Little build motivation trick (may not work for everyone)

[Falcon Ranchero]

I think I mentioned this once before somewhere, but thought I'd share it in the broad daylight of Model Cars Tips, Tricks, Tutorials.

A little build motivation trick I find that helps me for some reason, is if you position the box art to be facing you while you're building the model, it motivates you to finish the build. Works for me every singe time. Not sure why. I guess maybe when I'm sittin' there, workin' and the motivation's not happenin' I see the box art a foot and a half away from my face and I see the completed car or some sort of illustration; even if it's not the way I'm building the kit (rarely do I build box stock), it ends up having some sort of motivational merit.

I know it sounds kinda dumb but give it a try next time you're not feelin' it. Maybe you'll be surprised? 

[johnyrotten]

If you've found a trick that keeps you on track, all the better. "Project creep" is a real thing. Thanks for sharing. 

[fun9c1]

I do the same thing lots of the time. 

It's funny there are days I go to the workstation and not much happens other than looking at the project and thinking about it. Other days progress happens like crazy and it get to be past bedtime and I wish I had more time.

Another couple things that keeps me going is I usually have about three going at a time. If I'm not feelin' one I'm bound to be into working on another one. Or if I'm waiting for paint or glue to dry on one, I can get after one of the others.

Also a huge stimulator, which I'm sure pretty much everyone does is to have the right music going! For me that is usually the Jerry Lee Lewis station, Rockabilly, really early Stones and the like.

Beer goes pretty good with building, too.

[stavanzer]

For me the music is Def Lepard, Krokus, or the the Like.

Making up backstories for each build helps keep me focused as well.

[fun9c1]

Excellent music also. 

[johnyrotten]

Gotta have tunes on at the bench. I find, depending on what I'm listening to kinda determines what I'm gonna do, and certain music doesn't work at the bench. 

[stavanzer]

Polka's are Right Out, as our Commonwealth friends might say...

 

[Deathgoblin]

22 hours ago, stavanzer said:

For me the music is Def Lepard, Krokus, or the the Like.

Making up backstories for each build helps keep me focused as well.

I like your choices of music!    

[slusher]

I like naming most of my builds and putting it on the tag, songs or something I make up…

[deuces wild]

Anything '50s, '60s or '70s for me....✌️😁

[Mattblack]

I may have to give that a try, perhaps it'll increase my pathetic build rate! 😀

I must say though, I actually seem a little more motivated with my current AMT '37 Chevy project, despite (or perhaps because of) the many challenges it's throwing up.

As for music, I have to be in the mood to have it playing while building. If its on, it's usually cheesy 80's stuff, Meatloaf or maybe a bit of Kenny Rogers.... 

[Mike C]

Going to my monthly model club meetings helps keep me motivated too.

[89AKurt]

At least you are motivated enough to be at the bench.  I have found that doing a major workstation cleanup, to declutter and purge, is beneficial.  I don't dare drink alcohol, that has never worked out.  I do keep the box on the bench, but it's always upside down holding parts. 🤪

[johnyrotten]

Keeping the work area is a big bonus, as soon as I find myself working in 1sqft, time for a reset. You spend more time searching for things in the clutter than actually building, at least I do. This box top trick has been helping me, not cause I'm building it to match the box, but as a reminder of what it was. 

[stavanzer]

On 2/20/2025 at 12:06 PM, Mike C said:

Going to my monthly model club meetings helps keep me motivated too.

This is a Big Help for me too.

It provides some accountability.

[Radretireddad]

One of the first things I do when starting another build is check the OTB stance. I’ll assemble enough of the chassis and suspension and temporarily assemble all four wheels on it and then I’ll inspect it for a few minutes at eye level. If necessary I’ll do the extra work up front to adapt different wheels and tires and or correct anything that doesn’t look right to me. Once I’m happy with it I’ll leave it out on the bench for a few days while I do the same thing to another build. I’ve had half a dozen mock ups sitting on the bench at one time between builds. Just sitting and looking at a group of different kits mocked up and sitting out keeps me motivated.

Edited April 2 by Radretireddad

[TonyK]

I have many models going at the same time and a couple of things motivate me to finish them. One is when you suddenly realize it's darn near done and has been sitting off to the side while you've started another one. The other is when you can't find a part or two and when you find them it's best to get them glued on and continue before it happens again.

Yes, music is a must and the tempo/beat helps when shaking a bottle of paint.