EMOTIONS 101 FOR POKER PLAYERS: HOW TO LEVERAGE YOUR EMOTIONS FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AT THE TABLE

Welcome to the 3rd blog in the series “Performance 101 for Poker Players”! In today’s post, we’re going to delve into a supremely important topic. Although it often captures our attention during moments of TILT, its presence in our lives is much more pervasive than we might imagine.

In this entry, we will cover:

• What emotions are

• The difference between adaptive and non-adaptive emotions

• The mindset surrounding emotions

• What emotional regulation entails

Let’s begin by discussing emotions.

What is an emotion?

Firstly, it’s important to note that, even at the scientific level, there is a mix of consensus and debate regarding the nature of emotions. Does this mean their essence remains undefined? Not exactly. Rather, it indicates that while there are various theories with shared aspects, there are also distinct differences in how emotions are conceptualized.

This diversity in understanding is precisely why we can encounter multiple definitions of emotions. As the primary goal of this blog series is to demystify complex topics, I will strive to offer a definition that not only simplifies but also enhances our comprehension of what emotions are and how they function.

Emotions:

James Gross, in the “Handbook of Emotion Regulation,” identifies two primary characteristics that define emotions:

• Timing and Trigger: Emotions arise in response to situations that have significance for our goals, regardless of their scale or whether they are conscious or unconscious. These goals can range from basic survival to the simple desire for a piece of cake. The significance we attribute to any given situation in relation to our goals is what triggers our emotional response. As the situation or its perceived meaning changes, our emotions evolve accordingly.

• Complexity and Impact: Emotions are multifaceted, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and physical states. They shape how we feel, dictate our actions, and trigger physiological responses.

Conversely, Paul Ekman, in “Emotion Revealed” (2007), describes emotions as:

• Rapid and automatic

• Coordinated and organized at a physiological level

• Motivators of behavior

• Potentially life-enriching or life-saving

• Capable of being constructive or destructive

• Occurring with or without our conscious awareness

Emotions can be understood as a physiological and cognitive process that has been instrumental in our survival and evolution as a species. While thousands of years ago, emotions played a critical role in our ancestors’ survival, today, their importance remains, albeit in a context with fewer life-or-death situations. It’s crucial to acknowledge that emotions cannot be eliminated or controlled in the traditional sense; instead, they can be regulated.

Navigating the Spectrum of Emotions: Adaptive vs. Non-Adaptive

Emotions serve as a compass, guiding us through life’s challenges and opportunities. Their utility can be understood through the lens of adaptiveness, which varies based on the context of activation and intensity.

Adaptive Emotions: Allies in Progress

Emotions are deemed adaptive when they serve their evolutionary purpose — aiding in our development and survival. Consider the alarm of fear and surprise when facing immediate danger, such as discovering a fire in your home at night. These emotions propel us towards safety, embodying their adaptive nature. Similarly, in less dire situations, like feeling nervous or anxious before competing at a final poker table, these emotions can motivate preparatory actions beneficial for performance — ranging from thorough warm-ups and game plan strategizing to meditation and opponent analysis.

In our modern context, where survival scenarios are less frequent, the role of adaptive emotions shifts towards fostering personal growth and enhancing well-being.

Non-Adaptive Emotions: When Emotions Mislead

Conversely, emotions become non-adaptive when they misalign with our capabilities, available resources, or the challenges we face. Imagine embarking on a climb of Mount K2, notorious for its peril, fueled by uninformed enthusiasm and joy despite lacking climbing experience or physical preparation. Such misplaced emotions can lead to dangerous outcomes. Similarly, everyday instances, like reacting to a loss in a game with disproportionate anger — resulting in physical damage or self-injury — exemplify non-adaptive emotions. Expressing frustration is natural, but there’s a critical line between healthy expression and harmful reactions.

The distinction between adaptive and non-adaptive emotions hinges on their efficacy in supporting our survival and personal development. Recognizing and regulating these emotions can lead to more fulfilling and constructive outcomes.

Mindset of Emotions: Navigating Our Inner Landscape

In a previous post, we explored the concept of Mindset in depth (click here for a refresher). To encapsulate, our beliefs about our emotions significantly influence our behaviors, life quality, and responses to emotional experiences. Thus, grasping a deeper understanding of our emotions is crucial.

Understanding our emotions entails recognizing that they serve a purpose, acting as a tool for navigating life’s complexities. Whether emotions are adaptive or non-adaptive, they emerge for a reason, signaling the importance of interpreting their triggers and the meanings we assign to situations. For instance, under the influence of the same emotion, two individuals might take radically different actions.

Consider the possibility of experiencing perfectly adaptive emotions but harboring misconceptions about them. Recall the scenario of feeling anxious or nervous hours before a pivotal final table game. If you believe such emotions are detrimental, you might resort to counterproductive coping mechanisms, like smoking marijuana or binge-watching TV, instead of engaging in productive strategies like studying or planning.

This anxiety and nervousness signal the significance of the upcoming event. However, the interpretation of these emotions and subsequent actions can vary dramatically from one person to another.

At times, we might attempt to suppress our emotions due to misunderstanding them, leading to discomfort and avoidance rather than comprehension and regulation.

Emotion Regulation: Sculpting Our Emotional Experience

Emotion regulation involves controlling which emotions we experience, their timing, and how we express and experience them. This process enables us to transform non-adaptive emotions into adaptive ones and to reinterpret the meanings behind certain emotions, fostering beliefs that empower us to take constructive actions.

By mastering emotion regulation, we can channel anger and frustration into motivation for preparation and study, utilize anxiety to sharpen our skills or allow sadness to connect us with the support of those around us.

Each person’s emotional landscape is uniquely shaped by their individual perceptions, significances, and experiences, influenced by their personal history.

Recognizing that emotions are not inherently positive or negative, but rather adaptive or non-adaptive, is the first step toward leveraging them for personal development. By learning to regulate emotions effectively, we transform them from sources of discomfort into tools for growth, even turning discomfort itself into a catalyst for progress.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, understanding and managing our emotions is key to enhancing poker performance and personal growth. Emotions guide our strategies and decisions at the table. Recognizing adaptive and non-adaptive emotions not only improves our game but also teaches valuable life lessons. Mastering emotional regulation allows us to channel our energies effectively, transforming potential setbacks into victories.

The poker table reflects our emotional dynamics, and mastering them can set us apart. This journey extends beyond poker, enriching our lives with resilience and emotional intelligence. By applying these insights, we not only become better players but also more adept at navigating life’s challenges.

Embracing our emotional landscape with awareness and skill is a step towards a balanced life and sustained success. Let this knowledge be a catalyst for growth, both at the table and in every aspect of our lives.