How To – Maintain Motivation

Difficulty

What Do I Need?

A positive state of mind is conducive to maintaining motivation.

Why Should I?

We all love working on our classics and we all get giddy over potential projects. It’s a large part of why we’re here, as well as the entire basis for this series, but sometimes – and understandably so – we just can’t be arsed. We lose focus and the thought of heading into the garage for a spannering session is the last thing on our minds. Reasons are myriad; it could be down to a particularly difficult job that requires our attention or perhaps it’s the sheer magnitude of the project at hand that has us feeling apathetic, unable to get in gear (pun intended).

There’s no shame in it. It happens to the best of us and that lack of motivation can creep into all areas of our lives. From work to staying in shape and everything in between, we all have days when we just don’t have the energy or inclination to crack on and that’s OK. But, as far as our classics go, there are certain things we can do to reignite that spark of desire, to unblock the fuel lines of lethargy and release the handbrake of insouciance. Ahem, sorry, the car puns got away from us there, but you get the idea.

Talk Me Through It

1) Sweat the small stuff
It can be all too easy to feel overwhelmed, especially on bigger, more labour intensive projects so pick something small and simple that you can easily accomplish with minimal effort. Maybe your headlight bulbs need replacing, or the manky old air filter needs renewing. Completing a simple task can often spur you on to do more. Baby steps are sometimes needed in order to progress to the more difficult jobs but attack it this way and before you know it you’ve hit your stride, crossed a good chunk of work off the old to do list and you’ve unconsciously progressed onto the the big jobs.

2) Make lists
Speaking of to do lists they’re a great way of keeping your head in the game and focusing your efforts. Make both a to do list as well as a list of parts required so you can accurately track your progress. If you’re like us then there’s nothing more satisfying than crossing off a job from the list and it’s a great way to keep that all important motivation up. Having the actual parts you need in stock, ready and waiting to be fitted can also help, so buy what you need and you’ll be ready to roll when the impulse to tinker hits like a crash test dummy in a Volvo 340.

3) Compare and contrast
Keeping the end goal at the front of your mind can work wonders when it comes to motivation. Have a look at similar cars that are in better condition than your current project to remind yourself what you’re working towards and how awesome it will be once finished. Have a browse on Car & Classic for similar models, Google your car and collect images of the best examples. Print some out and stick them up around your workshop or garage. Start a Pinterest board and keep all of your inspiration in one place. Seeing the true potential of your classic can really work wonders for motivation and you’ll be cracking on in no time.

4) It’s good to talk
Speaking to like-minded enthusiasts is a great way to provoke some inspiration. From discussing common problems to vicariously living through others who have already achieved what you’re trying to accomplish, having a chat is always a good idea. Attend some classic shows, get involved on Internet forums and online car clubs to see what others are doing and to seek help and advice from those who have faced similar difficulties and prevailed, showing that there is light at the end of the transmission tunnel (OK, that’s the last one, we promise).

5) Wash your troubles away
It never ceases to amaze us how simply washing your classic can transform not only the vehicle itself, but also how you feel about it and, somewhat psychosomatically, how it drives. If your current project is particularly filthy then get the buckets out and give it a proper wash. Hoover and clean the interior while you’re at it and you’ll be surprised just how much difference it makes to your motivation to dive back in to doting on your run down ride.

Conclusion

We know it can be difficult sometimes to find the motivation to crack on with your project, whatever state it’s in, but hopefully these few tips can help you ditch the detachment and lose the lassitude when it comes to working on your classic. Try to stay positive and don’t lose sight of the bigger picture because trust us, it’s always worth it in the end. The positives far outweigh the negatives and owning and maintaining a classic is proven to combat stress so if you don’t currently have a car or bike to play with then we’re here to help and your next project is only a few clicks away. Godspeed!