, therefore I can too. So now I will get busy figuring out how and start doing it now—today.
You will either see great players and their abilities, talents and wins as proof you can’t, or proof you can.
Having the winning mindset for pool is an utmost important thing. You see this both in the match you have now, and in the hope and prospect for long term success and future improvement to become the pool player and person you want to become.
You can create and change your mindset through the power of your own imagination and thinking.
You can create it through the power of association (exercised by being here and the players you listen to, learn from and hang out with), and through the power of implementation of the skills you learn.
Shut your mind out to negative comments thrown out at you by weak thinkers or sleazy sharks trying to throw you off your game.
Hold on the the positive champion comments, thoughts, compliments.
Hold highest in your mind the vision of yourself being a champion and possessing the skill, ability, and heart to be a champion—on and off the pool table.
Max Eberle is a Dover, Ohio born professional pool player, instructor, author,and artist, currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Max is the 2013 Derby City Classic 14.1 Champion and twice a Bronze Medalist at the World 14.1 Tournament, 2014 & 2006. He is a 4 time West Coast 9-Ball Champion and 3-Time National 8-Ball Champion (1991 Junior Champ and 93 & 94 National Collegiate Champ). At the 2013 Derby City Classic 14.1 Division on the 10-Foot (Bigfoot) Tables at the Horseshoe Casino outside of Louisville, KY, Max consecutively defeated three world champions (Alex Pagulayan, Niels Feijen & Dennis Orcullo) and a world class field of 48 world champions and top ranked pros to win the coveted title. Check out his tips and videos and his website.
*Read original blog here.
Photo: Bryan Morris/blog Editor: Dana Gornall