How do you stay focused on a project.

[sjk123]

Like most collectors I have many sets that catch my interest. I’ve completed the 53 bowman set several years ago. Just under a year ago I decided to tackle the t206 set. Currently I’m just about 10% completed. I have become fascinated with the set, the players and thoughts of all the people these cards have been passed through. I consider myself fortunate to be in a position where I can afford to commit between 1000-1500 a month toward my hobby, but even then I realize it’s still a project that will take years to see through to the end. The problem is there are so many other sets out there that I would love to get into. The last few days I’ve been considering going after a small run of signed 33 goudeys (knowing it’s not possible to complete). The idea of pursuing this greatly interests me, but at the same time I feel the funds I devote to this side project is wasted by not being put toward my t206 goal.

Anyway, just curious how you others approach their collection

[ullmandds]

Answer:type collecting/back runs are a nice diversion that never ends!

[conor912]

It’s a great question and a situation I have dealt with many times. I have completed some incredible sets, but as you point out, there’s always an opportunity cost. As I have progressed as a collector, I have embraced smaller sets/projects (less than 100 cards)…team sets, back runs, etc. More recently I have been enjoying my Page Project…one page in a binder devoted to a particular set.

[jayshum]

It all depends on how quickly you want to complete the T206 set. Since you already know it will take years, would a little longer matter that much to you if it allows you to avoid passing up an opportunity you're interested in?

I completed a run of Topps sets about 25 years ago. I usually tried to actively work on 1 or 2 sets at a time, but if I ran across some kind of deal for cards from a set I hadn't finished yet that I felt I wouldn't be able to find again, I usually bought it figuring that in the long run, it made sense.

[GeoPoto]

If you have a favorite team, consider "team collecting". It allows you to be involved in many different sets, but with a much smaller footprint.

Sent from my motorola edge 5G UW (2021) using Tapatalk

[CRT Sportscards]

It is all about personal accountability. I'm building the 520 right now and I am 289/520 but I not letting myself buy anything else. It will take me a few more years to complete but then after that, I will allow myself to explore other items.

[LEHR]

What is this focus you speak of? I apparently lack that.

Over the decades I've easily started 100+ sets, and have completed 5 that I remember. I've even had half a dozen sets over 75% complete in PSA 8 grade but ended up getting bored and selling. These days I've finally accepted that I'm more of a type collector than anything, and like to dabble in a lot of different collectibles. I also prefer to have a smaller but higher quality collection.

And sometimes I still want to be a set collector.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

If you need more focus on something you're doing that's supposed to have captured your passion in the first place, then find a new passion. You clearly aren't all that interested.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

If you need more focus on something you're doing that's supposed to have captured your passion in the first place, then find a new passion. You clearly aren't all that interested.

+1
Every time I do something other than type card collecting it gets boring. Variety is the spice of life

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by sjk123

Like most collectors I have many sets that catch my interest. I’ve completed the 53 bowman set several years ago. Just under a year ago I decided to tackle the t206 set....Anyway, just curious how you others approach their collection

Good question. I have always tried to learn about the players within the set that I am collecting. It has meant reading a lot of books and player bios at SABR over the years

[mrreality68]

Do What you can to stay focused

But sometimes losing focus and picking something else up is fun.

But I stay focused now because I am not liquid so when I buy recently sadly I have had to sell cards to get cards.

Often times when I got distracted from my collecting focus
1. I have missed out on cards that came up that I wanted because I could not raise funds or sell something fast enough
2. I have broke even or lost money on cards that were not part of my focus.
3. I have regretted the item because while initially excited by the card that was not part of my focus when I got it. Once the initial period past I had buyers remorse with it

But even with my focus I have also had regrets (like may do) of getting rid of cards that I got attached to in order to upgrade or refocus my collection and many of which were low population or oddites that I may never get a chance to get back

But all part of the joy and life cycle of being a collector

[Howe’s Hunter]

The longest streak of not adding a card has been 13 months. Those were tough, but then one showed up and started the clock again. I recently lost one on eBay that I thought I would win with a bid about twice what any other of that card had gone for. Then, I lost it in the last minute by $2.50. I will just wait a couple of years for it to reappear and bid again.