Motivation is Gone

DT08 · 10-06-09, 11:40

I don't know what has happened, but I've lost my motivation for detailing cars. I might be in some type of slump or something. Have any of you felt like that and how did you get your motivation back?

TS_Detailing · 10-06-09, 12:00

Never been in that boat before, so I don't know what to tell you. To me, your either a full-blooded passionate car detailer or you aren't. Guess you need to decide if it's important to you or not. If not, find something you are passionate about. There's nothing wrong with that. Everybody is different and has different passions in life. That's what makes the world go around. Just find what your's is and go from there. Good luck.

JoshVette · 10-06-09, 12:04

Are you just burned out or just don't feel like detailing anymore for the time being?

Sometimes I get burned out and don't feel like detailing, even if it's a cool car, but once I slow down a bit I get back into it.

Josh

thedetailer · 10-06-09, 12:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshVette

Are you just burned out or just don't feel like detailing anymore for the time being?

Sometimes I get burned out and don't feel like detailing, even if it's a cool car, but once I slow down a bit I get back into it.

Josh

Like Josh said....sometimes when I have an very busy week, I get burned out and don't want to see another dirty car. BUT once I take a day off, I get back into the love of detailing.

DT08 · 10-06-09, 12:46

I'm passionate about detailing, but I do think I need a break. Some one told me to take my ride through the local car wash and that would bring me back to reality. The past couple of weeks have been a little hectic. Working my full-time, going to school, and then detailing cars on the weekend can get a little hectic. I keep telling myself I need to slow down, but I'm passionate about it. When my phone rings and it's someone wanting to get their car done, it's hard to say no. I'm starting to think I'm afraid to say no, which might be part of the problem. It might sound crazy, but I feel if I tell a person I can't get to their car they might feel like I'm blowing them off, then they might try to give me a bad name. I know it might sound crazy, but some people out there are just so sensitive.

detail1 · 10-06-09, 01:01

It sounds like u r definitely burnt out. U need to focus on your priorities. Who cares if u cant do a car this wekend. Sometimes a break will put things into perspective. There are other things to do in life besides detailing.

I would take it easy & appreciate life.

THere will always be cars to detail - just need to balance it.

Good luck

mose · 10-06-09, 01:06

I too work a full time job and detail on the weekend. From time to time I do feel a need to slow down and not detail but it usually doesn't last too long. If I go a weekend without detailing I am usually all fired up for the next weekend!

I do know what you mean about telling people "no". I don't feel as though they would attempt to trash my name or my business, I just feel like if people are calling, do I really want to interupt the flow? Maybe it's just me but I completly believe in the ebbs and flows of business and it makes me think twice about interupting any positive energy coming my way.

Sounds kinda trippy....but it seems to work for me.

Take a weekend off, kick yer feet up and don't think about detailing. Enjoy!!

Accumulator · 10-06-09, 01:19

DT08- As you posted this in the Pro Forum, I gather you do this for a livelihood. If so, then yeah, you have a bit of a problem as one simply *must* love one's vocation IMO.

If, OTOH, you're *NOT* dependent on this for your daily bread, then maybe your priorities have simply changed.

Sounds to me like the detailing-for-pay might not be your primary career goal (what with your being in school), so I kinda wonder if you need to make a big deal out of your flagging interest.

As for the people who want you to do their rides, no reason in the world why somebody else should get to dictate how you spend your time. "Sorry, but I have to put all my energies into my schoolwork" oughta cover it just fine.

FWIW, when I decided to get serious about my degree, I got rid of my cool car, ran my beater through the carwash, and took care of the stuff that really mattered. Did sorta the same thing a few times since then, when I realized my priorities were getting out of whack.

RaskyR1 · 10-06-09, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshVette

Are you just burned out or just don't feel like detailing anymore for the time being?

Sometimes I get burned out and don't feel like detailing, even if it's a cool car, but once I slow down a bit I get back into it.

Josh

I agree with Josh as well.

I find that checking out some good some show n' shine theads helps me get back into it.

Scottwax · 10-06-09, 01:34

I only really get frustrated when people aren't upfront about the condition of their vehicles.

DT08 · 10-07-09, 06:58

@ Accumulator: I'm going to school for business administration. I have about two and half years left until I have my degree. I was looking at trying to start my own mobile detail service next spring, but have decided to finish school first before I put all of my time in operating a business. That was the best decision I've made. Appreciate your advice though.

@ Detail1: Thank you for saying take it easy and appreciate life.

My father always told me that your passion can be your worst enemy. I'm seeing it now. Winter is approaching and I usually take a time out in the winter so that should help recharge my battery.

I appreciate everyone's comments! Thanks a million. It helps being able to talk to other detailers and get their point of view.

brwill2005 · 10-07-09, 11:18

Lets by honest, detailing is VERY hard and demanding work. This is especially true when the weather is extreme. I love being around cars, but I would be lying if I said I lose motivation from time to time. Usually, what wakes me up is the realization that THIS is what pays my bills. I think this is the difference here, because you do not do this for a living.