Fanduel emailed me....

 Fanduel emailed me today…..

To say I was tempted is not wrong. I did not close my Fanduel account just yet because I wasn't sure what would happen with the tax information I needed from some of my wins last year. The other accounts (DK, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM) had been deleted and were not able to get back in. The second I opened the app, I immediately looked to see if I had any money in the account. To my surprise I found $15 “collecting dust”. In the back of my mind, I thought, its just $15, I can use it for a game…. Or I can withdraw it. I withdrew the money from that account right away. F that noise. I am not going back. Why? I lost so much more than just money from doing that, why would i want to continue or fall back into it? Not everyone can feel that. Thats fine. Relapses happen. Relapses are not the end of the world. Its the part of recovery that says “hey, lets try something else, lets make changes to our recovery” Take parts of what worked and change the parts that did not. 

Why relapse happen: 

1.     Triggers and stressors: Identifying any triggers that can lead to a gambling urge is essential to stopping. Stress, financial difficulties or emotional turmoil can contribute to relapses. Understanding these triggers can help individuals develop coping mechanisms.

2.     Overcoming the comfort zone: Gambling may have served as a coping mechanism in the past. When faced with stress or boredom, individuals may find solace in the familiar act of gambling which can lead to relapse.

3.     Lack of Support: A robust support system is crucial in recovery. Relapses may occur when individuals feel isolated or lack the necessary support from friends, family or support groups. 

 

Why relapses are okay: 

1.     Learning opportunities: Instead of viewing relapses as failures, turn it around and view it as a learning opportunity. Analyze the circumstances leading to the relapse and use this insight to strengthen the coping mechanism.

2.     Progress is linear: Recovery is rarely a linear process. Ups and downs are natural, and relapses do not erase the progress made. Each setback can be a stepping stone toward long term recovery.

3.     Self- compassion: be kind to yourself. Acknowledge the relapse, but do not let the guilt or shame hinder your progress.

After I received my $15, I did this: 

SEE YA NEVR FAN DUEL 

I am 3 weeks away from surviving an entire football season without 1) watching most of the games ( I watched 1 Chicago Bears game this past season (they won, youre welcome Bears fans))  and 2) blowing my hard earned money on stupid bets that will never hit. I know there are many people out there that can sit, put a few dollars on a game and be content. I am not one of them. Thats why it was important to take a step back from watching sports of any kind this past year and focus on more important matters in life (Recovery, mental and physical health and finances). If you're a sports bettor looking to make a change in your life because you're tired of just everything, make sure to read the latest blog, along with all the other blogs to learn more about gambling addiction and recovery. Life is better when we are not tied down by these addictions. Together, we can live a better life, one day at a time.

Taking a Timeout: The Case for Compulsive Sports Gamblers to Step Away

For us compulsive sports gamblers, we don't need to stop watching sports forever. We just need to decide that sports aren’t for us right now. We have to reestablish a new relationship with sports. Most of us have a sport and sport team we love regardless if we gambled on them or not. It is okay to still feel connected to them but when you feel an urge while watching, take a step back. In its place, we need to find alternatives to gambling. Change up your habits. Both of which I have already written blogs on, so check them out. Stepping back will allow us to regain control of our mental and physical healths as well as reevaluate our priorities:

1. Reducing Triggers:

• Watching sports events often acts as a trigger for compulsive sports gamblers. The excitement, unpredictability, and emotional highs and lows can intensify the urge to place bets. By taking a break from watching sports, individuals can create a space for themselves to break the cycle of compulsive behavior and reduce the triggers that lead to unhealthy gambling habits.

2. Preserving Mental Health:

• Compulsive gambling can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Watching sports with the constant temptation to place bets can exacerbate these issues. Taking time away allows individuals to focus on their mental well-being, seek support, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

3. Financial Stability:

• Sports gambling can quickly escalate, leading to significant financial losses. By abstaining from watching sports, individuals can avoid the temptation to place impulsive bets and regain control over their finances. This break provides an opportunity to assess and address any existing financial challenges without the added pressure of ongoing sports events.

4. Reevaluating Priorities:

• Stepping away from sports allows compulsive gamblers to reevaluate their priorities and interests. It opens the door to discovering new hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and pursuing personal growth. Breaking free from the constant cycle of sports gambling provides a chance to rediscover other aspects of life that may have been overshadowed by the addiction.

5. Breaking Patterns:

• Habits and addictions often thrive on routine and repetition. Taking a break from watching sports disrupts the patterns associated with compulsive gambling. This interruption can serve as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and the initiation of positive changes in behavior.

While the love for sports is universal, it's important to recognize when the enjoyment of the game transforms into a harmful compulsion. For us compulsive sports gamblers, taking a hiatus from watching sports can be a crucial step towards regaining control over their lives. It's a chance to prioritize mental and financial well-being, break free from destructive patterns, and rediscover a healthier and more fulfilling way of living. Because when we regain control of our lives, it gets better. One day at a time.

Setting Achievable New Year Goals for Personal Growth in 2024: Transform Your Life

 The new year is upon us and you know what that means: new goals. A goal is something that you want to achieve. Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. What is the actual goal you want to achieve? What metrics are you using to measures the progress of the goal (can be quantitative or qualitative)? How do you plan to achieve the goal? Well, that will depend on how important said goal is to you. What can you do to attain the goal? The goal is meant to inspire motivation, not discourage it. Put a time limit to it. When do you want to achieve said goal by? 

In the past when I made goals, I would usually have 2-4 goals I wanted to achieve by the end of the month. Eventually it kept getting pushed back and made it more attainable by breaking them out over quarters. For instance, one of my goals this year is to lose weight. From June 2023 to now, i am down roughly 35 pounds. My goal is to lose another 10-15 pounds before the end of the first quarter, which happens to also be my 29th birthday. Hopefully that would bring me back down to 175-180. 

Another goal this year is to start saving money. GOING INTO 2024 WITH NO MORE CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS! As of December 31st, paid off a credit card I had been using to fund my gambling. I had a $22k credit limit on it and was very immature. Happy to say I finally paid it off (with a little bit of help) and will be closing the account for GOOD. Little wins like that make it more worth it to stay away from gambling. You guys can get there too. Work hard, put your hard earned money to good use. Stop wasting it on an activity that has a zero percent return on

So, not sure what kinds of goals you want to set for the new year? Here is a few realistic goals we can set to become the best version of ourselves in 2024: 

1. Seek professional help: Acknowledging the addiction is the first step towards healing. Consider seeking professional counseling or joining support groups. In 2024, prioritize finding a therapist or counselor specialized in addiction recovery.

2. Establish boundaries: Set clear boundaries to limit exposure to gambling triggers. This could involve self-exclusion from casinos or online gambling platforms. Create a supportive environment by avoiding places or people associated with gambling.

3. Financial management:Develop a solid financial plan. Set a budget, manage debts, and establish savings goals. Consider seeking advice from financial experts to regain control of your finances and prevent relapses. I am a big Dave Ramsey guy and have been listening to the Ramsey show for a few years now. 

4. Explore new hobbies: Engage in hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment. This could involve sports, art, music, or volunteer work. Exploring new interests helps in redirecting focus and energy away from gambling.

5. Practice self care: Prioritize self-care, including physical and mental well-being. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and practice mindfulness or meditation. Cultivating a healthy lifestyle contributes positively to addiction recovery.

6. Build a support network: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand and encourage your recovery journey. Consider joining support groups or reconnecting with friends and family who offer positive reinforcement.

7. Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Every step forward is a victory worth acknowledging. Celebrating milestones reinforces motivation and determination.

8. Continual education and awareness: Educate yourself continuously about gambling addiction. Understanding its triggers and impact on mental health is crucial in maintaining sobriety. Stay informed and aware of the potential risks.

9. Focus on long term goals: While setting short-term goals is essential, keep sight of the bigger picture. Aim for long-term stability and happiness. Visualize the life you aspire to live without the burden of addiction.

10. Seek accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. Consider partnering with a mentor, sponsor, or accountability partner who can offer guidance and support.

Embracing Change and Growth

As we step into 2024, let's remember that the journey towards recovery is marked by progress, not perfection. It's okay to stumble along the way; what matters is the determination to rise again. Reflect on the past, but don't dwell on it. Instead, focus on the present moment and the steps needed to shape a brighter future.

Growth and change are gradual processes. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Each day presents an opportunity to move closer to your goals and redefine your relationship with gambling. Together, let's embrace this new year as a chance for transformation, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

My goals for 2024: 

• Workout 3-4x/ week

• Lose ~ 20 pounds

• Get down to ~180 pounds

• Decrease sugary beverages 

• Limit soda intake

• Increase water intake

• Save more $$$

• Spend less

• Especially on take out

• Phone usage down to 2.5-3 hours 

• Read ~1 book/month

This year we’re crushing goals. Because when we channel our energy towards that, life gets better. One day at a time.