The difference between these two mentalities is also the gap between a microstakes grinder and a high-stakes player. You should tackle poker as a competitive game and strive to become better every day. It is not a mere vehicle that provides you with a modest income. Simply changing your perception of the game will improve your skills much more and much faster.
The “learner” will try to understand difficult poker concepts and try to outplay his opponents. He questions what hands are in Villain’s ranges, what his raise on the river means, what spots are best for check-raising, and a multitude of other situations that arise in every session. He desires knowledge. He knows he can get better. He wants all the edges he can get. He enjoys playing poker. Every bad beat is simply a result of variance.
The “grinder” only wishes to win money and does not care to improve his game. He is content with his marginal winnings and taking money from the occasional fish. He plays at the same stakes for months and even years. He may play 8+ tables and simply wait for the nuts. He misses out on the small edges because he does not care to fight back. He may want to fight back at times, but fails because he lacks the experience and knowledge. Every bad beat results in anxiety or anger. He loses control of himself and his game deteriorates. He is doomed to mediocrity. Poker becomes a grind.
Quelle: “The Poker Blueprint“