It’s frustrating how long it’s been taking to get back in the habit of daily bridge practice when I return from a tournament. There’s always work piled up that needs to be done, and I’m a little bit bridged out. I need to go over all the boards from the Trials. I thought that process would be done by now, but it hasn’t happened. Anyone have suggestions?
Maybe I need to cut myself some slack. And maybe it’s actually better to give it a little bit of time before I review them, so the decisions aren’t fresh in my mind. One of the wonderful things about this event is that I don’t have to remember what happened; it’s all there in bits and bytes for me to review.
Greg and I started practicing again this week. We had taken a few weeks off while I prepared for the Trials with Anant. We missed each other! We’ve got Cuebids fired up again and played a little bit on BBO. I finally got our notes updated after changes we made in Memphis.
I’m really disappointed with how little I’ve been reading. I’m not sure what that’s about. I really enjoy reading bridge books. I think they’re very helpful for my game. I just bought a bunch of new ones that I’m eager to get into. But somehow it hasn’t become part of the routine.
My plan had been to create a habit of 30 minutes or so of reading before bed. But I find that by the end of the day I’m pretty tired and just want to get to sleep. So I need to find another time that works. It’s just something I need to prioritize.
I finally broke my tennis racket out and played a little bit this week. I’m very sore right now, but I know it will be good to get me out and active. The weather has been gorgeous here, and I like to take advantage of that. I’m still walking and meditating everyday, so that part is going well.
I’m going to the Flying Pig regional in Cincinnati in early June. Let me know if you’re going to be there! I’m playing with one of my first mentors, which is very exciting. He’s an incredible player, but he doesn’t play much these days, so we’re scheduling some online practice to help him get some of the rust off.
The Open European Championships are in Poland at the end of June. I’d love to go, but Greg has to work, so I’m not sure that I’ll make it. I’ve never played in this tournament and have always wanted to. We’ll see.
I encourage you to share your progress in the comments. We’re all in this together!!
Have a great week.
Adam, I started reading Bill Belicheck’s Art of Winning today and recommend it. I did not choose it thinking it had applications to my bridge journey but he is a process person who works his process extraordinarily well. I am only on chapter 3 but chapter 2 really got my attention - there is a page at the end of chapter 2 that states The work you did to get to that decisive moment is the work that will help you carry the day. Just as you adapt to everyday challenges in the regular season, you will also need to adapt to heightened circumstances in big moments. Smart preparations and smart game plans got you there; don’t stop preparing and game planning. And, finally: fill your drawer. (The last sentence will make sense if you read chapter 2, I know I don’t do this well enough and think many people, perhaps including you, also find this an issue.).
Hi Adam,
I'm really enjoying your Leveling Up videos. Keep 'em coming!
I am a retired NYC teacher and my one suggestion for reading is to make it a morning priority. The morning time of day is when your head is clear, before the day takes control of your mind with all the other things you need to accomplish in the day.
Make an area in your home to place your books, perhaps a notebook, pencils, markers and highlighters and an extra pair of glasses. Have that area ready to go when you enter it. Bring your coffee and set a timer on your phone.
I like to think of it like when we decide to bake....organizing the ingredients the recipe, and all the tools you will need to help make the process faster which will provide a good end result.
I enjoyed watching you play in the 2025 USBC from my computer.
Lastly, give yourself some grace.
~Donna