Why it's important to focus on pleasure rather than profit
How to set and follow SMART gambling goals
Clearly stated goals turn gambling into a controlled process. Below is a practical algorithm from setting to execution control.
1. Target type selection
1. Financial objectives
Loss limit: maximum amount of loss per session (e.g. 1,000 ₴).
Winning goal: desired profit before stopping (e.g. + 200 ₴).
2. Temporary goals
Session duration: 30-45 min.
Session intervals: ≥ 24 hours break.
3. Process goals
Number of bets: ≤ 20 per session.
Average rate: fixed rate 50 ₴.
2. SMART approach to goals
S (Specific) - specifics: "do not lose more than 10% of the bankroll," and not "play more carefully."
M (Measurable) - fix the number of bets and amounts.
A (Achievable) - achievable: goals correspond to your level and bankroll.
R (Relevant) - significance: control over the game is more important than "quick wins."
T (Time-bound) -Specify the start and end times.
3. Pre-session wording
1. Written plan
```
Date: 2025-08-10
Bankroll: 1,500 ₴
Loss limit: 300 ₴
Winning goal: + 200 ₴
Time: 19: 00-19: 30
Max. bets: 15
```
2. Pronunciation
Read aloud or dictate to your responsibility partner.
4. Control automation
1. Technical barriers
"Stop limit" in the online bank: blocking replenishment after − 300 ₴.
StayFocusd extension: Shuts down the site after 30 minutes.
2. Real-time logging
CoinKeeper application: immediately fix each bet and balance.
Push notifications when the 50% loss limit is exceeded and the winning goal is reached.
5. Monitoring during the session
1. Pause every 5 bets
Check the plan: whether the limits have been violated.
2. Three deep breaths method
If you want to "click another round," pause and breathe deeply.
3. Reality check every 15 min
Auto-notification: "Are you following the goals?" If "no" - stop the session.
6. Completion and analysis
1. Fixing totals
```
Actual losses: 280 ₴
Actual winnings: 0 ₴
Bets placed: 14
Game time: 28 mins
```
2. Comparison with plan
If the limit worked or the goals are met, discipline wins.
If not, note the reason (emotions, distraction, failure).
7. Weekly reporting and adjustment
1. Weekly Summary
2. Tailoring limits
If the winning goal is not regularly achieved, reduce it by 20%.
If you often exceed losses, reduce the loss limit.
8. Social reporting
Responsibility partner: send him a final report once a week.
Group chat: short daily reports in the Telegram chat Gamblers Anonymous.
Result
SMART formulations, technical barriers, real accounting and regular analysis turn excitement into a controlled, safe process. Written plans, automation and social reporting will help maintain discipline and control costs.
Clearly stated goals turn gambling into a controlled process. Below is a practical algorithm from setting to execution control.
1. Target type selection
1. Financial objectives
Loss limit: maximum amount of loss per session (e.g. 1,000 ₴).
Winning goal: desired profit before stopping (e.g. + 200 ₴).
2. Temporary goals
Session duration: 30-45 min.
Session intervals: ≥ 24 hours break.
3. Process goals
Number of bets: ≤ 20 per session.
Average rate: fixed rate 50 ₴.
2. SMART approach to goals
S (Specific) - specifics: "do not lose more than 10% of the bankroll," and not "play more carefully."
M (Measurable) - fix the number of bets and amounts.
A (Achievable) - achievable: goals correspond to your level and bankroll.
R (Relevant) - significance: control over the game is more important than "quick wins."
T (Time-bound) -Specify the start and end times.
3. Pre-session wording
1. Written plan
```
Date: 2025-08-10
Bankroll: 1,500 ₴
Loss limit: 300 ₴
Winning goal: + 200 ₴
Time: 19: 00-19: 30
Max. bets: 15
```
2. Pronunciation
Read aloud or dictate to your responsibility partner.
4. Control automation
1. Technical barriers
"Stop limit" in the online bank: blocking replenishment after − 300 ₴.
StayFocusd extension: Shuts down the site after 30 minutes.
2. Real-time logging
CoinKeeper application: immediately fix each bet and balance.
Push notifications when the 50% loss limit is exceeded and the winning goal is reached.
5. Monitoring during the session
1. Pause every 5 bets
Check the plan: whether the limits have been violated.
2. Three deep breaths method
If you want to "click another round," pause and breathe deeply.
3. Reality check every 15 min
Auto-notification: "Are you following the goals?" If "no" - stop the session.
6. Completion and analysis
1. Fixing totals
```
Actual losses: 280 ₴
Actual winnings: 0 ₴
Bets placed: 14
Game time: 28 mins
```
2. Comparison with plan
If the limit worked or the goals are met, discipline wins.
If not, note the reason (emotions, distraction, failure).
7. Weekly reporting and adjustment
1. Weekly Summary
| Date | Losses | Gains | Compliance | Reasons for Deviations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-03 | 300 ₴ | + 50 ₴ | no | emotional solution |
2. Tailoring limits
If the winning goal is not regularly achieved, reduce it by 20%.
If you often exceed losses, reduce the loss limit.
8. Social reporting
Responsibility partner: send him a final report once a week.
Group chat: short daily reports in the Telegram chat Gamblers Anonymous.
Result
SMART formulations, technical barriers, real accounting and regular analysis turn excitement into a controlled, safe process. Written plans, automation and social reporting will help maintain discipline and control costs.
