How do you "Jump Start" enthusiasm ?

[Toolfool]

After 3 1/2 months of playing, I find myself doing far more Noodleing than practicing. Although much progress has been made since the beginning, Lately I find it being easier to talk myself into distractions to avoid a serious practice session.
I know its all about the journey, and I love picking it up and noodling every day.
I'm hoping this is a temporary plateau triggered by newbie frustration.
It may be time to consider an intervention.
I know I can't be the only one that's ever been in "this place"
How did you snap out of it ?

[Scootch]

Learn a favorite song.

[callouses]

Try making noodleing the reward for serious practice. In other words, First, practice what you already know to reinforce your present skill level, cement it in a little bit more. Then, take something new, and incorporate it into your routine. This will expand your horizons just a bit. Then, do your noodling. Sort of like eating your vegetables before dessert.

[rick-slo]

Sailing without a compass kills enthusiasm. Get a teacher, a book, find some simple songs you want to learn.

[Halcyon/Tinker]

Noodling is all I've ever done. What's wrong with that?

[duff beer]

Learn a new song slightly beyond your comfort zone and get comfortable playing it. Then learn another one. Repeat.

[love the guitar]

Decades ago I attended a small workshop with Tommy Tedesco. He discussed this very thing, how much time guitar players spend noodling around. He advised to spend some time learning actual tunes.

[MBE]

I've always felt that motivation is intrinsic. You either have it or you don't. Ask yourself if you truly want to improve - if the answer is yes, you've got to stick with it. Get a good teacher as well - it's the best investment in your playing that you can make as a beginner, and gives you an extra sense of accountability as well.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

The three ways I jump start enthusiasm is by learning a new song, taking a lesson, and my personal favorite, buying a new guitar.

[Pheof]

Nobody's motivated at all times. It's ebb and flow between breathing it in and breathing it out. Maybe now's a good time to listen to some new inspiring music, and breathe it in for a while. It may also be a great benefit to you to find other musicians to hang out with. For example, I go to a monthly Bluegrass meeting in the winter. I'm new to Bluegrass, and these people are all great players. You can't possibly walk away from spending a couple/few hours around players like that and not walk away challenged and inspired.

[amyFB]

listen to covers of some songs you already play, and try to find one that has an appealing solo part that you chose to skip the first time around.

put yourself to the task of learning and incorporating that bit into your cover for a fresh look.

i know i cover a bunch of songs that i 'dumb down' because I don't take the time to learn the fun intro or outro riffs, and, while the tune is still enjoyable, it can be so very much more with - well, more!

or
keep listening to music everywhere until something new sparks your ear's interest.

good luck!
amyfb

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Scootch

Learn a favorite song.

+1.

Another option is to sit down with someone else who plays. You can learn a lot playing with someone better than you.

[TBman]

Go on to youtube and search for acoustic guitar lessons. There is tons of stuff to play along with and learn.

[kydave]

How do you "Jump Start" enthusiasm ?

Do a really good show.

See a really good show.

Write a new song.

Learn a new song.

Have a good jam with close music friends.

[jmjohnson]

1) New guitar - ALWAYS helps
2) see someone else play