The Poker Perspective
There are countless variations of poker—each with its unique set of rules and strategies. Some games are high risk, while others require patience and a more cautious approach. The choice of which poker table to sit at can make all the difference in whether you fold early or go all in and win big.
Finding Your Ideal Table
It’s the same in life and business. Finding the right “table,” and knowing when to leave it, is crucial to your business success and happiness. Whether it’s your professional environment, social circle, or personal relationships, the stakes are high and the impact is long-term.
Here’s how to tell if you’re seated at the right table:
Are You Playing to Your Strengths?
In any setting, you should be able to leverage your natural skills and abilities. If you’re a team player, thrive in environments that value collaboration and collective success. If you excel as a solo innovator, seek out roles that allow autonomy and independence.
Action item:
This week, identify one environment where you feel energized and one where you feel consistently drained. Notice which one allows your strengths to show up naturally.
Does the Game Match Your Risk Tolerance?
Assess the level of risk at your table. Are the stakes higher than you’re comfortable with, or perhaps not challenging enough? Your level of comfort with the risks being taken is a strong indicator of whether you’re at the right table.
Action item:
Ask yourself whether your current environment is helping you grow or simply creating unnecessary stress. There’s a difference.
Is the Reward Worth the Bet?
Consider what you’re investing—whether it’s time, effort, money, or emotional energy—and weigh it against the potential return. Are the possible outcomes valuable to you, both in terms of professional growth and personal satisfaction? It’s not always about money.
Action item:
Take inventory of what your current “table” is costing you mentally and emotionally, not just professionally or financially.
Case in Point: Switching Tables
In my book, PokerWoman: How to Win at Love, Life and Business Using the Principles of Poker, consider the story of Terri, who was raised in a family of dentists. She was expected to follow in their footsteps, so she spent years in dental school and joined her dad’s practice after graduation.
Within months, she knew what she had always thought—this was not for her.
Her passion lay with animals. Despite the security and family expectations, she made the bold decision to leave her designated table and pursue a career in veterinary medicine, a field that truly resonated with her heart and skills.
It’s Okay to Change Tables
Switching tables isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a strategic decision and often a necessary one for growth.
Whether you’re in a job that doesn’t inspire you, a relationship that stifles your growth, or a social circle that doesn’t align with your values, remember: just as in poker, in life you can always switch up your game and move to another table.
Taking the leap can be daunting, but it’s also empowering.
So take a moment, assess your current table, and ask yourself:
“Is this where I truly belong?”
If not, don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Gather your chips, rise confidently, and find a table that feels like home.
