Okay, I've been playing poker for a few years now, since the Moneymaker win started the big holdem craze. I have also read a lot of books, and been around these forums and a couple others for a while. So I consider myself an informed player, and a good but not great player.
I'm looking for some input from others on the biggest flaw of my game (IMHO) my lack of heart to follow through with the "right" play.
Couple examples below.
1. AA, I have bought into the theory that you either win small pots or lose big pots with these hands. In a normal ring game instead of raising 3BB like I always do, when I pick up AA I raise it about 10BB just to force everyone out and take down a couple bucks. I know I should raise normal and welcome calls from people with QT, 88, etc. but when the time comes I just wanna push everyone out and "escape" with a victory.
2. I hold 88 and flop a set vs 2 other players but 2 to the flush come on the board. I know I should bet half the pot or a pot size bet and welcome people who chase me with those poor odds but again I find myself check-raising allin so I can end the hand.

Basically I feel I'm not winning enough with these good hands, but I fear losing with them. I am playing well within my bankroll so that's not the problem, but I still don't want to lose these pots. However at the same time I know I'd make more in the long run playing these hands better, even if I do lose to an occasional suckout.
Has anyone else had this problem, and what do you suggest for me to do.

Just out of interest, do you ever bluff or semi-bluff? I'm not talking about big crazy allins with J-high, but continuation bets and stabs at pots where your opponent shows weakness?

Indeed, kid, sounds like the kind of approach which gets a "passive" in their notes field from me. Not a good table image to have.

Learn to love the bad beats, they are a sign you're doing the right thing

Originally Posted by xxdemexx

go down the yellow brick road..

find the Wizard of Oz

helps some ppl...

particulary those from Kansas..

And take PP100 with you.

Originally Posted by KiD[ReD]

Yeah.. because I could be wrong, but it sounds like you're really really easy to read.. and take advantage of.

Originally Posted by Irexes

Just out of interest, do you ever bluff or semi-bluff? I'm not talking about big crazy allins with J-high, but continuation bets and stabs at pots where your opponent shows weakness?

Actually, I play a wide variety of hands, and play pretty aggresively most of the time. I'm sure there's only problems, but the AA preflop, and flopping a set are my biggest weakness. I get good value out of other hands, like straights and flushes so I'm still usually a winning player. However I feel like if I could get more value out of my big hands I could greatly improve my profit.