Episode 185 - High Performance Poker: Chapter 2 - Winning Habits & Systems
Poker On The Mind PodcastShow Notes
Welcome to Episode 185! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. In this episode, the hosts continue their exploration of high-performance poker with a specific focus on winning systems and habits. Topics discussed in this episode include:
The power of atomic habits & the 4 laws of behavior change How to use implementation intentions and temptation bundling to make it easier to create and stick to high performance habits The importance of systematizing the peak performance cycle
Resources
Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/4aPtYiT
The Procrastination Equation:https://amzn.to/3TSY5zN
The 12 Week Year: https://amzn.to/47ykUfB
Order Gareth’s book The Final Table: https://amzn.to/3ZOjCcV
Order Purposeful Practice for Poker: https://amzn.to/41QBGVC
Order Positive Poker: https://amzn.to/430foBf
Order Peak Poker Performance: https://amzn.to/453miWX
How strong is your mental game? Take Dr. Cardner’s Poker Mental Mastery Assessment and find out!
Check out Dr. Cardner’s Progressive relaxation video (short version): https://youtu.be/pBbuwcFbfFA
Dr. Cardner’s < 60 second video with the instructions for tactical breathing: https://youtube.com/shorts/bMfR8nwQdto?feature=share
Check out Gareth’s program Train and Play Like the Pros that will prepare you for large MTT series (both online and live): https://www.mttpokerschool.com/
Check out Tricia’s on-demand mental game trainings at: https://www.drtriciacardner.com/
Want us to answer your poker question? Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMastery Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits
More from Poker On The Mind Podcast
In this solo voice note, Dr. Tricia shares her thoughts on one of the biggest stories in modern poker history—Leo Margets making the final table of the 2025 WSOP Main Event. Tricia breaks down why this milestone matters far beyond the headline and explores the deeper psychological impact of: Representation and identity in poker Long-term resilience and performance How moments like this shape the future of the game What you can learn from Leo’s composure and mindset
In this episode, Gareth and Tricia tackle a timely listener question: What do most players get wrong when preparing for the World Series of Poker (WSOP)? If you’re gearing up for the WSOP (or any major poker series) and want to avoid common pitfalls, this conversation is for you. They discuss: Why tying your self-worth to poker results is so dangerous: How linking your identity to wins and losses leads to emotional swings and burnout – and ways to keep your confidence steady regardless of outcomes.
In this episode, Gareth and Tricia dive into a powerful listener question from Martin—a poker player with ADHD—who’s struggling to find motivation and structure for his study and play routines. If you've ever wrestled with procrastination, guilt, or balancing poker with real-life responsibilities, this conversation is for you. They explore: Why tight deadlines help some players (especially those with ADHD) hyperfocus Parkinson’s Law and how it impacts poker study and productivity How dopamine dysregulation influences motivation and attention Gamified study tips like “poker sprints” and “beat-the-clock” sessions The power of body doubling, study groups, and external accountability Why guilt and perfectionism may be the real blockers—and how to reframe your mindset Finding the right balance between poker, work, and family life (and why it’s okay for that balance to shift over time) Whether you have ADHD or not, this episode is full of actionable insights on how to design a routine that works for your brain—and your life.
In this solo voice note, Dr. Tricia Cardner breaks down Phil Hellmuth’s recent announcement that he’s skipping the 2025 WSOP Main Event—claiming it’s become too much of a mental grind.
Are you into this idea? Comment on Spotify or tag @gazelligpoker or @drtriciacardner on X and let us know.