discussion Help Loosing interest

[Guest]

Hi all i dont know if anyone is in the same boat but i find im getting less and less time for modeling (at one time i was probably one of the most prolific modelers on here) now I'm Lucky if I get 2 hrs a week and then it's getting so I feel I can't be asked, has anyone else gone through this feeling.

 

[Gern]

I'd have a guess and say all of us have gone through similar times Ken. Don't worry about it. Modelling is a hobby not a way of life. If you want to build something, go on and build it. If you want a break, take a break - but keep in touch yeah?

 

[john i am]

Hi all i dont know if anyone is in the same boat but i find im getting less and less time for modeling (at one time i was probably one of the most prolific modelers on here) now I'm Lucky if I get 2 hrs a week and then it's getting so I feel I can't be asked, has anyone else gone through this feeling.[/QUOTE
I know this feeling all to well no work lifestyle balance. You are not alone as it seems all I do is eat sleep work repeat.But we are taking action and are soon to make major lifestyle changes. Which hopefully will give us more free time.

 

[Robert1968]

I know how you feel Ken I have less time and that gets even lesser week by week. My job is a physical one and after I've finished say 4/5 shifts I get a day off abd all I want to do is crash then I'm back to it again etc etc
I recently got a food interest in tanks but I crammed 20 minutes painting tracks
It's never enough
I'll try getting some time in as and when but as Dave has rightly put it take a break ( kit Kats and coffee helps) put your feet up and if you do find time
dominate that time to you

Best wishes

Robert

 

[stona]

I've not done anything for ages. I just haven't had time. Now, this week, I have a little break and certainly intend to get something done. The problem is the weather is rather nice at the moment! First sign of rain and I'm at the bench
Cheers
Steve

 

[Guest]

Yes ive certainly been there too. It helped by looking at modelling magazines and obviously this site. Sure enough something will catch your interest and you will be back at the bench. Cheers Alan

 

[peterairfix]

We've all been there I tend to get mine at the end of a big build but at the moment mine is at an all time high.

 

[BarryW]

I keep the mojo going by always having something to look forward to. My basic rules:
1/ Never do more than one model at a time. This means you can also look forward to the next build and want to finish the one you are working on. That is specially true when you start researching the next build when just over half way through the previous one. So I will look up schemes on-line and order aftermarket for it but cannot start until I finish what I am working on.
2/ Have a small stash. This both gives you something to focus on and look forward to without being distracted by too many options. I never let my stash go above 10 and want to bring it down to 5.
3/ Read on-line reviews and watch YouTube videos of new products and kits. Try to always have some new tool/paint/material you want to try out on the next build.
4/ Look at the builds and conversations being held on here.... there is always something to inspire.
5/ Don't overdo it. Limit your time at the bench. You can look forward to an hour or so most days leaving you keen to move the build along at the next opportunity. If you end up spending hour upon hour in a session it becomes a bit of a chore. Even on days where I am left alone I will still limit my time on the bench in favour of a good film, a book or a session in the pub.
6/ If at all possible have an area dedicated to modelling. That means you can just leave it and return to it without putting things away or clearing up. I remember in the old days, the thought of getting everything out on the kitchen table, or the tray, and then having to put it all away did not exactly encourage me to persist.
7/ Finally - this is personal, I like a tidy clean work area and it is always more inviting to sit down and build when it is tidy. Consequently I do work in a fairly tidy manner and don't leave a mess behind. In a way that contradicts item 6 but not really, it is all a matter of degree. Bits of your model around the bench, a craft knife and sanding stick or two to pick up and use, is different to hardly being able to see the bench through the accumulated detrius. I also do a 'deep clean' of the work area, airbrushes, brushes and tools between projects. It takes about 3 hours or two to 3 sessions to get things ready for the next build.....

That all works for me....

 

[dave]

I think we all have this from time to time for various reasons. Either lack of motivation or work/family issues encroaching on time.
I must admit I operate to a very similar set of rules to Barry, my stash is at a record 2 kits at the moment. But I do occasionally put a project on one side if I get really stuck, build something else completely and then go back to the first with fresher eyes.
I am lucky in that i have a dedicated modelling space, so everything is set up and I can just sit and do 5 or 10 minutes if that is all I have. I don't know how you guys that have to set everything up and pack it away each time manage.

I do find modelling relaxing I can sit down at the bench and focus on the build and forget about work.

 

[BarryW]

Your last sentence Dave ring so true with me. I have often found it difficult to let go and get my mind off of business or other 'serious' issues before bed. I then got back into modelling and find an hour before bed does the trick... takes my mind off everything, even that speeding ticket last week!!! still smarting over how I feel stitched up over that......

 

[Guest]

Wise words Barry's.

And if you ain't in the mood, best not to force the issue.

I always look forward to holidays as I know I will have s bit of time to spend on the hobby. Most working days I'm too shattered to do any modelling.

 

[Guest]

I agree we all go through it at some point some bouts take longer to shake off than others. Add long days at work and family matters in to the mix the urge to build all but dries up. I have found this more and more as this year has gone on and found at times building time has seemed a bit of a chore.
I can totally sympathise with how you feel Ken and hope you get the time and urge back soon.

 

[Guest]

I keep the mojo going by always having something to look forward to. My basic rules:
1/ Never do more than one model at a time. This means you can also look forward to the next build and want to finish the one you are working on. That is specially true when you start researching the next build when just over half way through the previous one. So I will look up schemes on-line and order aftermarket for it but cannot start until I finish what I am working on.
2/ Have a small stash. This both gives you something to focus on and look forward to without being distracted by too many options. I never let my stash go above 10 and want to bring it down to 5.
3/ Read on-line reviews and watch YouTube videos of new products and kits. Try to always have some new tool/paint/material you want to try out on the next build.
4/ Look at the builds and conversations being held on here.... there is always something to inspire.
5/ Don't overdo it. Limit your time at the bench. You can look forward to an hour or so most days leaving you keen to move the build along at the next opportunity. If you end up spending hour upon hour in a session it becomes a bit of a chore. Even on days where I am left alone I will still limit my time on the bench in favour of a good film, a book or a session in the pub.
6/ If at all possible have an area dedicated to modelling. That means you can just leave it and return to it without putting things away or clearing up. I remember in the old days, the thought of getting everything out on the kitchen table, or the tray, and then having to put it all away did not exactly encourage me to persist.
7/ Finally - this is personal, I like a tidy clean work area and it is always more inviting to sit down and build when it is tidy. Consequently I do work in a fairly tidy manner and don't leave a mess behind. In a way that contradicts item 6 but not really, it is all a matter of degree. Bits of your model around the bench, a craft knife and sanding stick or two to pick up and use, is different to hardly being able to see the bench through the accumulated detrius. I also do a 'deep clean' of the work area, airbrushes, brushes and tools between projects. It takes about 3 hours or two to 3 sessions to get things ready for the next build.....

That all works for me....

I don't have rules except the no more than one car at a time. Maybe another 1 different subject also but... I find these suggestions are actually how a work. Definately keep the area clean and tidy, if it's not you will never want to start up again when you can grab an hour. Just tidying my shed spurred me on and looking at my stash and upgrades always gets my juices going...

Having 2 kids means I never get on here much now as its less Of a priority than actual building but I will get the chance eventually. Can't wish the days away!

 

[eddiesolo]

Yep, with you there Ken.

My disability and mental health mean that my modelling can take a real nose dive and I just cannot be bothered. Many a time I have forced myself into the work shed and just sat staring, after 10 mins came back in. I have also started and model and just couldn't get into it, tried and tried and just reboxed and left it.