What online gambling can teach you about discipline Part 2
We’ve already run through a few ways that gambling online can teach and help improve your discipline. Your focus – not just to help you while playing. But to help you while living as well. That’s because, believe it or not, the habits you pick up while gambling online can often translate into real-world skills, and vital ones at that.
Ready to find out more about how your gambling behaviour can have a positive impact outside the casino? Then let’s go!
Lesson 5: Strategic thinking can teach you to beat instant gratification
The world revolves around instant gratification these days. Metaphorically speaking. From social media to streaming services, photo and video sharing and AI. If there’s something you want, chances are you can get it immediately. Whether you’re looking for the dopamine hit that comes from doomscrolling or you want something delivered without having to leave the house, your devices are magic lamps that make all your wishes come true at the touch of a button.
It’s the same with online gambling. Which you probably already know. Log onto your favourite casino and you’ll instantly be plunged into a world of fast spins, immediate results, quick deposits, and instant wins (if you’re lucky).
But sometimes success isn’t just about speed. It’s about stepping back and playing the long game instead.
- Poker: Don’t go all in just because you can. If you wait for a strong hand and plan your bets across multiple rounds, you’ll be a more effective player in the long run.
- Blackjack: Don’t be tempted to ‘go with your gut’, no matter how strongly you feel about a hand. Stick to basic strategy instead and keep your wits about you.
- Sports betting: Don’t just bet on a team because they’re your favourite. Do your research first and wait for odds shifts – your patience will pay off.
Teach yourself those good habits
Sure, no matter how long you plan your wagers beforehand, you’ll still enjoy immediate outcomes. But it’s the thinking and strategizing you put in first that counts. If you want to thrive in an online gambling environment, you’ll need to learn how to prioritize strategy over impulse.
Why? Because it’s not just a skill that’ll help you while gambling – it’s one that’s applicable to real life as well. From career planning to financial investments to health practices, delayed gratification and consistency can often lead to better rewards.
Lesson 6: Teach yourself discipling in stopping
Remember the song ‘The Gambler’ by Kenny Rogers? You’ve gotta know when to hold ’em. Absolutely! But you’ve also gotta know when to fold ‘em. And that might be the hardest lesson (and the most important one) of all.
That’s because by their very nature, casinos are designed to keep you playing. Once you get into the swing of things and you start winning and building momentum, you’ll notice that there’s always another spin, another hand, another game to bet on. Which is why walking away can take enormous self-control, particularly if you’re on a losing streak and you can just feel in your gut that you’re ‘one win away’ from getting back on track.
It’s here though, that the ability to end your gambling session becomes vital. And this is the moment that separates the strong, disciplined players from the reckless ones. If you’re able to draw a boundary and leave a situation that’s not serving you, you’ll ultimately become stronger for it.
In the same way, it’s also a lesson that you can apply to your daily life. If you can decide when to leave a job that’s draining you, when to end a project that’s not going anywhere, or when to step back from an argument that’s becoming pointless, you’ll ultimately be doing the best for yourself, and your mental health. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Lesson 7: Make your screen time more productive
When we talk about ‘screen time’, we usually always mention it in a way that’s negative. Even the term itself is dismissive, implying that time spent on screens is time wasted. And most of the time it is – it’s just an endless cycle of scrolling and browsing with an instant tingle of dopamine to keep things fun and engaging. Which is why it’s a cycle that’s so hard to break out of.
So it might sound counterintuitive to argue that screen time spent gambling online isn’t necessarily wasted. That it can be productive too. But it’s true. That’s because if you approach your gambling with discipline and focus that will teach you patience. You can transform your previously wasteful screen time into a productive practice ground for valuable skills. Here’s how:
- Mindful engagement: You know how when you have time to kill you just sit there doomscrolling through social media? (We see you.) Instead of passively lounging around, staying alert and making informed decisions can transform that same time into active moments instead, helping you engage your brain and use your cognitive thinking skills.
Train your Brain
- Cognitive training: Speaking of cognitive skills, that’s exactly what online gambling can help you tap into, keeping you sharp and on the ball. That’s because games challenge your memory, your ability to calculate probability, and your pattern recognition. All of which go a long way towards keeping you at the top of your game.
- Behavioural awareness: Last but not least, online gambling can help you to recognize your own emotions (something that’s difficult to teach). Whether negative or positive, and to manage them when they spike. So if you’re feeling bored, frustrated or excited, and you can feel your emotions leading you to think or act a certain way, you’ll be able to manage your feelings and rein them in before you self-sabotage.
Of course, you’ll still need to bear in mind that moderation is key. We’re not encouraging you to spend all day, every day gambling online. But just keep in mind that when you do visit your online casino, if you gamble mindfully rather than automatically, you’ll get far more out of it than just entertainment. You’ll get a way to sharpen your mental game as well.
Top tips for building focus and discipline through gambling
Want a cheat sheet on how to strengthen your focus and discipline while you’re at the casino? We got you!
- Set intentions before you play
Don’t just randomly log into your casino account and hope for the best. That won’t teach you much. You’ll get far more out of it if you plan ahead first. Before you place your bets, make sure you set yourself limits on the amount of money you’re able to spend on wagers, and the amount of time you’re allowed to spend in the casino.
Then go one step further and set yourself a session goal as well. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with winning. It could be to try a new game, to test a new feature, or to practice some new-found skills. Whatever your goal is though, make it one that excites you!
Practice mindful play
Yes we know, we literally just went over this. But it’s so important that it bears repeating. Whenever you’re gambling online, always make sure to stay present, and to stay in the moment. If you ever catch yourself zoning out or letting your mind wander. Bring yourself back to the present and step away from your session for a while to help yourself refocus.
Remember that successful gambling isn’t just about outcomes. It’s about the choices you make to get there. So always do whatever you can to live in the moment. It makes gambling, and life, all the more rewarding.
Take time to reflect
The best way to move forward is by looking back and reflecting. And if you’re someone who enjoys journalling, this is tailor-made for you. Start getting into the habit of reviewing your gambling right after every session. Record your time spent at the casino in a dedicated journal, and think about what worked, what didn’t, and how you felt about your gambling.
Over time, you’ll start noticing certain patterns in your behaviour (ones you can teach to others). Which you can adapt and build on to improve both your discipline and your results.
Celebrate the small wins
Remember that success isn’t only measured by the amount of money you win. It’s based on your actions as well. If you’re able to manage your finances effectively, to walk away when you’re on a losing streak, or to avoid the trap of going on tilt. You’re winning at gambling (ya can’t teach that), regardless of how much profit you’re making.
Stay balanced with breaks
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that discipline means endless work and grind. In fact, it’s one of those qualities that’s improved by taking regular breaks to clear your head and stay sharp.
Remember this the next time you’re gambling. You don’t want to play for so long that your brain becomes fuzzy and your decision-making skills become questionable. Instead you want to step away regularly in order to reset, refresh and refocus That’s what disciplined play and self-care are all about.
Ready to start putting your new-found discipline and focus to the test? Then the next time you log on, bear our tips in mind and see what you learn about your gambling, and yourself at the same time.