Lesson Effects

It's funny to me that when people take lessons, they don't want anyone to know.

"Hey," a friend will confide in me because they want to share it with someone, "I am taking lessons from xxxyyy."

I will reply, "That's great! How much do they charge?" (because I am a curious beast)

They will state the amount of funds and then add, "but hey, don't say anything to anyone, okay?"

"I wont say anything. So, how many times have you met with them?"

And the discussion will ensue about the lessons.

I remember being in the same boat when I took lessons a few times. I didn't want anyone to know, either!

What I want to vulnerably share is how it affects me when I hear others have taken lessons.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but when I hear someone has taken lessons, it makes the intimidation factor rise when I play against them. A little added nervousness shows up in me sometimes when I play someone who has recently taken lessons. It doesn't stop there - sometime I get that way when I know my opponent recently played in a pro event. It sounds a little silly, I know, but it does intimidate me some.



Rationalization helps calm my nerves because reasonable thought makes one see things in a better perspective.


So, let me explore this with you today because I just found out someone is taking lessons who will be at the same tournament I am playing in this weekend. Go ahead and laugh at my pre-jitters! I don't mind; it's the truth (insert embarrassment here).

But rationalization really does help me. Will you go through this with me?

• She was already a good player.
  
• I may not even play her!
• If I do play her and lose, so what? It's not the end of the world. No one will judge me.
  
• Play my best.
• Be happy for her that she is wanting to improve her game!
  
• There may be many other players taking lessons, and I just don't know about it, lol (I crack myself up sometimes).
• Watch her games; learn something.
• Remember - nerves get in my minds way and hinders me from playing decent.

Thank you for letting me brainstorm my thoughts with you today!

(vulnerability off)