High stakes crusher Jason Koon has given an emotional view into his abusive childhood period. The partypoker Team Pro member tweeted a series of messages giving insight into how this made him the man he is today.
By far the biggest challenge I have faced in my life has been overcoming the baggage attached with being raised in a household of intense domestic abuse. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on the path to reprogramming myself.
— Jason Koon (@JasonKoon) February 26, 2020
Tough Loving for Jason Koon
It’s no secret that many people who are successful in their lives gained inner strength and determination from a tough upbringing.
That motivation to succeed comes from a burning desire to break out from the situation they grew up in.
In the case of Jason Koon, even after he was successful, the biggest challenge he faced was to “reprogram” his mindset.
“By far the biggest challenge I have faced in my life has been overcoming the baggage attached with being raised in a household of intense domestic abuse.”
Delving deeper, Koon tells how his father’s abusive ways led to a thought pattern of constantly putting himself down whenever failure happened. This behaviour leads to an ingrained thought process filled with negative self-talk.
This is absolutely fatal when performing at your peak in any discipline.
Success at a Cost
Even as one of the most respected poker players on the planet Jason Koon explains this comes at a cost. The tough upbringing might help to get a man to the top, but how fulfilled will he be?
“This resulted in me being an overachiever with a chip on my shoulder. No accomplishment that is fueled from anger or resentment will ever be enough to fulfill you.”
Koons advice is to look within when searching for your goals. To be true to yourself and not to obsess with satisfying others.
Taking on a difficult goal with only the motivation to prove others wrong or to seek their approval will not lead to real satisfaction even if you are successful.
So raw and open. Just wow. Kudos to you for sharing your story, Jason, and for how you've emerged one step at a time from that point to where you are today. I'm sure seeing what you've gone through will give many others some much-needed emotional support and encouragement.
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) February 26, 2020
“Make the choice that the baggage stops with you. Take responsibility and don’t use your past abuse as a crutch.”
Koon even suggests asking your friends to call you out on any behaviour that follows these patterns.
He says it’s not a straight road to fix this problem and you must learn to forgive yourself along the way. Learning from your mistakes is extremely powerful if you are prepared to take notice and act.
Sacrifice
Fixing negative thought patterns can take more than simply being aware of them and trying to change the way you think. Your surroundings play an important role in developing who you are.
“If you’re around someone who is constantly negative and/or dangerous get away from them immediately. Even if they are family, it isn’t your responsibility to fix them.”
Koon follows on by explaining that trying to fix somebody else risks your own mental/physical health. You’re only going to hold yourself back.
The most heart-jerking part of Koon’s entire message was that of forgiveness. He thinks people who perpetuate abusive behaviour are often just a passenger, unable to stop themselves.
(6) Forgive those who hurt you. They were helpless to their demons and as a result damaged you along the way. Carrying hatred towards them will only hinder you from moving forward.
— Jason Koon (@JasonKoon) February 26, 2020
Let’s not forget just who Jason Koon is. Previously an online tournament grinder who had great success, he moved into the live arena and now sits in eighth place on the all-time winners list with more than $30 million in winnings.
We should respect what he has to say because he clearly knows what it takes to overcome these issues. The thread was full of positive messages of support from other respected high-stakes players such as Run It Once founder Phil Galfond.
Don’t forget to check out the latest poker news to see what’s been happening.
