I used to believe it could improve my living standards and provide me with a living rather than working but I found out early on that it is not for everyone.
Poker for me now is a hobby, a little bit of escape from the real World and any worries I might have.
I know not to invest more than I can afford to lose and this is determined by my bank-roll which I built from zero, I have never been tempted to increase my stakes before I can comfortably do. as this can cost you in the long run. and if I have a losing streak I will drop down a level and start working at it again.
I once played after a heavy night on the beer, and lost $50 in a game that I thought was a 50 cent buy-in, so now I never play drunk.
I like to keep it fun, I don't lose that much as my bank-roll is on the increase, and as my motto says-
When the fun Stops, STOP!