This post: https://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=33678073&tab=top10, reminded of me of a transition I went through several years ago. I used to be grumpy after BYU losses. It took a couple of days to work out of my system. Especially if it was early in the season and dashed my hopes of a great season. It was then that I realized that my "hobby" was at times making me miserable. I wanted to have my hobby something that I enjoyed rather than brought me down, so there are my rules. I am sharing them here in the hope that someone will find the useful.

1. It's a hobby. Make sure it is something you should enjoy and not something that makes you grumpy--if it's making you grumpy, get some perspective.
2. Focus on the parts you enjoy most
-I love learning about some of the backgrounds of the athletes, Deep Blue is my favorite
-Going to road games is awesome. Experiencing other traditions and being friendly with other fans is awesome. The Texas game suucked from a playing standpoint, but it was an
awesome trip. Their traditions were really neat and part of what makes college football special.
3. Use it to foster relationships. I love going to the games with my family (Dad, brothers, my kids, nieces and nephews). I also love inviting friends over to watch a game.
4. Don't get wrapped up too much in the rivalry. Focusing too much on it doesn't bring out the best in me.
5. Manage my expectations. I used to get caught up in the hype, but I think being pleasantly surprised is a lot better than bitterly disappointed.
6. Being critical of coaches and players is okay, but only to an extent. Taking it too far just makes me feel miserable and doesn't fix anything. I think for the most part, these are people that have dedicated a huge portion of their lives to this and work really hard to be successful, and I will cheer anyone that puts on Cougar blue.

In short, having the realization that it was a hobby that should work for me changed a lot for me. I still follow BYU just as closely, and I am just as passionate, but enjoy it a lot more.