New Year’s Resolution
In my earlier article about the 2014 IPMS Silverwings show (http://imodeler.com/2014/12/great-show-by-ipms-silverwings/) I didn't point out my discouraging realization that I had only completed 2 projects in 2014. Both picked up 2d place trophies in their respective categories. One was the F-16 I shared earlier (http://imodeler.com/2014/10/a-great-new-f-16/) and the other was the new Airfix 1/72 Bf-109E-4. Unfortunately, in 2014 life matters had conspired with “Perfection Is The Enemy Of Progress” to limit my output and enjoyment.
Now I am inspired by my good friend Scott Nelson (http://imodeler.com/2014/12/a-productive-2014/) to make 2015 more productive. A tip of the hat also goes to Danny Attree (http://imodeler.com/2014/12/23-completed-for-2014-most-crazy-year-to-date/).
I hereby resolve to complete 7 projects this year. My strategy is based on my past experience with long distance running training and 5 principles of success in sticking to resolutions that I read recently.
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You need a goal.
Seven projects: Meng 1:35 FT-17, Tamiya 1:48 JS-2, Bronco 1:350 S-100 Schnellboot, Revell 1:72 Corsair, Minicraft 1:144 B-25, Airfix 1:72 Blenheim, HobbyBoss 1:72 UH-34D -
Be realistic.
Seven seems more doable than Scott's 12, and certainly Danny's 23, especially since two are already in progress (FT-17 and JS-2). A couple--Schnellboot and B-25--could qualify as weekend projects.
If something goes astray or I really get pressed for time at the end of the year, I also have few contingency projects: Eduard 1:144 Mig-21, Revell 1:144 UBoot (also in-progress), Minicraft 1:144 B-29 -
Get social.
In addition to checking in with Scott and our friend Mike regularly, I'll try to post updates throughout the year. -
Smile.
A dab of glue, a lick of paint: done. -
If you commit, you won't quit
I'm storing the kits on a shelf in the garage that I walk past several times every day.
To stay on track I need to avoid starting new projects. So I need to resist picking up new kits on impulse—sorry Squadron.
Challenge Accepted, good luck Dennis. 🙂
Danny
http://www.modelmasteruk.com
Sounds like a plan. Will be watching...:)
Varied selection of projects. Have at it.
A body in motion tends...and all that..lol Sounds like you have a sound plan and varied subjects to maintain your motivation, Good luck!
I am sure you will finish all of them. Good luck!
I would say aim for seven but be happy with five, deadlines and targets are for work my friend , is that the old Blenhiem or the new tool by the way ?.
N.
Thanks. I debated over 5 or 6, but landed on 7 since that includes the most recently worked-on kits and my end-of-the-year purchases.
The Blenheim is the new tool. Looks challenging but is an interesting subject. With all that glazing, I have a mask set and am tempted to add interior PE as well.
You are better off than me, I will be lucky to finish 3.
Good challenge, but what are everyone else plans?
For years I have struggled with the "buy to build" ratio, failing every time! Then last year I balanced out perfectly, for the first time ever, and built as many as I bought, major achievement!
This year involves a big Airfix Typhoon, which I expect to take up most of my time, with simpler "filler projects", most of which are on the bench already. These are two Hasegawa ASF-X Shinden kits from the Ace Combat game (will post when finished!), and a Freedom Models X-47B UAV, again will post when finished.
In the main, the ongoing objective is to stop the stash getting any bigger...but someone told me the first stage of that is stopping willpower failure! Happy 2015 modelling!
I think you're talking about what are known as S.M.A.R.T. targets - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound - which can be applied to most anything, but as Neil says, maybe modelling is about more than being 'on the clock'. Good luck with your projects!
Keep it fun, you'll get it done...
Seven sounds achievable,especially given the variety, but, make sure you have fun!