Every year I look back to my resolutions and gauge my year based on that. This January my goals were to : win 2 trophies, cash $150k in tourneys, give $20k to charity, start a new business, travel, play at WSOP Vegas or Triton.
I did win a trophy, an unexpected one in the Influencer Invitational. I came close 6 other times but no cigar. I also did not cash $150k, hit just slightly over $60k (not counting bounties and online WSOP). I have to be honest, I lost money on tournaments this year, despite the cashes. But I do feel I am a better tournament player now than when I started the year.
I also did not give $20k to charity. It came to around $8k. I share this because I want to inspire others to give. Many poker players are doing well for themselves. We can spend $500-2000 on a tournament buy in, but we cannot give some to less fortunate people. One of my regular donations was to an Indonesian uncle who was bedridden and he passed away this year. Our money goes a long way for some people so instead of another buy in, you can change someone's life.
 |
| Rest in peace Pak Solehan |
I did not start a new business, but I did focus a lot of my time on the Malaysia Poker Federation. It doesn't give me the financial satisfaction a business would, but the planning, organizing and execution of things did bring me back to parts of my corporate life. Some people might not know it but I was at Managing Director levels of multinational companies since I was 26 years old. I have a great business mind which is a shame that I am not using it much. I did start a poker room with some guys, but it's more of a hobby than a business. I don't know a room that only runs 1-3 times a month 😂
 |
| Great bunch of people in the MPF crew |
We certainly traveled this year. Taiwan (4 times), China (twice), Japan, Thailand, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Indonesia, Philippines, Macau, Hong Kong. Definitely living life to the fullest. What's the point of making money and not spending it? The experiences, the memories... there is an expiration date to our time on earth. Make sure you do more than accumulating wealth.
 |
| Helsinki at night |
 |
| Finally seen Venice |
Did not make it to WSOP or Triton, and based on my recent runs, I think I have to put those on hold another year. In the first part of the year I was focused on grinding cash games and thankfully I did well in those. This year I also made a lot of new life-long friends. Meeting Paul Phua was another memorable highlight. Bought my first luxury watch. Of course the biggest thing in 2024, she said YES. Wasn't expecting a different answer but still a big step in our relationship.
 |
| Stack and watch almost same value |
I think the most important part of 2024 were the lessons I have learned. Removing entitlement tilt from my game; to see swings as just part of life; appreciating what you have rather than focusing on what I could have had or what I used to have; accepting that I cannot please everyone, as long as I have good intentions, how others interpret them is their issue; a lot of people wear masks, so they are not used to me not wearing one and might perceive my true self to be a mask. Keep true, stay pure, be myself.
Happy Christmas and New Years everyone!
