I've had so many shifts in attitude in my poker journey from "I'm going to be rich!" to "omfg please don't let me lose more money again today". However the current "if I play earnestly I'm content" is a far healthier place to be. Not surprisingly shedding all the emotional and psychological baggage makes way for a much clearer view of the matter at hand; playing poker profitably.

It helps when the games are good too...

No-Limit Hold'em, $0.50 BB (2 handed)

Hero (SB) ($70.06)
BB ($36.94)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 9, 8
Hero bets $1.25, BB calls $1

Flop: ($3) 5, 6, 9 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $2.50, BB raises $5, Hero calls $2.50

Turn: ($13) 7 (2 players)
BB bets $6.50, Hero raises $63.56 (All-In), BB calls $23.94 (All-In)

River: ($73.88) Q (2 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: $73.88

Results:
Hero had 9, 8 (straight, nine high).
BB had 10, 5 (one pair, fives).
Outcome: Hero won $106.25



No-Limit Hold'em, $0.50 BB (2 handed)

Hero (SB) ($82.89)
BB ($103.63)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 6, 2
Hero bets $1.25, BB calls $1

Flop: ($3) 6, J, 2 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $2.25, BB raises $9.75, Hero raises $18.75, BB raises $92.38 (All-In), Hero calls $60.39 (All-In)

Turn: ($165.78) 8 (2 players, 2 all-in)

River: ($165.78) A (2 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: $165.78

Results:
Hero had 6, 2 (two pair, sixes and twos).
BB had K, K (one pair, Kings).
Outcome: Hero won $165.03