MOTIVATION

[Turboconqueringmegaeagle]

I dont normally struggle getting motivated to go into the shed and build something but quitting smoking has had some unexpected side effects, not just am i generally lacking energy but going into the workshop with a beer and a smoke after work was all id be thinking about all day at work, sometimes id be in there till 2 am....
Right now i'm working longer hours, its autumn (fall if you want) so its getting chilly and dragging myself away from the fire indoors is always a struggle.
I'm interested in hearing about everyone else's workshop vices and if anyone else ever feels ashamed at them self for sitting through an episode of call the midwife or whatever tripe the missus is watching instead of going and doing something productive.

[Jon]

One recommendation that you see frequently in communities that focus on productivity and motivation is something referred to as the "5 Minute Rule". This means that you agree to work on something productive for just 5 minutes. Once 5 minutes are over, you can stop, having completed your goal. However, in many cases, once you're over the initial 5 minutes, you have enough inertia to keep going.

What has helped me when procrastinating anything is to analyze why I'm procrastinating. Oftentimes I'll realize that I'm procrastinating because I fear that I'll screw up the job. In that case, I find I need to do more research or practice more before tackling the job. Other times, I find that the reward for the task is too vague or distant to motivate me, so I'll agree to a small simple award for myself, because something like "I'll be more knowledgeable and satisfied with my life" isn't motivating enough to fight off procrastination.

Harvard Business Review is good for topics like this. Here are two articles on determining why you're procrastinating, with tactics to address the various stumbling blocks:

How to Beat Procrastination - Harvard Business Review
5 Research-Based Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination - Harvard Business Review

Good on you for quitting smoking. No doubt it will make all of the above more challenging, but ultimately, when you succeed, more rewarding.

[Turboconqueringmegaeagle]

what a fantastic resource! having been thoroughly distracted, i then found an article on distraction.
This is without doubt the finest aspect of the internet, not just finding an useful snipit of info like the timing procedure for a villiers stationary engine but as in this case, an entire library of well written invaluable literature, so thank you very much Jon.

[Nitrous]

I dont normally struggle getting motivated to go into the shed and build something but quitting smoking has had some unexpected side effects, not just am i generally lacking energy but going into the workshop with a beer and a smoke after work was all id be thinking about all day at work, sometimes id be in there till 2 am....
Right now i'm working longer hours, its autumn (fall if you want) so its getting chilly and dragging myself away from the fire indoors is always a struggle.
I'm interested in hearing about everyone else's workshop vices and if anyone else ever feels ashamed at them self for sitting through an episode of call the midwife or whatever tripe the missus is watching instead of going and doing something productive.

First, there is NOTHING more useful to you or your family than quitting smoking. PERIOD.
Few if any of us use our time as wisely as others (including ourselves) might expect BUT you will not regret the decision to quit smoking.
Now, just don't go crazy with all the money you will save!

Good Luck,
Doug

[bricolage]

The five minute rule is what I probably do, or should do. I frequently find it hard to actually get going but as soon as I start I don't think about anything else, I just do it. I must look at the Harvard material - and apply it.

David

[Ed Weldon]

My answer is to plan a small job, easy to start and finish in less than a half hour that you go to first on visiting your shop. Then leave it at done to greet you on your next visit. The satisfaction of viewing it twice is a motivator.
Lately preping specialized cardboard storage boxes for the shop with some selected cutting and regluing or maybe just a spray can paint job to reinforce and cover advertising has been my thing. Verticle storage wood tool blocks is another one. Sharpen some tools. Replace that dull band saw blade or sanding belt. Make wood or metal handles for tools like files, pointed tools or fine wires like you use for cleaning spray can nozzles. Make sanding blocks for all the grit and grades of abrasive paper you use. Tear op some sandpaper sheets for hand sanding. Hone your knives. Better still, sharpen your spouse's kitchen knives. Add some logical order to your machining stock or just your surplus cutoffs. Color code things for identification. (everything metric in my shop is color coded red). If you are getting on in years carry a sharpie pen in your pocket and don't miss an opportunity to mark the blank visible end of an object or storage container with some identification of what's inside. This will support you flagging memory and be appreciated by your heirs.
Ed Weldon

[Syko Triker]

I too look forward to going in my garage/workshop with a tea or coffee and a smoke as I don't smoke in the house or at work.
I dislike most TV programs and anyway the wife is watching her choice of viewing.
I get my fold up chair, turn on the radio sit, roll a cigarette, drink some coffee and decide what I am going to do.
I only get a hour or two at the most but never leave the garage feeling like I have not accomplished something however small.
Last nights aim was to put up another shelf I did two, so was feeling really good about it when I went to bed.
Well done for giving up I'm nearly there and its the garage smoke thats the hardest.

[Ed Weldon]

There's a lot to be said for having a comfy spot in the workshop to just sit and wind down. In my crowded shop that may still be worth the effort to arrange something like that. During the day I stay on my feet almost constantly even though I'm retired. I think that's better for my physical condition than a lot of sitting. But it's hard to physically relax when you are standing and I tire sooner.

[tonyfoale]

I dont normally struggle getting motivated to go into the shed ............
I'm interested in hearing about everyone else's workshop vices and if anyone else ever feels ashamed at them self for sitting through an episode of call the midwife or whatever tripe the missus is watching instead of going and doing something productive.

I would have thought that you could have no greater motivation than avoiding "an episode of call the midwife". If that doesn't do it for you then I think that there is no hope for you.
My TV viewing is normally, and in order of importance, restricted to motoGP, reruns of "Last of the Summer Wine" and the news. Nothing sends me to the workshop quicker than when her indoors picks up the remote control.

[olderdan]

I seems that we are all pretty much singing off the same hymn sheet with this topic.
In the early days of marriage I did try and watch TV as a couple, but being a serial fidget I would get bored and irritable till one day my wife said why don't you go and do something else you would be happier doing (exit stage right) and that's how it has been since.
Mornings we walk the dogs and the rest of the day is mine, marital bliss at last.
My TV interest is limited to any form of motorcycling, news and documentaries and I will record all of that and watch when it suits.