Back in 2005, I went to Las Vegas for my first time. Two of my best friends – and fellow Marines – went with me. We were between Iraq deployments and needed a break. Of course, it was more than just a break for me. I won’t get into all the details of the trip (you know the old Vegas saying), but it was during that weekend that I stumbled upon one of the most amazing games known to man – BLACKJACK.
You may be thinking now that I only loved the game because I won lots of money my first time and it was really easy. However, I’ll tell you now that I lost a good $400 that weekend – at least. I probably would’ve even lost more if I had the time and money. The only thing that mattered at the time, though, was how fun the game was and how much control I thought I had, plus the occasional big win.
Over the course of the next few years, I went bonkers with blackjack. I bought about a dozen books on the game – some about the game’s history, some about various methods of card counting methods and betting strategies. I even bought a table, blackjack felt, and a ton of chips ranging from $1 up to $5k in value. I loved it!
Then, I would have these phases where I’d study and play for months at a time, then go to a casino, lose money, win money, break even, come home, and repeat the cycle a couple months later. Because of the dry spells I had, I didn’t really feel like it was an addiction, but in hindsight, it looked a lot like my ADHD self before I realized I even had it! Know why I was hooked? Instant gratification! Plus, counting cards and memorizing charts was easy and the game was proven to be beatable. It was like gold waiting to be plucked from a sunken treasure chest! Not to mention, there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of being inside a casino – a nice one, that is.
It was only after some settling down and soul searching a couple years ago that I realized blackjack was more of a hobby and a means to an end, but by no means a career choice. Believe me. I thought for a long time that it would be possible to make a living and be happy just doing that. There are several professional blackjack players out there that already do it. I just needed to get in touch with my true self and figure out what I really wanted in life. Plus, I needed to take control of my ADHD.
I still love blackjack today, but I don’t have those impulses anymore to run to the casino and drop a $100 bet when the true count is 5 or more. I feel in control now and much more aware. I can better distinguish interests from true passions as well. Plus, my lifestyle is a lot different now than it was then and my priorities have changed a bit. I care more about my amazing girlfriend, spending time together, the beautiful baby girl we have on the way, stability, and building a solid future for myself and my family. Blackjack has taught me some important lessons, though, that I’d like to share with you.
Lesson 1
Don’t be afraid to try things out. Whether you’re trying to find your passion or you’re simply looking for some variety in your life, trying something new could be the key to changing your life. Do your due diligence before just diving in, but don’t sit too long or life will coast by and you’ll be regretting it five years later.
Lesson 2
New skills can be attained very quickly. I didn’t realize this early on until I started researching online and watching movies about it, but there’s a METRIC TON of information out there about beating the game of blackjack. I was so fascinated with it, though, that I devoured every book I could find and practiced at home non-stop. My first go-around, it took me about 6 months of consistent weeknight and weekend studying and practicing before I felt comfortable walking into a casino and putting down real money. I know not all skills and professions are that easy to learn, but it does offer some perspective. Right now, in my spare time, I’m working on awesome software product for fellow ADHDers. I’ll admit that software isn’t exactly a strength of mine, so it has come with its fair share of challenges. However, that project is more focused around helping the ADHD community than learning how to develop software.
Lesson 3
You can’t underestimate the value of meeting people and socializing. In casinos, you meet all kinds of people, from every part of the Earth. As a blackjack player, sitting shoulder to shoulder with these people, you learn a lot about the world and different cultures. Now, you don’t necessarily have to go to casino to meet people or socialize. That’s just one example. In reality, you can meet and socialize with people in just about any public place. A good place to start might be a Meetup group or even a coworker. Aside from the different perspectives you’ll learn about, socializing can also go a long way in building your self confidence, reputability, and how personable you are with others.
(Photo: UNLV Libraries Digital Collections)
Lesson 4
ADHD has an incredible impact on your hobbies and interests. I didn’t realize it then, but several years ago, back when I was really into blackjack, I would spend hours at a time playing the game and practicing, even dealing to myself. In the process, I’d block out important aspects of my life like eating healthy, exercising, spending time with my girlfriend (now ex-girlfriend), and socializing with friends. Don’t get me wrong. The hyper-focus was great because it helped me learn quicker and stay in the zone, but I had no way to control it back then. Plus, there were many times, I impulsively made betting and play decisions that went against proper strategy as well as my better judgement. On the same token, though, I was very creative about my “personas” when sitting down at the actual blackjack tables!
These are some pretty simple lessons, but they are eye-opening nonetheless. Do you have a hobby, event, or experience that has made a significant impact in your life? How about those of you in the ADHD community?
