ToughButterCup Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 3 years into the build and my standard stock of self-motivators is running low High energy music Three cups of coffee, not two Procrastination - and just a little bit of self-loathing resulting in whirling dervish readjustment Reading Buildhub posts: You did what? Oh thats a good idea! Hmmm, mustn't forget that Go for a walk with the dogs Do the ironing: the world is a better place when you stop doing that Go to the local shop and buy a cheese and bacon turnover, some Lucozade, and a choc bar Clean the bathroom thoroughly: (as for ironing) Its no accident this post is written on a Monday morning. What do you do to motivate yourself when energy and spirits are low(ish)? Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitpipe Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I find that a deadline sharpens the mind. Since we moved in last Sept, there's still been lots to do, with the usual DIY enabling before the trades come in. Cue weeks sailing past with nothing happening and then a mad panic to get the prep done and a feeling of satisfaction when it's achieved. That may explain why I've just done a weeks worth of work over one weekend in the garden, including dismantling a greenhouse ahead of landscapingstarting today, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone West Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 14 minutes ago, recoveringacademic said: What do you do to motivate yourself when energy and spirits are low(ish)? For the first few years of our build we took 3 months off in the winter and went to Madeira for a few weeks each year. This slowed up our build quite a bit, as you can imagine, but was great for recharging the batteries. We haven't been away now for some time which has meant getting more done on the house but as you say motivation can be a struggle. Being able to forget about the build completely is great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 8 minutes ago, PeterStarck said: [...] Being able to forget about the build completely is great! Oh... If only. We're building in our garden. I can't decide if -overall- that is an ad or disadvantage. Progress, or the lack of it stares out at us every moment of every day. We just can't put it down. I'm also clear that here am I grizzling like a nipper when in fact I'm immensely lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 5 minutes ago, recoveringacademic said: Oh... If only. We're building in our garden. I can't decide if -overall- that is an ad or disadvantage. Progress, or the lack of it stares out at us every moment of every day. We just can't put it down. I'm also clear that here am I grizzling like a nipper when in fact I'm immensely lucky. I was going to say, "think yourself lucky", but that wasn't the subject matter I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to build my dream home so find it hard to sympathise. That and of course the fact that I live and breath construction work so am numb to that side of it. If I ever find myself at the standing and staring at it stage, I look around for something peripheral to carry on with, something simple that requires little or no thought, and that gives me time to think about whatever I've got hung up on. A deadline helps, yes, but in a self-builders head there will always reside the fact that they're essentially self employed and can pretty much do what they like, when they like, ( other than say meeting deadlines for the initial build ), so have that essence of relaxation that I'm not afforded. To sharpen the mind, just imagine how you'll look forward to being in the new house rather than look at the tasks which lay in your path. . It'll make them seem less of a trudge and more like stepping stones. . ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney12 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I'm REALLY struggling this morning. Spent all day yesterday laying the OSB deck, trims, hidden gutter etc on my 18m2 dormer roof. It was roasting hot! Got up super early to crack on with fibreglassing today. Stepped outside and it started pissing it down! Its continued for the last 2 hours. Was it forecast? Nope! It was supposed to be dry, How I love the moorland weather, its as unpredictable as my wife's moods! So now my OSB deck is soaking wet. Fibreglass and water do not mix. I've just come inside for a cup of coffee and a 4 finger KitKat! Anything unhealthy with a strong coffee normally does the trick but not today!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted July 3, 2017 Author Share Posted July 3, 2017 Carole King 33 minutes ago, Barney12 said: I'm REALLY struggling this morning. [...] Carol King: Beautiful does it for me sometimes... not always. Give it a go here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSharp01 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 People say that when you retire there are no more Monday's! Don't you dare believe them, in several ways Mondays are bigger than before. For a start you are now fully responsible for what Monday brings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSharp01 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 PS just think yourself lucky that you are not the poor client who just got told on this otherwise glorious Monday that the project cost has just risen by £1.5 Billion (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40479053), oh sorry, just worked out that we are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Construction Channel Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 -Give your self a pay rise. -Or a stern bollocking for how unproductive you are being. -is mrsRA about to give you a hand? It's always best to talk through what you need to achieve with someone (even animals are better than no one) it makes you feel clever and as if you really know what you are talking about. -set some little goals. And write them down so you can tick them off. If you do anything extra write those down too and tick them for the sake of it. or my favourite. Just stand and think about how disappointed the missus would be if you actually did nothing today. I'm sure she would tell you not to worry and that you did more than enough at the weekend. But deep down you know she is judging you. Self motivation is one of my worst attributes. But in both our cases if we don't get on with it, it's not going to get done. You could always do it tomorrow but that is a dangerous route to take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triassic Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I have two "to do" lists, one is for the new build and the other is her Ladyships "to do" list, this resides on the front of the fridge and is updated so there is always three jobs she wants doing this week. The only time I get a 'telling off', is if I fail to complete her list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSharp01 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 1 minute ago, Triassic said: I have two "to do" lists, one is for the new build and the other is her Ladyships "to do" list, this resides on the front of the fridge and is updated so there is always three jobs she wants doing this week. The only time I get a 'telling off', is if I fail to complete her list. How do you go about controlling the scale of her to do lists? You know: Bring about world peace. Discover a new antibiotic. Make me happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I normally go sailing. but the weather is just too rubbish. I sail for fun, not as an endurance test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone West Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 7 hours ago, recoveringacademic said: Oh... If only. We're building in our garden. I can't decide if -overall- that is an ad or disadvantage. Progress, or the lack of it stares out at us every moment of every day. We just can't put it down. I'm also clear that here am I grizzling like a nipper when in fact I'm immensely lucky. That's the same as us which is why going away makes you forget about it. Wendy's always reminding me that I'm a grumpy old sod and that we are very lucky, which of course we are. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triassic Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 6 hours ago, MikeSharp01 said: How do you go about controlling the scale of her to do lists? You know: Bring about world peace. Discover a new antibiotic. Make me happy. I'm well on the way to completing 1 and 2. Given up on 3. This weeks list is fit new lights in our temporary accommodation, repair small hole in wall and paint and gather together her furniture paint kit - sander, undercoat, top coat etc ( these are in my garage, she won't go in there on her own, too spooky!!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 6 minutes ago, Triassic said: these are in my garage, she won't go in there on her own, too spooky! Your garage needs an armchair and a beer fridge .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 My beer & fridge need a garage... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I need a bloody man-shed. Bollocks. Time for another one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CC45 Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I set small targets then double the time allowance if I dont think I will meet them. Sick of putting battens on uneven walls at the minute but won't take a break, I hate going back to a job I hate. The next job involves machinery and mates so it will go a lot quicker and with a lot more fun and banter. Its a lonely job self building on your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tennentslager Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 Watch a Peter Kaye video Drink quality red wine...with tasty snack Make a curry Rewind the years and enjoy some horny sex Start again Smile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 32 minutes ago, Tennentslager said: Rewind the years and enjoy some horny sex Tried that the other night, needed jump leads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 4 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said: Tried that the other night, needed jump leads Lucky you had those AAs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I used to be like the Energizer bunny, but now it's more about pacing myself and not having a heart attack This is where Ian's thread starts to die ( gress ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 19 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said: I used to be like the Energizer bunny, but now it's more about pacing myself and not having a heart attack This is where Ian's thread starts to die ( gress ). Wasn't it Boy George who said he'd rather have a nice cup of tea? Git of a relative bought me "SLOW DOWN, 50!" mug for my birthday just to rub it in. Felt this birthday more than any other tbh. Still, coinciding nicely with the SWMBO starting the mentalpause. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickfromwales Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 All working out nicely then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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