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Has "anyone" used "anything" to be able to maintain focus on a goal?

RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I am not just talking about sets! I seem so distracted on my goals, well, here it is card related. I just can't focus on completing one set and moving to the next, especially if there are deals to be had! Has anyone tried to ...say... stick at 60% SMR for those non-important sets, or jsut not watch any items that are not 100% must haves? Help!!! I am running out of room!!!

Comments

  • baseballfanaticbaseballfanatic Posts: 2,415 ✭✭
    Be prepared to take up every closet and available area to start piling more stuff. I dont mind starting 10-20 vintage sets when I can get the cards at 10-15% SMR. (And I'm talking PSA 7, 8's or better). It always seems that after I pick them up for a song and start to collect more, the prices start to reach 50% to 80% SMR and I back off and start another set. I have cards I've bought in the last year that I couldnt find if you paid me to. A bargain to find is more important to me than paying over 100% SMR + for the last 20-30 cards I need to complete a set. I'll keep the keywords and keep looking for them, but when you look in the pop report and see that there are over 300 of each card graded 7 or 8 or better, plus the scores that havent been graded yet, I'll just bide my time and wait until they come along at the price I want to pay....
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the tip. I understand a "deal" as good as anyone, except maybe lmayer..lol. It is just I have my priority at 75%, my 2nd at 50% and my third getting graded now. I just picked up half another raw set, and a 3rd priority. Man I wish I could just do one at a time, but I think I am officially an "addict".


    "HI, I am RipublicaninMass, and I am addicted to collecting pictures of men"
  • baseballfanaticbaseballfanatic Posts: 2,415 ✭✭
    lmayer is one of those guys that really irritates me. He only buys on Ebay (even though his "me" page says "in addition to buying and selling on Ebay..."). All of his cards go on his web page for 3x what he pays for them. Thats his preference, but you have to sell sometime. I know he only buys 8's or 9's, but he'll buy 6 of the same card. Thats his preference, but you have to sell sometime.........
  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭
    I understand, I have only been doing this (collecting PSA graded cards) for about 6 months and I have already switch from 67s to 75s and now doing 78s, but now I am thinking of starting an 84 set for sentimental reasons, but can not afford to do all three at the same time. Feel like if I am not going to concentrate on them will full attention I am wasting my time. Seems like I cannot make full committment to one year!?

    Stingray
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Guess guys are ....afraid of committment, since when!!!

    75% 55 topps
    50% Nolan Ryan Basic
    65% soon to be graded 51 bowman red menace
    25% 63 fleer
    raw 54 redman
    raw 55 bowman

    and STILL some stuff on the back burner????#@#!@%#$^!#$^?!%#&^!?%#^&@$#?^&

    cuckoo-cuckoo-cuckoo
  • ArnyVeeArnyVee Posts: 4,245 ✭✭
    Holy mackerol do I know what you mean!

    I started with the 1984 Donruss Set....tried to keep my blinders on, but figured....aww, what the heck, let me start to put together my Magic Johnson player set together. Then, aww, why not, I'm a big fan of Raphael Palmeiro (I know) and Dan Marino, so I'll just focus on the '84 Donruss set and those three player sets.

    Then, I noticed that the '88-'89 Fleer Basketball sets weren't too expensive (or so I thought) to start building...so, I jumped on that. Then, I finished my '88-'89 Fleer Basketball set and was looking on these boards. Saw a little discussion about '72s (my birth year) so I thought.....those commons aren't that expensive, I'll just start building a set slowly. Well, I was WAY too deep at this point. You'd think I'd stop...but no! I still had my two all time favorite sets out there....'75s & '57s. So, I figured, what the heck, let me start to build the '75 set...oh no, but not the regular (that would be too easy!) let's try the MINI version of the set! DOH! My brain works in special ways, I tell you. image

    So then, I go ahead with my plan to start my '57s. I planned to do it using PSA 6s primarily....well, I've already started bidding on 7s and a couple of 8s! But, I have definitely set a limit on those and I think that I can keep adding cards at affordable rates as folks keep upgrading their own sets.

    Geez....where does it stop?
    * '72 BASEBALL #15 100%
    * C. PASCUAL BASIC #3
    * T. PEREZ BASIC #4 100%
    * L. TIANT BASIC #1
    * DRYSDALE BASIC #4 100%
    * MAGIC MASTER #4/BASIC #3
    * PALMEIRO MASTER/BASIC #1
    * '65 DISNEYLAND #2
    * '78 ELVIS PRESLEY #6
    * '78 THREE'S COMPANY #1

    image

    WaltDisneyBoards
  • Mac53Mac53 Posts: 805 ✭
    Hey, I can't focus either. It seems like I start thinking of one thing, then before you know it . . . um . . . what were we talking about?
    "Charlie, here comes the deuce. And when you speak of me, speak well."image
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Hey thanks Arny that reminds me, I almost jumped on the 76 set, my birth year too!
  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭
    I am sure this has been asked before, but how many of you have started a set and let's say got over 25% or so, decided to do another set and sold off or traded your first set, only to regret getting rid of it?

    Stingray
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Oh yeah and have 9% of t205 gold border set too! ARGHGGHGGHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
  • julen23julen23 Posts: 4,558 ✭✭
    I feel so much better about my endeavors after reading this thread...

    ->1969 Topps Master Set: psa 8 or better on all HOF; 75% of WL variations psa 7-8
    ->1980 Topps: have around 30 cards want to submit to PSA (from 7 wax boxes and 4 vending boxes)
    ->1981 Topps: have around 40 cards want to submit to PSA (from 6 rack pack boxes)
    ->1984 Topps: have around 30 cards want to submit to PSA (from 3 rack pack boxes)

    otherwise....

    It's allgood.

    Julen
    image
    RIP GURU
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    oh man I forgot all my stuff from bbcex

    82 topps wax sucked not one card not f'ed up
    84 fleer update, a little weak leaving it raw
    78 opc some nice pulls 7-8 for grading
    85 topps rack 8 or 9 big mac, and 9 close to a 10 clemens 9-10 jackson and brett so far , only 4 racks busted so far

    75% 55 topps
    50% Nolan Ryan Basic
    65% soon to be graded 51 bowman red menace
    25% 63 fleer
    raw 54 redman
    raw 55 bowman
    9% of t205 gold border set too
    ugh!!!!!
  • theczartheczar Posts: 1,590 ✭✭
    baseball fanatic,
    why does lmayer annoy you? he has tremendous patience and may bid on a lot of things but never overpays. if he only wins a small percentage of the items he has done well. he also doesn't snipe so his bids are on the table. since they are low it doesnt take a lot to beat him.
    i see so many times that i have spent $200-$300 on a card and three weeks later he gets it for $55.

    i admire his discipline
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    He only annoys me cause he doesn't "shill" my auctions with his low end bids! Also, as far as overpaying, check out his recent won items, he went crazy, or someone stole his ebay ID ....j/k
  • envoy98envoy98 Posts: 4,000 ✭✭
    The only thing that forced me to focus on a specific collecting goal was taking a full time position after having been a contractor for the last 4+ years. The pay cut I took forced me to cut back substantially. It's a good thing though....
    image
    My eBay Store

    BigCrumbs! I made over $250 last year!
  • baseballfanaticbaseballfanatic Posts: 2,415 ✭✭


    << <i>baseball fanatic,
    why does lmayer annoy you? he has tremendous patience and may bid on a lot of things but never overpays. if he only wins a small percentage of the items he has done well. he also doesn't snipe so his bids are on the table. since they are low it doesnt take a lot to beat him.
    i see so many times that i have spent $200-$300 on a card and three weeks later he gets it for $55.

    i admire his discipline >>



    Anyone that wins over 6,000 auctions in the last year and today has over 10,000.00 worth of bids out, doesnt have patience, just an endless supply of cash....
  • SoFLPhillyFanSoFLPhillyFan Posts: 3,931 ✭✭


    << <i>I am not just talking about sets! I seem so distracted on my goals, well, here it is card related. I just can't focus on completing one set and moving to the next, especially if there are deals to be had! Has anyone tried to ...say... stick at 60% SMR for those non-important sets, or jsut not watch any items that are not 100% must haves? Help!!! I am running out of room!!! >>




    Yes, my doctor adjusted my medication and I am much better now.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Has "anyone" used "anything" to be able to maintain focus on a goal? >>


    image

    Adderall - it will kick your ass!

    image
    Mike
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ted
    This is something we all go thru - when I'm down - I channel my disappointment into finding something on ebay to "feed" my pain.

    Focus...it's taken me years to find a few areas I truly enjoy. I recommend, if you sell on ebay, dump all the non-essential things you really don't want and write down 1-3 things/areas you would like to collect.

    Outside of the hobby - that's a tough and personal one and everyone has their own demons. I find if I'm losing focus, if I write down a list of the things I would like to accomplish and then assign "due dates" to the items - in the order of accomplishment - they're much more likely to get done.

    Bare in mind, a "goal" that's not specific and doesn't have a plan is not a goal but more like a wish.

    Right now I'm happy and content in my procrastination.

    mike
    Mike
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    I hear you Stone, I need to grab a web site to host some nice pics, and sell all my non -essebntials on ebay. I have hundrends of thousand of junk crap from the 90's that I should give away too. I bet there are psa 10's in there though!!!! As far as goals I took a 500 sales training course and they said you need "smart" goals???

    S-specific (love the sig line collecting every card from 1952-1991 err 1993)
    M-measurable (100% on every set)
    A-attainable (yes with enough $$$)
    R-recorded (check my registry sets)
    T-timeframe (by the end of my life!)



    << <i>This is something we all go thru - when I'm down - I channel my disappointment into finding something on ebay to "feed" my pain >>


    As far as that goes I have never spent more money in mmy life this last month. I bought a house that needs complete rehab, and have beenwriting check after check!!! MAsons, HVAC, PLumbing electrical, etc. It has been crazy to say the least. I guess in all the spending, or investing as I would like to think about it, I feel a bit neglected. Puting all this money into something that is an investment vehicle, ratehr than something I can stare at before I go to sleep! Hopefull in a few months I will be able to buy a "few" Toletero Josh Gibson! J/k But I would like to rip 1 1952 pack if I am able to complete this home.
    PS if anyone knows a good HVAC or Plumber that will travel to Cambridge , MA let me know!
  • MiniMasterMiniMaster Posts: 505 ✭✭
    What everyone needs to maintain focus on a goal is "Passion". My graded 75 Topps Mini Set would not be where it is today without my passion for the set! Amazingly, I have acquired many of my little jewels for far below SMR. Yes, I have had to dish out more than SMR for certain gems. But only on occasion. At times, I've done this for good reason. When I purchased the #1 Hank Aaron Highlight 75 Mini card for $811 (SMR $725) I felt it was a great deal. The card has 50/50 centering and razor sharp corners and edges. Appears to be the highest end PSA 9 that it could be. I've thought about resubmitting it, but would never take the risk of the card being damaged in the process. I know it's a Gem and that's good enough for me image Like many other collectors my passion for this set was formed 30 years ago when I collected the cards as a young teenager. In June of '04 all it took was the purchase of just one PSA 8 75 Mini of a beloved A's player Ken Holtzman to stir a passion that was just waiting to erupt image What a truely wonderful experience it has been to just let loose on a high end graded set!

    Remember, you only live once......for all those fence sitters out there.......it's time to let your "Passion" maintain your focus! Go after that which you truely find the most satisfaction collecting and I'm sure you'll be quite pleased with the results image
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I bought a house that needs complete rehab, and have beenwriting check after check!!! MAsons, HVAC, PLumbing electrical, etc. It has been crazy to say the least. I guess in all the spending, or investing as I would like to think about it, I feel a bit neglected. >>


    Good luck on the home!

    When having guys come in to do work - don't trust them at all! I think ya need about 5 bids and then check out their work - building type people come in all sizes and shapes!

    If ya want to "feel neglected" - heck just get married!LOL

    I wish you the best - and remember you are among friends here and will always get some moral support.

    Most people who spend any time here have always felt some enrichment from the exchange of ideas...even
    when there is heated disagreement.

    mike
    Mike
  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭



    << <i>Remember, you only live once......for all those fence sitters out there.......it's time to let your "Passion" maintain your focus! Go after that which you truely find the most satisfaction collecting and I'm sure you'll be quite pleased with the results >>



    The problem is my finances do not match my passion.image

    Stingray
  • bowdowntomebowdowntome Posts: 398
    Like alot of people, my GOAL may never be reached, but it's the journey on the way to that goal that keeps me going, not the destination itself.

    My main goal is to complete every (or at least most) FB sets from 1948-95. This is how I've always collected, and not just in sports cards. If I'm at a show and I find a stack of, say, 1962 Post football cards, for a bargain price, I will not pass them up if I have the money. They may not be what I intended to look for at that show, but having so many sets to complete all at once means I rarely ever go home empty-handed, and I can take advantage of those occasional "finds".

    My problem, like others, is my finances are limited. But on the otherhand, it just would not be very satisfying to complete only 1 or 2 sets, get rid of them, and complete 1 or 2 more. It's just not me.
    Football collector 1948-1995, Rams oddball cards & memorabilia, Diamond match.
    Cataloging all those pesky, unlisted 1963 Topps football color variations Updated 2/13/05
    image
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭
    OK

    As long as we are in a thought provoking mood.

    Passion and goals are key but IMO, that's not what keeps "man" going. It's the "dreams" - your wildest dreams separates you from the apes. The whole animal kingdom is biologically goal oriented and in an anthropomorphic way, animals even possess a form of passion.

    But, we, us hobby enthusiasts live with our "dreams" to someday have something that we can talk to our grandchildren about!

    Why is that the thread on showing your stuff is staying up so long? We enjoy collecting but "love" to share it with others - that's where we feel accepted.

    So, keep on dreamin' - that "attic find?" Right around the corner! image

    mike
    Mike
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    Living the dream!!! The problem is once the dream is attained, what else is there???
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Living the dream!!! The problem is once the dream is attained, what else is there??? >>


    Ted
    Man is always dreaming - it's part of our nature IMO.

    A favorite play of mine is "the iceman cometh" - theme: man only survives as long as he can dream.

    If we lose our dream(s) we die.

    Plato
    Mike
  • tkd7tkd7 Posts: 1,799 ✭✭
    If you ever get a chance to see Iceman on stage, see it.

    I saw the Kevin Spacey production in NY about 5 years ago. It was amazing. It isn't easy to watch. It is about 4 hours long with 2 intermissions, but as you say, that last 30 minutes is mesmerizing.

    Back to the subject......
    The best way to maintain focus is to force yourself to sell stuff every once in a while. Face it, ebay will always be there. By selling, you are forced to really evaluate your goals, you are taking in money rather than sending it out, and you get a real feel for the value of your stuff.
  • detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,337 ✭✭✭✭
    Lump me in with the unfocused group. Sometimes a deal is too good to pass up. Add that to the fact that for some reason I have to have all the stinkin' Heritage whitebacks and chromes in addition to the billion card master set, and you have mass confusion.
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    I am scanning hundresd of raw 55 topps now for 10 cent isting day!
    "When I can't stops fiddlin, then I needs my ridalin. I'm puffin' and sailing man!!!
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