Lucky Breaks

About our Guests Josh Watson is a semi-professional pool player and coach sponsored by BeCue and JamUp apparel. He plays for American Poolplayers Association and runs a BCA pool league in San Diego, California. You can find him on instagram @josh_watson_pool_player Main Takeaways from this Episode Prioritize your mental game as well as your physical game. In pastimes as complex as the game of pool, your performance is directly connected to both your physical state – rest, hydration, fuel – as well as your mental state – positive mindset, resilience to setbacks, finding joy in the game. Avoid spiraling into negativity by trying techniques like meditative breathing and cognitive behavioral therapy to train your mind to be more resilient. Luck is ever-present In games and experiences like the game of pool, there’s no avoiding the luck factor, both positive and negative. Maximize your leverage of good luck by recognizing it and trying to recreate those conditions in future events. In cases of bad luck, manage your mental game when these setbacks happen, and prevent them from triggering negative spirals. Preparation pays off. Famous professional pool player Efren Reyes said: “I got lucky. But The More I Practice The Luckier I Get!” For important hobbies and pastimes where performance matters to you, find the time to practice and build a strong foundation from which to perform. In pool, table time and a consistent pre-shot routine are essential for developing the skills and muscle memory needed to play at a high level. Use mistakes and failures as opportunities to explore the boundaries of your ability and input to the next practice session. Find your flow state and nurture joy. Josh explains how adopting a mindset of "letting go" and trusting his skills, rather than overthinking, can lead to a flow state where he plays effortlessly. In many activities and sports, mental focus and a sense of rhythm are crucial for success. This state of being allows us to enjoy not only the outcomes, but also the joy in the game. Finding balance between challenge and enjoyment is important for maintaining passion and preventing burnout, particularly in pursuits that require long-term dedication. Product Links JamUp Pool Apparel BeCue Contact * Follow us at hindsightretros.substack.com * Follow Sue Lueder on LinkedIn * Follow John Reese on LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hindsightretros.substack.com