Getting motivated

[wildrose]

Here's an example: I've got 12 leather roses staring at me, ready to be painted/stained and assembled. I plan on doing a variety of colors, and bringing them to the next craft fair to sell. I can't seem to get motivated to just DO it. I keep beginning other projects and just have these things sitting there.

So my question is: how do you get yourself motivated to completed that part of a project you really don't like to do? And, do you have unfinished projects sitting around waiting? Aside from these, I have a 4 legged stool that has been YEARS in the works because I just don't like the pattern but wanted to challenge myself so chose something out of my comfort zone to carve/tool...

[JRedding]

I usually look in my checkbook that does it for a while.

[Timd]

Wow, timely question, Holly. I too am having a hard time getting motivated on a project, namely, a purse with a pattern I've done way too many times. I'll be waiting for ideas too.

[CitizenKate]

It helps me a lot to get the work all set up on the table, and have it waiting for me. It leaves one less obstacle to starting.

Later on, when I think I might want to work on the project that day, I just start some music playing in the place where I'm going to do the work. Then, once I settle in and get started, the music helps block out the distractions and puts me in a good frame of mind to focus and feel good while I'm working.

Kate

[Johanna]

Holly- your first job is Mommy & Wife, so you have to cut yourself a little slack. Then you have all the other parts of your day- from your job to the laundry. Make a list and prioritize it- obviously you do if the roses are still sitting there...lol One day either the mood will strike you, or someone will come along and offer you cash if you just finish the doggone things. Either way, they will get done. Your boy is at the age where he can do all sorts of things, and young enough that he needs supervised pretty close to constantly. When my kids were that age I was lucky to get a shower without a disaster. Could you involve E in finishing the roses somehow? That might make a fun rainy day project?

My kids are a little older now, and I am rediscovering time as I remember it before they came along. Wade says I'm going to miss them when they all grow up and move out, but secretly I am looking forward to the day that I clean the house, and it looks just the same a few hours later. Then I'm sure I will get around to writing the Great American Novel that will make me rich and famous after Oprah praises it and then not need to sling pizza dough in the deli any more.

Johanna

[Dale]

For the most part, I only create one of anything. Not only do certain pieces become tedious if done too many times, but it takes time away from the new one I'm looking forward to. Yes, I've got stuff sitting around. Since nobody is asking for it, there's no pressure to complete it...and I don't care if it's not done, because I know I'm working on something else I'd much rather complete.

[Duke]

wow, good topic. at the moment, I have a sheridan style check book that has been put off for 2 months, a breast collar that has been in the makings for 3 1/2, a tool bag over due by 3 months, a belt im supposed to make for the neighbor,a tooled panel for my draw down stand that Ive been meaning to work on for 2 months, and im supposed to have 8 sets of buckaroo spur straps done by the 4th of july. dont feel so bad, it happens. I bounce between the various projects to keep from burning out.

[electrathon]

Here's an example: I've got 12 leather roses staring at me, ready to be painted/stained and assembled.

Funny, I have a couple dozen roses on my workbench cut out and have not assembled yet. You got me started on them.

[Windy]

So my question is: how do you get yourself motivated to completed that part of a project you really don't like to do? And, do you have unfinished projects sitting around waiting?

If this is a hobby then throw the roses in the corner and make something you enjoy

making. After all hobbies are suppose to be fun. If you are doing it for living and

must do it,then I think of something else I hate worse which makes it easy to go

do the one you have been putting off.

Yes I have projects that have been sitting around for twenty years or more in wood ,

leather and metal. When I get tired of working in one hobby I switch to another. It

has never bothered me to have projects waiting and waiting to be finished. I will start

a project , think of something else I want to make. Start that then get busy doing

something on the house and afore you know it I have yet another project collecting

dust. Of course if it is something I really want ,it gets done.

WINDY

[gunfighter48]

Personally, I just get completely away from whatever I'm having a problem doing. Photography is one of my other hobbies, just bought a new Nikon D60 camera, and I just go out and take pictures. I also target shoot and head to the gun range once a month or so and put big holes in small targets, great stress reliever. As much as I like making leather belts, it can get to be a chore sometimes. I just take a time out and go do something else.

John