I don’t like making goals for something over which I have no direct control. Lose 20 pounds, sure; I can control what goes in my mouth. Bowl over 200, gotcha; I can practice spare conversions and a more consistent strike ball. But I’d never say, “I will win my company golf tournament,” for example, because I have no way of knowing how others are going to play. I could go on a heater, shoot 15 strokes better than my handicap…and still come in second because someone shot 20 strokes better.

The same philosophy holds for poker. I don’t allow myself to set goals in terms of profits, wins, etc., because I can’t control some aspects of the game. I could play every hand perfectly, all year, and still never win a tournament because I lose an AK v. QQ coin flip on the last hand every time. I could play consistently but run great in low buy-in games and dogshit in higher events and end up falling well short of any financial target.

All I can do is resolve to do is address the shortcomings I see in myself. Before I present my list – for the public record – I’d like to suggest that everyone makes their own list. I’ve seen a couple of threads on this general topic already, and will likely see more before we stop writing “2007” on our checks. I would also suggest you have someone close to you, who knows your game and your personality very well, make out a poker resolution list for you. What you may see as strength in your game, may not be. You may think you’re patient and disciplined who holds on to what they have; others may think you’re a giant nit who misses opportunities to accumulate.

If you don’t have someone with whom you can discuss poker hands and strategies, make the goal of finding that someone your #1 Resolution for 2008. This person will be your strategist, your cheerleader, your shrink, your devil’s advocate – all rolled up into one voice. He (or she) will help you improve more than any book, any message board, or any video from a training site.

And now, my Poker Resolutions for 2008, in no particular order (except for #1):

1) Have more fun playing the game. 2007 really felt like a grind for much of the year. I’ve skipped a lot of events like the private Off-Topic tournaments because if I was going to take the time and focus to have one more table open, it’d be a table where I could maximize profit rather than having a good time playing, chatting and talking smack with the rail. Remember I started playing poker because I had fun with it. Enjoy being with others and playing.

2) Read more. I’m about four books behind on my reading list (the Harrington workbook, Bill Chen’s “Mathematics of Poker”, the new Lee Nelson book, and Tony Holden’s “Bigger Deal”). Plus there are others that directly apply to games I’m playing more, like Ray Zee’s High-Low Split book, that I haven’t seriously re-read in several years.

3) Develop a better philosophy and approach regarding cash games. Some ring games, like HORSE, I play well. Others, like short-handed NLHE, not so well (I’m an overall loser in NL cash games). Regardless of playing the game itself, good or bad, I’m uncomfortable in many cash game situations. I rarely know when to leave the table, whether I’m ahead or behind on the session. I never notice my game slipping because I’ve been playing too long or am distracted by other matters. I’ll make a play just right for a tournament, but complete spew for deep-stacked cash. Must improve my situational awareness.

4) Rely more on the kindness of friends. I talk a lot of poker with the people I mentor and these are very positive relationships for me (and hopefully, for them). But in those circumstances, I’m the one doing more analyzing and answering rather than probing and questioning. I have several friends that I think would provide the same service for me as I do for others, if only I would ask. I need to start asking.

5) Tilt less. As much as I think and write about the underlying philosophy and life approach to poker, I still endure the desire to punch monitors and curse out everyone in the room. I’ve done enough reflection to know when I tilt…usually when missing a big draw myself, rather than someone else playing bad. Nothing will get me fired up like starting with A234 in Razz and hitting K, J, K on 5th, 6th and 7th Streets (usually when my opponent is drawing to nothing better than a 9-low). When that hand is done, I need to let it go.

6) Treat poker more like a hobby and less like a job. I find myself dedicating time to poker like I have to do it for a living. I think like a pro. I’m not a pro. I can maintain the same focus and dedication to playing my best game without feeling like I have to play certain events, or play every single day, or drive myself to play higher and higher stakes.

7) Write well enough to win another Presto. I was blessed that a lot of people voted for me and I won in 2006. I hope everyone likes what I do enough to vote for me again in 2007…but judging from volumes of feedback – or lack thereof – and posts about my articles this year compared to last, I’m missing something. I will do better to find topics that relevant and interesting. I will learn more about the craft of writing, so the topics I do choose are communicated more efficiently and are more entertaining to read.

To everyone out there who has read and supported me over 2007 (and to those who have not), I wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous 2008.