After an intense year of poker, Nick Eastwood reflects on the challenges, downswings, and the need for a break. Here’s a glimpse into his journey and the much-needed reset he’s taking.
The Grind and Struggles
Eastwood has had a year filled with hard work and challenges, culminating in completing his $1,000 10NL Challenge and moving up to 100NL as his main stake. While the new level offered a fresh environment, it also came with its own stressors, including one of his worst online downswings and some painful beats in the late stages of live tournaments.
“I think it’s pretty much inevitable that fatigue creeps in and it becomes somewhat unsustainable.” After two years of non-stop poker grind, Eastwood reached a point where he knew he needed a break.
Why November is the Perfect Time to Reset
Eastwood had always planned for November to be the ideal time to take a break. After finishing the 888 live schedule with Coventry in late October, and with no events until mid-January, November offers a chance to step away from the tables.
Not having taken a proper non-poker holiday in over two years, Eastwood realizes the importance of recharging. Despite loving his work in poker and content creation, he admits that constantly thinking about poker has taken its toll. “There’s rarely been a day that’s gone by where I haven’t thought about poker in some capacity,” he shares.
The Impact of Downswings and the Need for a Reset
While Eastwood faced a great deal of stress during his 10NL Challenge, the financial burden wasn’t as heavy. However, after several tough beats at 100NL, the impact has been more psychological. “Right now I load up a session and it feels like an extension of the battering I’ve experienced,” Eastwood confesses. The break will allow him to start fresh with a healthier attitude towards the game.
Heading to Bali: A Much-Needed Break
Eastwood is heading to Bali for his first-ever visit to Asia. It’s an opportunity to reset, escape the grind, and find some peace away from the poker tables. “I’ve always wanted to go but never found the right opportunity, so it’s definitely long overdue,” he says.
However, he won’t leave his column unattended. For the next two weeks, his colleague, Ian Simpson, will be taking over the articles. Eastwood jokes that Simpson might not focus on his good luck but will likely offer “informative and educational nuggets” instead, given his background as a teacher.
Wrapping Up
As Eastwood takes a well-deserved break, he’s reminded of the need to step away from time to time, allowing for a reset both mentally and emotionally. He plans to come back refreshed, ready to tackle the challenges of the live tour in January and continue his poker journey with a new mindset.
“See you in a few weeks!
