The Hard Truth About Why Your Project Car is Going Nowhere
Clare GaffoorWhy You Keep Losing Motivation with Your Project Car
(And How to Get It Back!)
We’ve all been there - your project car starts off as an exciting dream, and then, somewhere along the way, the motivation disappears. Suddenly, your build is sitting untouched in the garage, and you can’t seem to get back into it. Sound familiar?
You’re not lazy, and you’re not alone.
Here’s what might be happening - and how to get that spark back.
Perfectionism Makes It Hard to Move Forward
You want everything to be perfect, so if you can’t do it 100% right, you don’t do it at all. Perfectionism creates an all-or-nothing mindset, making even minor imperfections feel like failures.
How to Fix It:
Remind yourself: “Done is better than perfect.” Even the best builds evolve over time. Progress beats waiting for the perfect moment that never comes. Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process and that many issues can be fixed later. Perfection is a moving target, and your build will always have room for improvement.
You’re Waiting for the “Perfect Time”
(But It Doesn’t Exist)
You keep telling yourself, “I’ll start when the weather’s better, when I have a full weekend free, when I get that last part or than new tool…” - but those perfect conditions never come. The longer you wait, the harder it is to start.
How to Fix It:
Start with what you can do today. Even if it’s just organising your workspace, checking fluid levels, or making a checklist, small actions create momentum. Recognise that perfection is an illusion - every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
ADHD Means You Hyperfocus,
Then Lose Interest Suddenly
At first, you’re obsessed - you binge-watch build videos, research parts, and spend hours planning. Then, just as quickly as it started, the excitement vanishes. Your brain moves on, and the car sits unfinished. ADHD makes it hard to maintain consistent motivation because of the way dopamine levels fluctuate. When the novelty wears off, tasks that once seemed thrilling now feel like chores, leading to avoidance and procrastination.
How to Fix It:
Set yourself a time limit to be engaged, say 30 - 60 minutes... Just work on one small task at first. Stop when the timer ends, or just keep going if you're in the zone! Using external accountability, like sharing progress updates online or working with a friend, can also help keep your interest alive.
Anxiety Makes It Hard to Start
Because of Fear of Failure
You keep putting off that turbo install or wiring job because what if you mess up? The fear of making a mistake can make you freeze. Anxiety causes analysis paralysis, making even small tasks feel overwhelming. The more you overthink the process, the bigger and scarier it seems, leading to avoidance rather than action.
How to Fix It:
Start with a no-pressure task - even if it’s just laying out your tools or reading the install guide. The hardest part is getting started, and once you do, the anxiety fades. Additionally, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them feel less intimidating. Watching tutorial videos or seeking advice from experienced builders can boost your confidence (and build connections).
Depression Can Cause a Lack of Energy to Continue
Last month, you were making progress. Now, even thinking about working on the car feels exhausting. Depression drains your energy, motivation, and enjoyment from things you once loved. It can make even simple tasks seem insurmountable and create a cycle of guilt when you can’t bring yourself to work on your project.
How to Fix It:
If you don’t have the energy to spanner, just sit in your car for five minutes. Play your favourite driving playlist, wipe down the dashboard, or just appreciate your build. Reconnecting emotionally can be the first step back in. Consider setting a timer for just 10-15 minutes of work - often, once you start, you’ll find yourself continuing longer than expected. And remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
You Might Feel Overwhelmed by the Cost
Car parts aren’t cheap, and when you realise how much more you need to spend, you might feel stuck. Budget constraints can make you question whether your build is even feasible, leading to frustration and loss of motivation.
How to Fix It:
Instead of focusing on the full cost, find small wins:
- Can’t afford a full exhaust? Upgrade just the back box.
- Big brake kit out of budget? Swap out pads and brake fluid first.
- Short on cash? Tidy up wiring, clean the engine bay, or plan your next move.
Small steps keep you engaged without breaking the bank. Looking for second-hand parts, joining forums for deals, and setting a small monthly budget for your project, can all help make progress more manageable.
Life Responsibilities
Push Your Car to the Bottom of the List
Between work, family, and daily stress, your car gets left behind. Other priorities demand attention, leaving little time for personal projects.
How to Fix It:
Schedule time for your build like an appointment. Even 30 minutes a week is progress. Treat it as self-care - because it is. Allocating dedicated time in your calendar ensures that your project doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of daily life.
Progress Feels Slow, So You Lose Momentum
You’ve been working on your build for months, but all you see is what’s not finished, rather than how far you’ve come. It’s easy to feel discouraged when the big picture still seems so far away.
How to Fix It:
Keep a progress log - photos, videos, or a checklist of what you've done. Looking back at your journey can remind you how much you’ve already achieved. Comparing where you started to where you are now can help reignite your motivation.
You Compare Your Build to Others
and Feel Discouraged
Social media makes it seem like everyone else is finishing their builds faster than you. Seeing polished, completed projects can make your own progress feel inadequate, or feeling pressured by show date deadlines can leave you feeling like you're falling behind.
How to Fix It:
Instead of comparing, use others for inspiration. Unfollow accounts that make you feel behind, and focus on your own pace. Your build is unique, the journey is just as important as the final product.
A Slow Build Is Still Progress - Keep Going!
It’s easy to feel like your project is taking too long. But remember - some of the best builds take years. The time and effort you put in make the end result even more rewarding.
Your progress is still progress, even if it’s slow. Enjoy the process. The journey is what makes the final result worth it. Keep pushing forward, one step at a time.
Whether it's perfectionism, anxiety, ADHD, or life’s distractions, the struggle is real. Here’s a summary of how to get back on track:
Perfectionism:
Done is better than perfect. Progress beats waiting for the "perfect moment."
Waiting for the "Perfect Time":
Start small, even organizing your space. Momentum starts with action.
ADHD:
Set time limits. Small tasks keep you engaged without overwhelming you.
Anxiety:
Start with low-pressure tasks, like laying out tools. Small steps help overcome the fear.
Depression:
Reconnect with your build, even if it’s just sitting in your car. Small actions add up.
Cost:
Focus on small wins and budget-friendly improvements.
Life Responsibilities:
Schedule time for your car, even if it’s just 30 minutes a week.
Final Thought:
If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Every one of us with a project has been there. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the step.
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