Hold'em with Holloway, Vol. 118: Antonio Esfandiari on Why Most Things Don't Really Matter
For the past two weeks, I've borrowed a page out of the Tim Ferriss book Tribe of Mentors which I recently finished reading. The book features Ferriss asking hundreds of experts and high-profile professionals a series of questions to help understand what inspires them and contributes to their success.
Among those to whom Ferriss spoke were a trio of poker pros — Daniel Negreanu, Fedor Holz, and Liv Boeree. I couldn't help but wonder how others in the poker world might have responded to his questions, so I thought I'd ask them here in Hold'em with Holloway.
In my first piece I spoke to two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and co-founder of Chip Leader Coaching (CLC) Chance Kornuth. Then last week four-time bracelet winner Brian Hastings was kind enough to share his answers.
For this third and final entry in the series, none other than Antonio Esfandiari takes some time from his busy family life to answer the questions.
Below are some of the questions Ferriss asks in Tribe of Mentors along with Esfandiari's answers.
What is the book (or books) you've given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?
"I have typically succeeded at the things I really put my mind to. I truly do believe we are capable of anything when we give it our all."
The Four Agreements. This was a very powerful book for me. I highly recommend it to all.
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)?
I ordered a custom blanket for the house with pictures of the kids and family. It takes the word "cozy" to a new level.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a "favorite failure" of yours?
Can't say I have a favorite failure. Without sounding like a jackass, I have typically succeeded at the things I really put my mind to. I truly do believe we are capable of anything when we give it our all.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why?
"Attachment is the origin of all human suffering." This quote really hits it home for me. Think about it. Imagine a life in which you were not attached. It would be bliss.
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
Pain at the poker table. Even if I am at the receiving end of it. There's just nothing quite like it.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Realizing that most things don't really matter. As long as my kids are healthy and wife is happy, everything else is just gravy.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
Yoga. Workout. Exercise. Nothing gets me more focused than when my body feels good. A healthy body pushes for a healthy mind.
