It is much easier to work on other peoples projects then your own.

Neil… while watching this, Nana came in and asked, “Is he talking about you?” My response, “It’s a guy thing!” Doing other folks projects, procrastination, planning more projects than you can do, starting new projects before finishing old ones, ongoing projects whose scope has crept beyond control… it’s not a sickness… it’s just life for most of us guys. Having a device to motivate us is about the only way to break the momentum of our over scheduled plans. I spent a couple of months planning Christmas gift projects for my grand children and neighbor kids. I’d stacked up a mountain of other work that had to get done before then, too. On Thanksgiving eve, it struck me that I had to change something. So, I parked the leaf vacuum, covered Frankensplitter and put my blower addiction into rehab. Why that day? Well, my daughter called and reminded me that we’d promised to go to Florida for Christmas. There would be no way to do the usual last week push to finish making all sixteen gifts. I HAD to start them immediately. That mind shift changed everything. I spent the whole day drawing sketches, gathering materials and even doing a bit of woodworking on one of the gifts. Thanksgiving morning, I went straight to the shop when I got up at 5:30… my coffee pot had barely warmed on the woodstove before I had the next milling operation set up and ready to go. Man, it felt good to be on a mission with a plan to get there. Tomorrow when we get on the plane to go to Florida it will feel great to have all the gift projects behind me… and a warm place to reorganize all those set aside projects so that I can hit them hard when I get back home! Without the Christmas deadline, I’ll have to come up with a new motivational device. Your ‘One-A-Day’ project approach just might be the propeller that I need! Nicely delivered, thanks Neil.

I know you don’t want to mention it again - but I’m pretty excited about that Bronco project! I have a deep love for those old Ford Broncos (1978-1996). You’re right - it’s hard to get everything done - it’s all a work in progress.

Don’t beat yourself up, just keep moving forward. & document the transformation process of “Bill”.

I feel ya, Neil! The shortest day of the year is this week. I love the anti procrastination technique. I *might* try that sometime, but I’m not ready yet 😄

I do love to watch Wes work. Or anyone else for that matter, as long as it keeps me from working myself.

Glad to see you tearing into it! My 318 w/23HP Vanguard is a mighty capable garden tractor, and I just bought a 2 speed rear end from a 420 to swap in.

OH MY GOD Neil, You and I are running Exact parallel Time lines . Cept I am retired and Single LOL I think I am a Professional Procrastinator. Now that I am retired I might get My 1256-02 Bolens done, Been in the Family since new in 1970 It has been in My possession since 1988. I got it running for the 1st time last Year . Mike M.

The blue shop towels are a coveted item in my shop as well and are only to be used for important occasions.

Aside the drums that is a great tip of working on it EVERY single day. It’s always the older WISER people that teach us something!

My problem isn't procrastination. It's the fact that with chronic fatigue syndrome and or (they have never decided) fibromyalgia I have the energy to do work for a couple hours a day and I'm not able to do it every day. I can do a lot of things - but I have to abandon projects in the middle of them when my body starts to shut down or the pain gets bad. It drives me nuts - I can do carpentry, mechanical repairs, wood working, metal working and all this other crap - until my body starts laughing at me and shuts me down hard. I ended up picking up an L110 tractor to mow the house and to haul a cart up and down hills. Eventually I want to pick up a 200 or 300 series to use as a plow tractor/utility tractor. Great video Neil, as usual.

I am going to like this series! I enjoy watching Wes work and catch every video. I also like the series where Captain Kleeman is fixing up a Ford 555. You are all so enjoyable to watch.

Love to see this 318 finished.

Next door neighbor over here in Ohio and I totally feel the same. With the daylight savings and trying to get stuff done with 30 min or less of daylight and the weather on the weekends. Low 40s this week and 6 degrees this Saturday. Not to mention the 2 year old In the house that loves to go do stuff outside with me that can't handle the cold weather for very long no matter how tough he acts lol. Oh well, best of luck to you and your projects

I get it. I’m a procrastinator! What works for me is to do 2 things: 1. Prioritize my list of projects. 2. Set target dates for finishing the first 3 or 4 and work to that. Thanks for sharing this video. I love your down-to-earth, honest approach! Whatever method you use, I’m sure you’ll get there!

Neil if I had a dollar for every time I’m stuck doing projects you and I could both retire I have discovered for me to keep a list on my phone and keep it to myself once some family finds out all I get are comments about when are you gonna finish or start that project takes all the fun out the work I do love looking forward to seeing the ultimate garden tractor sounds like it’s gonna be a Tim the Toolman special with more power

Man this hits home. I do the same thing and drop everything to go work on other people’s stuff which is not a bad thing but I definitely procrastinate on my own stuff. I’m going to try what you’re doing here. I have a lot of things that would be done in a few short sessions and one long term Bronco restoration that’s about 70% done and been stuck in that state for about 15 years. Thanks for the idea!

Your description of your project issues mimics mine so well. I've been "working" on my 140 project for over two years now and people will ask about updates on it. My last video on it was over a year ago and I said I was almost done. I feel so embarrassed about it. I've done other projects in the meantime, but for whatever reason, that one gets backburnered. I need to do that "everyday system", maybe that's my answer. I look forward to more updates on this project. But you are right, being a parent often takes priority of course and being a procrastinator, well, what can I say, you're not alone. But you did have to flash a quick clip of that 322 didn't you. That is what I'm waiting around for too🤣🤣, to see that old Yanmar get fired up and do some work. The time changeover stinks, every year, I hate it. Loved the video Neil, have a good week.👍👍

Thank you for talking about being BEHIND. I Love that big Dump (GMC) Right????. I rented one of those (5) yard dumps from United Rentals. It had the (V-10 Gas) engine. Not good power for going up a hill with a bed full of 5/8-. FORD does that for Fleet service trucks. Mostly Power booms buckets man lifts. For whole fleets having (Propane) fuel power. For Emissions goal meeting. But anyway Love the look of those Ford cabs on (5) yard Dumps. Your WOOD splitter set up. Putting in a cage box, then forking to storage (dry shed) you get a big A+ from me, for splitter and transport. Great set up my friend

I restored a 1984 430 Diesel a few years ago and it took about 6 months. I stripped it to nothing, and powder coated everything but the hood because I'm sure you know they were fiberglass. That 430 with the locking differential was a little monster, but after a year of unsuccessfully finding implements, I needed I sold it for almost $6,000. I worked at an amusement park every summer in high school 80 84 doing landscaping and we had a bunch of 316s and 318s and I loved them, so it was kind of a pipe dream to fix one up. I ended up buying a new TYM 25 HP with a loader and a tiller that are much better suited for my property. I tried but I couldn't justify keeping the 430. If green (JD) wasn't the cost of gold I may have kept at it. You live and learn I have been told, lol

Great video Neil...don't be too hard on yourself buddy, your probably like me and have a hard time telling others no and you over commit! Hang in there, spring is coming and those long days are too.

Neil, I genuinely enjoy your content and your projects. Feels a lot like home to me. I think this Unstuck series is truly timely for a lot of reasons. Like you, I find myself spinning my wheels because I have so much to do but I don’t know where to begin. But I think on a broader scale there are a lot of people that feel stuck because the last three years have taken the wind out of their sails and they’re looking for something they can grab onto to get unstuck. I’ll share something silly that has helped me: I found that a big part of my issue was that in the moment I had time to tackle something, I was wasting time looking for that next step or that next item I can do to keep moving ahead. I found these Post-It easel pads 25”x 30” and I found a place in my shop to hang it where it was highly visible and I spent a day, walking the property to write down the things I needed to do. Then within each project I simply created a list of items that need to be done to keep the project moving ahead. It sounds silly but now when I have an hour to get some things done, I scan the list and find what I can do to maximize the time. It’s also a great equalizer because you can look back at all the items you crossed off when you’re feeling like you’re not getting anything done. Hope someone finds this helpful.

hi there this show sure hit home for me . even have a 316 mower , may have seen it in the leaf pick up videos , bought it new , good jd , Merry Christmas to all John

Hi Neil! As always I love the video. The I’m stuck theme proves that you’re human. I get caught in that constantly. Working out of town for weeks, getting 3 days on a weekend to fit 2 weeks of work in, etc. All you can do is your best, live for your family, enjoy what you do, and if projects get finished, they get finished. Best wishes and Happy Holidays!! TW

Life is tough sometimes, there's never enough time when you have a job, family, and other commitments. I think everyone can feel your pain. I thought about stopping procrastinating myself but I think I'll start that next week.

Been there for sure, was kinda in the funk this summer. This fall got back into wrenching friday to sunday. Work 4 10's doing construction which may end up 12 or 14 hr days. On my days off I try to be in the shop or doing something I enjoy. Which is garden tractors. Mainly gravelys but I enjoy all colors, shapes and sizes of tractors and machinery. Wish my shop was heated all the time would make it easier in the winter. Looking good, and last but not least Wes seems like a stand up kinda guy. Keep them comeing

I can relate to this whole video. WWW is one of my favorite.

I have many projects I try to work by time (work at least 30 min today)or goal ( to complete at least the set goal). The key word for me is the word AT LEAST. I am like 73 and I know I won't be able to complete all my projects but the projects I complete are such a good feeling. Family projects are always first followed by the rest. I try to work on an indoor project, outdoor project, and garage project most of the time every day. So have a great Family Christmas and I am looking forward to seeing you the rest of this year and next year is a must.

This really hits home and is a good way to get unstuck. Hope you can keep it up and maybe I’ll be able to adopt this strategy in the future.

I am a Retired maintenance man. I kept a Notebook. I called it my worry book. I stayed so busy at work I needed a way to remind me of my HONEY DO's. A phone is great but a small book itself reminds me more.......Pocket shirts was something i started to put on Just for my worry book. It was a big help....Being retired I now have my wife....but I better not say that..lol. Keep trying my friend...Merry Christmas.

I needed this video. I too have lots of ideas but limited time. Neil don’t worry about mentioning projects and ideas that’s one of the reasons we watch your videos!

I think we've all earned a solid A+ in the subject of procrastination for one thing or another. Bummer you had to cut those apple trees, unless they weren't doing any good anymore. Can't wait to see the finished tractor.

Another comment, Love it when your CAT is out and want to help you, in a CAT'S own way ( when cats rub on everything they are saying "HELLO" this is my property) just an FYI on why CATS rub on stuff. That JD on Driveway will get A+ in my Humble opinion my friend. You Rocked on that smooth driveway job. Remember it was in the 1950s when we started bringing CATS in from Barns as home Pets. They still are the BEST rodent control for your outdoor building.

I seem to have the same problem as you!. I like that approach, and may try implementing it around here this winter. Just other peoples stuff keeps coming in! ;). Love the 318. I have a Massey 1650 tucked away in the corner for a restoration project. Hopefully this winter, or maybe I’ll do the old hus ski sled..or maybe the other project over there

I have several projects that I need to do this on. Keep up the great videos and thank you for the stickers and letter. I hope that you and your family have a very merry Christmas

Just starting this series….love the every day plan

This video was awesome. And you admitted on camera something I deal with all the time and honestly it’s depressing sometimes when I feel I’m getting nowhere on my projects. I always find time to help others and always finding myself saying i need to do this or I need to do that to something of my own. So I’m liking your plan of just doing one little thing a day to a single project. Thanks Neil. Somehow I feel better after watching this video. Lol.

Great video!! And I know you’ll get it done, well maybe not completely done before the January vacation. But I’m cheering you on Buddy!! “Get’er Done!”

I forgot to warn you, those shop towels were used. I won't mention what for...

Velcro kitty following you on your project. It's nice to have a project buddy. HA. 😺

Good technique… 1 day at a time👍 good on Wes too!

Great advise! I certainly need to give that a try. Way too many unfinished projects around here.

Your place looks always tip-top anyway, you work a lot so sometimes you have to take a break and that trip driving off-road was well deserved IMO. Off-topic I really loved the way your daughters looked at each other at 5.13 really twins in tune 😍with each other.

Feeling Stuck , sounds like normal life. Thanks for sharing Neil, cant wait for the rebirth of the tractor

I get helping others as something you enjoying doing as a procrastination! I have several sets of elderly neighbors I'll drop my project in a heartbeat for. I try to always work on improving my farmstead by 1% everyday... it adds up over time and gives me that dopamine dose I need.

Nice things happen to nice people. It's great to have people that will step up to give you a hand when you could use a little assistance.

Gotta be honest, ive had 318 425 455 430. The 430 is awesome and unbeatable in the field. The 455 is basically the same engine but shorter like a 318, the diesel 3cyl Yanmars are torque MONSTERS. On a 20 hp gas they make double the hp in tq so 40tq but the diesel torque number is triple the hp number so the 455 with the foot pedals! Has 60tq with a locking rear dif and powersteering turns on a dime. I think a 455 would be a perfect fit for your jobs.

Thought you were talking about me this whole video! Different projects here, but same story. I’m going to try and follow your lead on the daily progress approach. Working on one right now as I listen. Godspeed!

Neil, I don't have kids of my own. I would say putting off projects to be with your girls and family is way more important than any project that you got going on at the time. Thanks, Eric

Now this was a blast from the past, Roger and my dad are really good friends. I haven't been out to his shop in quit a while.

Great thumbnail!! Got my attention… looking forward to seeing the finished 318.. I enjoy saving these old small frame JD’s also.. we appreciate your videos.. keep up the great work ..your not alone with the finishing you own projects

This video hits home for sure, I procrastinate and find reasons to get into everything else besides a project needing done until I have to have it. I keep it in my mind but don’t admit it. I hope between this video and my wife in the new year I can start a better process on my projects thanks for putting this out!

Nice commitment Neil! 👏🏻 it took me about a years worth of 3 day weekends to get the 1987 316 fixed up that you see in the picture to the left.. I took everything apart though.. every nut and bolt. New seals in everything.. That made it take much longer than it really should have. And now im afraid to sit on it with shoes on! 😆 Lol. I fixed it to look at it and not use it though. 😂 I will be keeping up with your progress. 😁

Love the every day plan. Look forward to seeing the finished result

Inspiring video for all of us who suffer from the same issues.

Oh I’m so excited. I have the same issue and I’m going to try working on it everyday. My Scout has been partially rewired for 9 months.

I came here from @WatchWesWork after seeing your RV break down. Glad I did. This particular video hit home for me. I'm a serial procrastinator, and hopefully this gives me the initiative to start the "one thing per day" towards a project. I enjoy your content and am happy to be a new subscriber.

Yep, sometimes there is one we should do and some we have to do so it gets in the way of all of them. There have been times where I feel overwhelmed but all the stuff we need to do and then I don't want to do anything. Great video by the way, maybe more of us can learn to take baby steps to get things done.

It’s all about who you are comparing yourself with…. Neal knowing you your only problem is there’s not enough hours in the day even though you burn the candles from both ends 😉. Take care my friend and don’t worry so much that’s stress and you don’t need that 👍🏻

I’ve waited for this video for a while. And I 100% understand the struggle! I have projects that have been out off for years! Keep up the good work

It's great to see how fellow youtube channels share. I have my core watch channels from watching your videos. Good job, Neil and Wes.

Procrastinate! I don't know what that big word means. I may look it up tomorrow. 😎 I bought my little crawler stuck, spent a little time getting it running, then it sat in the back shed for 14 years until I found Watch Wes Work on youtube. Ever since I got it back from Wes, I've been fixing little things here and there and even did some brush control with it this last August. I still have things to do to it, and may have to start applying the 'little bit every day' technique.

Hello Neil, this plan of yours to finish you tractor project is perfect, I worked on my 332 almost all summer and isn't ready, Can't wait to see final result with this dream tractor🚜. And related to the name, being the project that unstuck you, can call it "the savior". Good luck with it!

Going through an auto tech program right now and one of the first things I learned is that the concrete floor thing has become somewhat of an old wives tale with todays automotive/ equipment batteries. Havent tested it myself but gives me some reassurance if I do ever leave one on the shop floor

Great video. Excited to see the new 318.

I'm glad that you figured out a way to keep projects at the forefront instead of the back burner. Sad to see Brutus sacrificed to save Bill. Who knows, you may be able to give Brutus new life IF you are able to source another engine for him. As much as I love that you are keeping Bill around, Brutus has been a reliable work horse for you too. I understand above all else that family comes first. The girls are growing up so fast, you don't want to miss a thing. Yes, this is an Aerosmith song reference that rings true for many a proud parent. In my humble opinion though, the firewood to keep everyone warm should take precedence to anything else. The wood isn't going to cut itself. The boiler isn't going to load itself either. Will your boiler accept coal also? I ask because when I was growing up my brother and I could walk the train tracks behind our house year round and fill a five gallon bucket each with coal just walking up and down the tracks for an hour. You could set your watch by the freight trains, the schedule was so consistent. With that coal, Daddy could bank the boiler and the kitchen stove for the night and there would be enough heat in the morning to just add wood and not start a new fire. I know that your boiler is pretty efficient since you bank it with a lot of wood at night and by morning it's still hot ready to be reloaded. Now that I think about it, I doubt that you have as easy an access to coal than we did. Oh well. I know you enjoy these pearls of information. Knowledge is never forgotten so long as it is remembered and passed along to others. Thank you for you content and time you take to make these outstanding videos. See you next time 🥰🥰🤗🤗😘😘😎😎

This is the one project I have been waiting for you to tackle. I have my 318 ( that I had to buy after watching your channel) that is about 1/2 way done (new vanguard , new fuel system, tubing hydraulic lines for rear ports) . Hopefully this will get me energized to finish her up. Keep on it.

I know the feeling... winter sucks. I have a similar problem but unique to small projects. When I take on a big project like a tractor restoration I have no problem keeping focused and working on the project every day until it is done in a timely fashion. Currently I have a small project to retrofit a new electric lift motor onto my sawmill. I have been putting this off mainly because I have to relocate the sawmill back to my house where all my tools are. But thanks to your video I am getting in my truck now and dragging the sawmill home for its upgrades.

Good to see you are still working. And awesome video. 🎉

No need for clickbait here your contents in a plus

Very interesting idea, I’ll add it to my list of things to try.

Neil, I admit I was wondering why you would pickup the tractor with the backhoe! I watch all of your videos, I very much appreciate you sharing your projects. You always have a great balance of explaining what you are doing and showing us. Thanks for the idea of just doing something on a project every day, I'm going to try that. I'm guilty too of helping others all the time and putting off my own projects.

Nice ending. Love the project.

The thumbnail was Worth lifting the tractor in my mind

Seeing you on the ladder, ON THE TABLE, made me think all projects could simultaneously come to an end! Merry Christmas & God’s Blessing’s!!!

You're doing a great job, and filming it you're doing more than most

I just started watching your videos. I like your content! Hello from Shediac NB Canada!

You aren’t alone sir! This is exactly how I am too. Always way to many irons in the fire.

I've got to say I'm the same way with a project CASE 222. I've got a brand new engine a Predator Hemi 420 13hp. I kind of feel like I'm spinning my wheels on it currently. But I love your idea channel so far.

I was nodding my head in agreement so much when you were describing how things go when the days get short and weather gets cold, that I thought my neck might start hurting. Really looking forward to seeing the garden tractor rebuild process and final result! Good luck throughout the process! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

The video (message) was so spot on!

So many projects, and only 1 Neil..... Name your tractor Wes.

Neil, building and experimental aircraft suffers from the same “commitment” issue. In addition to at least one thing per day, I’ve heard that if you get in the shop for that one, single bolt, or whatever, it is possible that you may actually spend more time than you planned and do more than anticipated. Jim

Good afternoon Neil

that's a good plan, I'm about 10 years behind implementing this though lol

Heck yeah! This is one of the projects I've been patiently waiting for! I know what you mean about starting too many projects and not getting back around to finishing them up for a while. Wide frame international harvester cub cadets have become a hobby of mine and I have a cab to mount and modify and wire up on one of them that I should really be out getting ready and mounting the snow thrower but I too procrastinate and have trouble finding time to get out in the shop to work especially since it's warm in the house and cold out in the shop. Lol

You're good! You should try combining two tractors side-by-side! I've seen pictures of those full size vintage tractors. I've also seen vintage old Ford tractors mountain in line with articulation between them. Not sure about the name, it might have been a super major.

Great job love your videos keep it up thank you

Man, this video spoke to my soul...I have a number of projects that I'd like to complete, but it seems, I'm easily distracted by the next shinny thing...I can tell you I'm going to use this video as motivation!!! Also, I'm looking for a small garden tractor, similar to the 316 JD you have. If you have anything that I could work a deal with you on, please let me know.

Neil, this one spoke to me. A great methodology. I wouldn't beat yourself up too much, however. You have a very full and rich life. Looking forward to coming along for the ride. For a tractor name - if you are keeping to the "B" word tradition, how about "Brankenstein"? Cheers.

Appreciative of the camera but ALL SMILES over some shop towels. You crack me up

Great Video! Love the 300 series videos.

Neil, This video is really cool. I think lots of us get stuck getting things done. I have to many projects to get done as we. Merry Christmas to you and the family. Carl FONDEROSA FARMS MD

Happy Christmas 🐝🎅🎄

I would have saved the shop rags also!! It’s just the cheap in me. Plus, they weren’t dirty!

Merry Christmas!! 🌲🎄

You and I are so much a like. Love it

"Phoenix", name suggestion for your new toy... lol.

This is me for sure. Way too many projects and not enough time. I have 3 JD 400’s. Only 1 of which runs. I need to get busy!

Great job thanks for posting