Valuable Life Lessons Pool Can Teach Us

Life is all about learning, but we often forget that lesson, don’t we? Whether we’re traveling, meeting new people, or simply going about our day-to-day, there’s always something new to learn—no matter how big or small, or how relevant it may seem at the time. Just think about it!

This brings me to why I’m sharing this with you. Back in 2015, I decided to join my spouse’s pool team. Why? Well, I thought, “Why not?” At first, it was just a fun way to socialize. They needed players, and I was game. Little did I know, I was in for more than just some friendly competition.

The moment I picked up a cue, I realized something: I was TERRIBLE. Anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. Every shot felt like a performance, and with eyes on me, I could feel the pressure building. If I missed—oh, I felt the sting of embarrassment. Losing wasn’t just about the game—it felt like I had let my team down. Trust me, there were plenty of times I wanted to quit.

But something kept me going. I knew the only way to get better was to keep showing up, learning, and practicing. So, I stuck with it—switching between teams, adjusting my approach, and pushing through. And eventually, things started to click. I’ll never forget the first game I won or the first nine on the break. What a rush! That was back when I was just playing nine-ball. Now, I’ve ventured into the world of eight-ball and even joined a double jeopardy division.

Over time, I realized that pool, like so many other hobbies and sports, is packed with valuable life lessons. Here are 10 I learned along the way:

What hobby or interest has taught you unexpected lessons in your life? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story!