Episode 195 - Play Poker Or Focus On Family?

Episode 195 - Play Poker Or Focus On Family?

Author: Poker On The Mind Podcast March 27, 2025 Duration: 43:45
In this episode, Gareth and Tricia dive into a powerful listener question from Martin—a poker player with ADHD—who’s struggling to find motivation and structure for his study and play routines. If you've ever wrestled with procrastination, guilt, or balancing poker with real-life responsibilities, this conversation is for you. They explore:
  • Why tight deadlines help some players (especially those with ADHD) hyperfocus
  • Parkinson’s Law and how it impacts poker study and productivity
  • How dopamine dysregulation influences motivation and attention
  • Gamified study tips like “poker sprints” and “beat-the-clock” sessions
  • The power of body doubling, study groups, and external accountability
  • Why guilt and perfectionism may be the real blockers—and how to reframe your mindset
  • Finding the right balance between poker, work, and family life (and why it’s okay for that balance to shift over time)
Whether you have ADHD or not, this episode is full of actionable insights on how to design a routine that works for your brain—and your life.


📚 Recommended Resources:

Purposeful Practice for Poker by Dr. Tricia Cardner & Gareth James


Take Tricia’s free Mental Game Strength Quiz:
https://drtriciacardner.com/quiz

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Take the MTT to Cash Diagnostic:
https://drtriciacardner.com/cashquiz

Sign up for Gareth’s free 5-day email course:
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https://mttpokerschool.com/free-course

Want us to answer your poker question?

Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMastery

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Or Tweet us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool @PokerOnTheMind

Ever find yourself staring at a tricky river decision or wondering how to stay focused during a long session? Poker On The Mind Podcast digs into those very moments, creating a space where the mental game and strategic play are given equal weight. This isn't about quick tips or hand history reviews alone; it's a deeper conversation about how we think at the tables. Each episode is built from listener questions, making the content directly relevant to the challenges you're actually facing, whether you're grinding online or heading to a live event. You'll hear discussions that dissect specific tournament scenarios, from late-stage bubble play to final table dynamics, alongside honest talks about maintaining emotional balance and building resilience. The goal is to provide a resource that helps you refine your decision-making process while also developing the psychological stamina the game demands. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of analysis and introspection, designed for players who believe improving their mindset is just as critical as mastering the math. This podcast lives in the intersection of Leisure, Education, and Sports, recognizing poker as the complex and fascinating pursuit that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Poker On The Mind Podcast
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