We've talked about how to regain motivation when working on a specific project, but what do you do when you're burned out on your mini truck and everything related to the scene, in general?
Sometimes even the things we love the most can become stressful, burdensome, and overwhelming. If you're anything like me, then you know this applies to mini trucks and the scene in general. Sometimes I feel like I've lost the passion, enthusiasm, and energy that came so easily almost 10 years ago. Phrases such as "I don't feel like it," "I don't care," and "I don't want to" fill the mind.
The bottom line is that feeling this way just happens, and it's okay. Here are some ways to deal with burnout. And please, tell us what you do!
1. Get a life. Yup, I said it! Get a life - outside of mini trucks. You don't have to be the most hardcore mini trucker that ever lived. You don't have to embrace every mini truckin' slogan and live, breath, and eat mini trucks 24/7. It's okay to just be you. Your mini truck can be part of your life, but not your complete lifestyle.
2. Find another hobby. I know we all go to the grocery store and immediately pick up Mini Truckin' and other truck magazines. (Shoot, I still do, and I'm around it all day!) But, recently I have discovered that having other hobbies actually makes mini truckin' more enjoyable. What other passions do you have? What sports, skills and activities spark your interest? What would you like to learn and what would you like to become? Pursue it!
3. Skip a show. Nothing says you have to make every show, cruise, and club meet near and far, small and big. If it becomes more of a stressor than stress relief, consider cutting back. Pick and choose what you really want to do. Sometimes finding a show you've never gone to before can be fun, too.
4. Who cares. Step back for a minute! This is supposed to be fun! Instead of being discouraged for not caring, congratulate yourself, laugh, and enjoy your mini. Turn up your radio, drive with no destination, and appreciate what you do have. I've rolled into a show on a spare tire and have completely forgotten to bring any cleaning products on other occasions. Learn to laugh at yourself and your truck (not others though!)
5. Quit trying to be the best. I truly appreciate all the time and hard work put into every single truck out there. But, there's more to mini truckin' than sweet trophies and being the first to do a mod. Odds are that you'll never get a trophy and that all of your sweet mods have been done thousands of times before, ten years ago. (Before you get too mad at me, refer to #4.) And, I can guarantee that someone else has a better truck than you. And llikewise, that truck can be demolished, thrashed, and destroyed in an instant. It's just an object; it's just temporary.