I was only after the prize, so I was playing not to lose. I was furthermore mentally drained, inhibiting instinctual play─when opponents came at me with everything, I wasn't confident enough to react appropriately. Pride in your efforts rewards you with confidence to match. As I found out, however, focusing on the prize lowers your drive for the game. Lesson learned: don't misjudge your goals.
When you're playing not to lose--ie. With your eyes fixed only on the Short Term goal of the prize --you wont be able to perform appropriately as you should if you had a greater Why. Chase your Why, not your What.
