9 Things Life/Snooker Has Taught Me and 3 Things that have been Key in Helping Me Achieve Personal Stability in Mind and Body…

One of the most rewarding parts of the growth development mindset is actually realising that other people’s opinions do not matter one bit . As it goes, in an article I read recently, there was 9 things in it that I try to prioritise for me – and no-one else.

The article can be read here – but in this article of mine below, there are several points that relate to snooker as well as life. Three of the most important things in the other article mention.

1) Prioritising rest, and your mental health. For me that is something that a lot of people take for granted. If you’re not rested or taking time out for yourself, you cannot be useful to others.

Repeat this affirmation: I choose rest when I need it – not when others think you need it…

2) Choosing peace over drama. Sometimes, you have to ignore the BS that goes on and just say the people who are trying to “get one over on you” are extremely sad and they aren’t worth the issue of trying to change, convince you’re right or that they are wrong.

It’s just a question of riding in your lane and getting on with what you believe in and also in ensuring that your journey is for you, and not for anyone else. I don’t care what others are doing in respect of snooker, per se, I am doing me – my snooker.

Repeat this affirmation: I am doing me and what’s best for me.

3) Boundaries – This is something I have put into action in the last year or so. When I need time out for myself, I say it. If I can’t do something, I will say it. Some people may not get it initially, but those who do will begin to respect boundaries and accept that you can’t be in help mode all the time. You need to take time out for yourself, and you need to prioritise your own well being and life.

Repeat this affirmation: I am here to help when convenient for me and when I have prioritised myself and well being…

SNOOKER TRAITS THAT DEFINE THE IMPROVERS FROM THOSE WHO DON’T IMPROVE

On snooker – here’s more ideas from the article that resonate with the game…

1. The scoreboard doesn’t define me.
Whether it’s snooker, business or life, one result never tells the whole story. You keep going and keep growing…

2. Stay patient when things aren’t going your way.
Some of your best snooker has arrived after poor starts because you stayed involved instead of panicking. One poor game or frame does not define everything. It’s a lesson you take on to the next.

3. Not everyone will understand your vision.
If they don’t see it today, that doesn’t mean it won’t succeed tomorrow or the next day. And if they never see it, they don’t have to be involved in your vision…

4. Being sidelined isn’t always a verdict.
Sometimes it’s simply one person’s opinion at one moment in time – which maybe wrong – but as one door closes, another opens, which has no bearing on the grand scheme of things.

5. Basics win.
Whether it’s cue action, cooking or writing, the fundamentals usually beat complexity. Always perform the basics, and the rest will follow in time.

6. Progress is often invisible before it’s obvious.
You might practise for months even years before some stuff suddenly clicks. Remember, people develop at different paces, and life doesn’t always let us go in linear lines for many reasons.

7. You don’t need to win every argument.
Your energy is often better spent building something worthwhile than convincing someone who has already made up their mind. If their mind is already made up, that’s up to them, but it doesn’t define yours…

8. Keep creating.
Every recipe, article, invention or coaching or snooker idea or frame practice idea or league win or tournament win or round win teaches you something, even if it isn’t an immediate success.

9. Never stop learning.
The day you think you know everything is the day you stop improving. Those who get to a certain place in life and think it’s all over – no – it isn’t. You never stop learning.

Some may know more than others – but think that means they’re better than others. They’re not.