In the 80s, I spent countless hours in the dim, smoke-filled atmosphere of the billiard hall, University Cue, honing my skills on the 9-ball pool table.

To many, this was just a pastime—a way to pass the hours after school.

(Sometimes, instead of school,😜)

But for me, it was much more than that.

This may have been the first time outside of scouting that I diligently pursued learning a skill for no other reason than I wanted to.

And I remember the day I took it seriously, it was the day I ordered and then studied the book, Byrne's Standard Book of Pool and Billiards.

It became my bible for learning my craft.

The lessons I learned playing 9-ball billiards shaped my perspective on life and success in ways I could never have imagined.

Here’s how the wisdom of the pool hall translated into life lessons that have guided me ever since.

1) Seeing the Whole Table

One of the first things you learn in 9-ball is the importance of seeing the whole table.

It’s not just about sinking the current ball; it’s about setting yourself up for the next shot, and the one after that.

This skill of looking ahead and visualizing the sequence of shots is crucial in pool—and in life.

In life, seeing the whole picture allows you to plan and strategize effectively.

It’s about understanding where you are now and where you want to be, and then mapping out the steps to get there.

Whether it’s a career path, a personal goal, or a complex project, the ability to visualize the end game and work backwards to the present moment is invaluable.

It teaches you to anticipate challenges and position yourself to handle them with confidence.

2) Never Blame the Equipment

In the world of billiards, it’s easy to blame a missed shot on a crooked cue, an uneven table, or subpar equipment.

But the true test of a player’s skill is how they adapt to these imperfections.

Successful players learn to work with what they have, focusing on their own skills and adjustments rather than external factors.

This mindset is crucial for success in life.

The reality is, conditions are rarely perfect.

There will always be obstacles, setbacks, and imperfections.

Blaming external factors only wastes energy and breeds negativity.

Instead, focus on what you can control: your actions, your decisions, and your mindset.

Adaptability and resilience are key to overcoming challenges and finding success despite less-than-ideal circumstances.

3) Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose

One of the most profound lessons I learned on the 9-ball table was the difference between playing to win and playing not to lose.

When you play to win, you’re focused on aggressive strategy and making the shots that will secure victory.

When you play not to lose, you’re defensive, cautious, and often miss opportunities because you’re too focused on avoiding mistakes.

In life, adopting a mindset of playing to win means taking calculated risks, seizing opportunities, and pushing beyond your comfort zone.

It’s about pursuing your goals with confidence and conviction, rather than holding back out of fear of failure.

Success often requires boldness and the willingness to make mistakes and learn from them.

Playing not to lose may keep you safe, but it rarely leads to greatness.

4) Planning Ahead vs. Focusing on the Present

9-ball taught me the delicate balance between planning ahead and focusing on the present shot.

While it’s essential to look ahead and position yourself for future shots, it’s equally important to concentrate on the immediate task.

Losing focus on the current shot can derail your entire game.

This lesson applies to life as well.

While long-term planning is crucial, it’s vital to remain present and focused on the task at hand.

Achieving success requires a combination of foresight and mindfulness.

You must keep your eye on the prize while giving your best effort to the immediate step in front of you.

It’s about finding the balance between vision and execution.

5) Efficiency of Energy

In billiards, one of the most rewarding skills is learning to use the minimal amount of energy required to sink the ball.

A gentle nudge, rather than a forceful strike, often results in the ball gracefully falling into the pocket.

This efficiency of energy is a critical lesson in both pool and life.

Success in life doesn’t always come from brute force or maximum effort.

Sometimes, it’s about finding the most efficient path, using your resources wisely, and conserving energy for when it’s truly needed.

This means working smarter, not harder.

Focus on what truly matters, eliminate unnecessary effort, and prioritize actions that yield the greatest results.

6) The Simplicity of Execution

In pool, there’s a temptation to use “English” on the ball—adding spin to create fancy shots.

However, the most successful players know that 80% of shots require no English at all.

It’s about mastering the basics: speed and angle.

The key is simplicity and precision, not unnecessary complexity.

This principle applies to achieving success in any area of life.

Master the fundamentals, and you’ll find that the rest often falls into place.

Avoid the temptation to complicate things.

Instead, focus on executing the basics flawlessly.

By prioritizing simplicity and precision, you can achieve consistent results and set yourself up for success in more complex situations.

Applying These Lessons in Life

These lessons from the pool hall are more than just abstract concepts; they’re practical strategies for achieving success in life:

1. See the Whole Picture: Whether you’re planning your career or personal goals, visualize the end result and map out the steps needed to achieve it. Anticipate challenges and position yourself to handle them effectively.
2. Adapt and Overcome: When faced with obstacles, focus on what you can control. Adapt to the circumstances and maintain a positive mindset. Use challenges as opportunities to grow and develop resilience.
3. Play to Win: Pursue your goals with confidence and take calculated risks. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Embrace opportunities and learn from mistakes.
4. Balance Planning and Presence: Plan for the future, but remain focused on the present. Give your best effort to the immediate task while keeping your long-term vision in mind.
5. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Use your resources efficiently and prioritize actions that yield the greatest results. Eliminate unnecessary effort and focus on what truly matters.
6. Master the Basics: Simplify your approach and focus on executing the fundamentals flawlessly. Avoid unnecessary complexity and strive for precision in everything you do.

In Conclusion

The lessons I learned playing 9-ball billiards as a teenager have stayed with me throughout my life.

They’ve guided me in my personal and professional endeavors

• play to win
• master the basics
• adapt to challenges
• use energy efficiently
• balance planning with presence
• teaching me to see the whole picture

These principles are the foundation of success, not just in pool, but in life.

As you navigate your own journey, consider how these lessons can apply to your pursuits.

Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career advancement, or meaningful relationships, these timeless principles can help you achieve your goals and find success.

Remember, life is a lot like a game of 9-ball—it’s about strategy, focus, and the willingness to learn and adapt.

Embrace these lessons, and you’ll be well on your way to success.