This month’s question is: What does it take to reach the next level in your game and attitude?

            Well, speaking from my own experience, I can share my story. When I first saw snooker on television, I fell in love with it. I don’t know why, but all I knew was that I wanted a table. I was seven years of age. When I was twelve, I progressed to a 12-foot by 6-foot table, which is the standard size for all tables in Europe.

            When I wanted to improve on an area in my game, I went to the best player to learn it.  Playing with the old locals, I also learned a good safety game, because they were not great shot makers. My grandfather said to me that I would never be as good as the best player in there. I think he inspired me to do my best. It became a challenge.

            The best way to reach new levels is to perfect one thing at a time. Take each part of your game apart and see where the weaknesses are and then rebuild it. I can never stress enough the need for great fundamentals. If you have flaws, they will kill you under pressure. There are millions of great players in practice but very few in a match.

            The other thing in your game that needs to be good is mental toughness. Try to work on putting bad shots or results behind you and learning from the experiences. Write down the shots you missed and practice them over and over. If you keep missing them, it is time to analyze your stroke and alignment. It can be something minor that is going wrong. Give yourself some achievable goals, whether in matches or in practice drills. Start building confidence and watch good players to try and learn new things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you like the way someone does something.