Actually, pinball taught me something about myself. I used to notice that when I gave up on a game (ie got to ball three with stuff all accomplished) I would have a terrific last ball.
One day a friend was over and having the worst game ever on AFM. He walked from it as he drained ball three - but the machine spat it back "Return to battle soldier!", but he was having nothing of it. So with nothing on the clock I played the game out, totally not caring, making jokes with him and my wife as I managed an extra ball for the second wave, then one for the video mode (still on that saved ball three), and eventually Ruled the Universe - all off a ball save on the last ball.
Also noticed I played better after a couple of bourbans - care factor zero.
Added it all up one day and realised when I relaxed I simply played better.
Been using that learning not just in playing pins but lots of other stuff. I doubt I would ever have learned that lesson without the pins!
