theWof, i admire your thoughts today. Much respect to you for taking the time on this.
When you said the word BALANCE, it really struck a cord with me. I've struggled with that balance here at pregame in my time here. I want to win so fuckin bad, that i literally almost killed myself over it. About 8 months ago i started having some issues with my head, and long story short, 16-20 hours researching and working on plays will come back to haunt you. Just keeping it real.
So balance is something i've had to learn on the fly. I have ALOT of long term clients, and i love every single one of em. I'd do anything for them, and i have in so many instances. But i also know i have a beautiful family, so BALANCE is key.
Find YOUR OWN BALANCE, and i bet you will be happier, which will lead to better time management and even MORE winners.
GUT INSTINCT: Never, never ever underestimate what your first instincts tell you. Never ignore them. Do your research, but keep in mind what your first instincts are telling you, especially the more years you have under your belt. There are times im looking at a game where i just know i should move on to the next, but i still put in the work. Even if things add up, i still have to decide if i can live with this game losing while ignoring my gut. If i can, i play it. If i can't, i pass. There's always tomorrow.
Which leads me to something else. As a "pro" handicapper that sells plays, ELIMINATING LEANS is by far and away the hardest and most agonizing things we have to do. I'm 100% certain on this. All of us do it differently, and none of us are wrong. You just have to find what works for YOU.
The more work and research YOU do, the more you should become DEPENDENT on your own systems and objective data. After all, YOU are the one that put in the time and effort. Now you have to trust it. That's a goal in itself. You will waver, but you must trust yourself. Just like anyone that is good at anything, their has to be that inner confidence than never wavers. In this biz, there are haters galore WAITING and HOPING you lose, so they can tear you down.
But often, these are the same guys creating 22 names, none of which are their own. They also won't post their own picks and put their balls on the line. So really, what are they? Losers who don't have the balls to step up the plate.
Do your work, find your balance, and trust yourself. I'm 32, but i've been doing this daily for a very long time. Considering i cap every game in literally every sport, i think i'm a veteran guy here. Only i know the time i've put into this. But i know it's been winning time for all my clients and myself. That's all that matters in the end. Keep it real, know your limitations and do work. It'll end up FANCY in the end.
Thanks for the words as well, let me know if you ever need any help or simply a question. I'll be watching for you.