Lack of motivation...

Skyhawk · #1 03-25-2008, 12:22 PM

Hi there!

I just want to type some words down about my "problem"...
Maybe anyone else is recognizing?

Status, after one year: Almost finnished HS, and then nothing more....
Had planned to have the wings here by this time. But I even dont have ordered them yet, despite the VERY favouriable USD vs. SEK situation now...

Sad but true, this projekt will take forever...
I?m searching for a better place to build, and I hope that would solve this, but i?m not sure.
Building in a room in an appartment right now, have to think about neightbors when running compressor etc...

Well... Have a nice day. Love this forum!!!

f1rocket · #2 03-25-2008, 01:49 PM

Here's a tip to get out of the doldrums. Do something on the project every single day, even if it's to drill a line of holes, or rivet two pieces together. If all you can spend is 15 minutes, then just spend 15 minutes but the key IMHO is to do something every day.

cjensen · #3 03-25-2008, 01:53 PM

Keep thinking positive Skyhawk! I've had plenty of "down" times on my project, and I never thought I'd be working a finish kit...but I am. I still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and have no clue where I'll find money (time is not an issue) to buy an engine, but I work through it, and keep RV "stuff" at the front of my mind. Whether it's the forums, builder sites, emails, whatever...DO SOMETHING related to the airplane each day, and you'll come out of it!

TerryWighs · #4 03-25-2008, 02:26 PM

Randy said it best....try to do something everyday, even if it is only sweeping the shop or running the shop vac... I also find it incredibly encouraging to watch any videos from "1st flights" that are often posted...In fact, I watch them often....Some are on youtube.....Keep pushing, and don't give up the passion/dream...

DeltaRomeo · #5 03-25-2008, 03:58 PM

The folks that recommend 15min a day are right! Many days (dozens) I would just go out to straighten up the shop for 10 minutes before bed. That usually gave me time to reflect on what I needed to do on the next 'real' work session.

10-15 mins a day did me wonders (especially when we had an infant in the house

). Boy, those were tough!

b,
dr

alpinelakespilot2000 · #6 03-25-2008, 04:27 PM

I know this will probably sound like heresy, but if a lack of motivation is your problem as suggested by the title of your thread (and not just a lack of suitable workspace), why not dump the project? Life is too short for time (or $$) to be spent on things that aren't very important to you. Nothing wrong with changing your priorities in life.

Good luck though. I can't imagine what it must be like trying to build in an apartment!

Captain Avgas · #7 03-25-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyhawk

Status, after one year: Almost finnished HS, and then nothing more....
Had planned to have the wings here by this time. But I even dont have ordered them yet, despite the VERY favouriable USD vs. SEK situation now...

Sad but true, this projekt will take forever...

There's no disgrace in tossing it in now....before you waste any more money. It is estimated that less than one-third of people who buy a Vans empennage will ever complete the plane. Even fewer produce a flying plane of reasonable quality.

Building the empennage is the honeymoon period. If you're not in passionate love with the building process at that very early stage then, in my opinion, you will never finish the project. I recommend bailing out.

roadrunner20 · #8 03-25-2008, 07:54 PM

What worked for me was to have small short daily tasks.
Many of my sessions were 2 hours/night while the wife was sleeping on the couch.

You need to look at it in many smaller projects vs the big whole one.
Prior to going into your workshop:
Be prepared to work and not putz around.
Many times you end up getting on a roll and complete several small tasks in one night session.
For example.
Day 1: size, cut, cleanup stiffeners.
Day 2: drill/debur skin
Day 3: rivet...

As I said, at times you'll get on a roll and do all in one session.
That's progress.

DiscoStu · #9 03-25-2008, 08:29 PM

I just pulled my HS out of the jig after finishing the skins. It's an exciting thing when you finally get to that point! Oh, and I ordered my wings yesterday! Good times!

Go hang out at an airfield and watch some small planes flying around. That always helps me when I feel down about the build time.

RScott · #10 03-25-2008, 08:32 PM

My project has dragged along too long, also. But I find if I just go out to the shop & do something, anything, I get motivated again.