Stay Motivated - looking for advice

Most car projects reach a stage, in which the motivation to continue becomes very low. For many, this drives the project into a standstill, potentially halting it all together. I am facing this right now, and I'm seeking advices on how to get re-motivated.

I've been at this since 2016, and it wasn't a complicated project to begin with. It's a 1981 BMW 525i, which according to my project idea, was supposed to receive a turbo, aftermarket ECU, coilovers, better drive-train, bigger wheels & brakes. But my project suffered from scope creep, and sooner rather than later, I realised that bodywork needed mending, asking for a new paint job, and with it bucket-seat type interior which naturally needed to be reupholstered, aesthetic (aero) bits on the outside, you name it...

Unfortunately, body was poorly repaired, which was then revisited 3 times, by two different shops. In the end, I was lead to believe that bodywork was complete, so I accepted a painted shell (back in 2020) which sadly to this day sits in the garage. Reason being is poorly done repairs on the body, which came to surface through the new paint. Paint shop accepted the warranty claim, they will redo it, but body repair is now in my own hands. I accepted this, realizing that it will take more than I know (I didn't know what I don't know), and then went onto a shopping spree to get the basic tools that body shops have.

This took some time as I was shopping for previously owned equipment. Today though, when I have majority the tools needed (various body hammers, dollies, sheet metal pliers, files, air & power tools, MIG welder, car lift, industrial size air supply-don't ask why), I am struggling to find motivation to continue. I feel like there was too many setbacks during these years, and when I look at the car, this is what comes to mind instead of the excitement of making this 525i to match my taste. The project has been more about me gathering tools than working on the car.

I'm curious to hear how others overcame the motivation block. Please share your stories or stories you have heard even if it's not your own.

Thanks

That's so familiar. I'm perfectly happy with anything EXCEPT bodywork, and that's what "the project" needs.

It's the old story of tackling it one step at a time, as you do one part, the satisfaction should help you start on the next, and the next. Some people suggest starting on the 'easy' stuff, others on the harder - but that depends largely on your skill level, as you may need the easy parts to practice for the harder.

If you can find a fiend who enjoys this sort of thing, that also makes a big difference, as you aren't working in isolation, and will have help on hand when needed.

I know that feeling...

What has worked for me, is to focus on the outcome (even a short term outcome, like get the engine running, or re-assemble the interior), and get that done. Sharing your accomplishment on a Forum Build Thread, Personal Blog, or Social Media post, will keep you motivated to get that next update posted.

Right, bite size chunks. I can't say that I didn't think about it, but perhaps I haven't thought about it enough. Perhaps I should break down the job into groups, like body work, drivetrain, enterior, etc, and then break those into small tasks. Maybe I'll put it on the list, so I can check the tasks off, as I complete them. Yeah, sounds like something I could do. I do have a friend who's off work until further notice, so maybe I'll get him to partake. I'm not big on social media, but perhaps that's what I need as well.

Thanks for the input chaps, valid stuff. I gotta print this photo and put on my garage door as a reminder... ^.^

Sometimes I do find that helping others with their projects, gets me re-motivated to work on mine.

Let's see some pics or videos of your project!

Do you have a camera or GoPro? If you do (and even if you don't, the Akaso EK7000 is a really good GoPro alternative that is very inexpensive), maybe recording your work and posting it on YouTube or some other SM site can also help keep you motivated. Sharing your experience with "the world" and seeing the comments and advice could be helpful (also, it could not be, depends on the comments and how you feel about them!).

You don't need to worry about fancy editing - just upload them "raw". Tackle one thing at a time, talk to the "audience" like you would talk to someone that was in the shop working with you. Minimal time investment is the idea, documenting what you are doing and sharing you thoughts, trials and tribulations, etc.

Don't spend too much time reading comments either - a quick 10-15 minutes a day at a specific time maybe, and that's it. Otherwise you may end up spending more time on comments than on the project!!!

Of course, I have not done this myself, so take with a grain of salt, YMMV, etc. But, it's an idea anyway. Maybe it's for you, maybe it's not. Good luck, keep us posted on your project!

@Mike: I can relate to this, mainly from work I do for living, but it's a great input, thanks.

@Kenneth: I never made many videos and photos of the project car, not too sure why. Other than when I had to, like when I claimed the body repairs. I'll check if I have anything useful and post it. However, a sound advice, I do have a GoPro, provided the battery still holds a charge. :) I have some phones which could create videos I guess. Need to give it a whirl and see.

Thanks for your advices fellas.

Awesome, we're all here to cheer each other on!

What really gets me going is the real events... When you get together with people who are on the same page with you it means a lot. Everyone has his struggles but it's a huge enjoyment to see the final result and get appreciation from other people who know exactly what your result is worth in terms not only finances but time and effort. Seeing others wanna go forward, breaking their personal records, improving their results and progressing with their buids charges you with positive energy making you to get done more than you have already achieved. All what it takes- just start doing things instead of thinking about them and you'll get carried away by process once you will start seeing the results of your work. It's such a nice feeling to be proud of yourself realising that you managed to achieve something that you never thought you would)

Well fellas, I'm happy to report that your words have worked. Although I did not follow anyone's advice to a T, a bit of each one did rub off on me, and the project is once again moving forward. I have transported the body to a shop where the underfloor and engine compartment will be media blasted, and epoxied in factory light gray. And I'll admit, the price was exactly right to save me from cleaning up the old chip protection myself (already did that by hand, about 80-ish%). 600EUR, to be exact. I'll post some pics once I get the car back, which should be in about 10 days.

Cheers

When I loose motivation I will take a break for a week and then to try get back into it I will do small jobs which will have a quick and easy outcome so I feel like I've achieved something. I also try to attend car shows or meets and see people's driving model of my project, talk to them, take pics and by time I leave I'm counting down until I can next work on my project.