Blackjack's Random Thoughts Saturday, September 20, 2014.
LEARNING HOW - WHY - BECAUSE - and
HOW TO KEEP IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE
My pool playing knowledge flows from 4 major arteries ...
How
I learned "how you do it this way" from Cisero Murphy. At that point in time, I knew almost nothing - and most of what I knew was wrong - incomplete - bad habits - and misinformation. I will always be appreciative of the way Cisero was generous with his time - generous with his knowledge - generous with his guidance - and generous with his friendship. He was never "easy" on me. I didn't understand that at first - in fact, for a time I resented it - but I have been immensely blessed because of it. I learned a lot about pool - but I also learned a lot about the importance of patience, dedication, commitment, perseverance - and how to apply all of that not only to pool - but to life.
Why
I learned "how you do it this way" from Cisero Murphy. At that point in time, I knew almost nothing - and most of what I knew was wrong - incomplete - bad habits - and misinformation. I will always be appreciative of the way Cisero was generous with his time - generous with his knowledge - generous with his guidance - and generous with his friendship. He was never "easy" on me. I didn't understand that at first - in fact, for a time I resented it - but I have been immensely blessed because of it. I learned a lot about pool - but I also learned a lot about the importance of patience, dedication, commitment, perseverance - and how to apply all of that not only to pool - but to life.
Why
I learned how to take "how you do it this way" and turn it into "why you do it way" from Steve Mizerak. It is one thing to know how to do something - but Steve always made a point to explain why it was necessary. The time I spent with him opened up an entire new world for me at the table. He had a way of cutting through my know-it-all-attitude with the same subtlety as a torpedo going through a paper sailboat. I learned a lot about pool - but I also learned a lot about professionalism, attention to detail, and how to not take myself so seriously in pool - and in life.
Because
Because
I learned how to "Why you do it this way" and turn it into "because you have to do it this way" from Cowboy Jimmy Moore. Cowboy was real big on common sense. He once told me that if I was ever at the table having trouble finding the solution - just close your eyes - take a few steps back from the table and then look at it from a broader perspective. He followed that up by saying - "Amazing things happen when you have the good sense to realize that you have to get out of your own way." I learned a lot about pool - but I also learned about keeping my cool - smiling through adversity - and how to get out of the problem and into the solution (not only in pool) but also in life.
Keeping It Simple
I learned how to take "because you have to do it this way" and turn it into "this is the simplest way" from Buddy Hall. Buddy has a way of making everything look so easy at the table. I remember him telling me that the secret to getting out was - "just stay in line and don't get caught behind anything." Easier said than done at first - but I studied his every move at the table and I asked a lot of questions. I learned a lot about pool, but I also learned about taking my time - keeping it simple - and believing in what I was doing - not only in pool - but also in life.
Putting It All Together
Somewhere along the line, their lessons, their advice, and their guidance was compounded and molded into the way that I do what I do. Today I know the importance of patience, dedication, commitment, perseverance, professionalism, attention to detail, and how to employ that without taking myself so seriously. I know how to keep my cool - how to smile through adversity - how to get out of the problem and into the solution - how to take my time - how to keep it simple - and I definitely believe in myself and what I am doing. No matter what pool or life tosses at me - I think I'm going to be OK." ~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, March 14, 2008.
Keeping It Simple
I learned how to take "because you have to do it this way" and turn it into "this is the simplest way" from Buddy Hall. Buddy has a way of making everything look so easy at the table. I remember him telling me that the secret to getting out was - "just stay in line and don't get caught behind anything." Easier said than done at first - but I studied his every move at the table and I asked a lot of questions. I learned a lot about pool, but I also learned about taking my time - keeping it simple - and believing in what I was doing - not only in pool - but also in life.
Putting It All Together
Somewhere along the line, their lessons, their advice, and their guidance was compounded and molded into the way that I do what I do. Today I know the importance of patience, dedication, commitment, perseverance, professionalism, attention to detail, and how to employ that without taking myself so seriously. I know how to keep my cool - how to smile through adversity - how to get out of the problem and into the solution - how to take my time - how to keep it simple - and I definitely believe in myself and what I am doing. No matter what pool or life tosses at me - I think I'm going to be OK." ~ Blackjack's Random Thoughts, March 14, 2008.
