How to stay focused with cubing?

[Cuber07]

Hi all

I've heard that often once people start cubing it becomes an obsession for a few months, and then they drop it. Is this true? I haven't had much experience, having started cubing only 4 or so months ago. If this is the case, does anyone have any tips to stay focused with cubing and to not give it up?

Cheers

 

[Caden Fisher]

Hi all

I've heard that often once people start cubing it becomes an obsession for a few months, and then they drop it. Is this true? I haven't had much experience, having started cubing only 4 or so months ago. If this is the case, does anyone have any tips to stay focused with cubing and to not give it up?

Cheers

I mean, that does happen for some people, but many more cube for years. I’ve been cubing for nearly 2 years. One thing that keeps it enjoyable for me, is having lots of different cubes. I’m up to 51 right now and I’m getting 19 more (for multi bld) in about a week. But don’t be afraid of taking breaks. There are many cases where people take a week or two off, and when they come back they start getting their fastest solves ever

 

[Christopher Mowla]

If you aren't referring to speedcubing and just playing with the cube, then try to learn how to solve it with different methods (or try to make your own). Learn to be more efficient (use fewer moves). If you like math, then view the cube as a mathematical object (and try to relate it to math). And if all else fails, watch Transformers 1 (2007). (That in a weird way kept me motivated and passionate about the cube long enough for me to complete some of my largest cube theory projects!) Or see movie clips from movies with the cube in them, like The Pursuit of Happyness.

But if you were referring to speedcubing, then you need to intentionally think the opposite of what I do about the sport!

 

[JDAW6]

I religiously cube…

 

[Christopher Mowla]

I religiously cube…

You made cubing your religion to stick with it? (Cuber07 wasn't asking who cubes the most often, so I had to assume that's what you meant.)

 

[JDAW6]

You made cubing your religion to stick with it? (Cuber07 wasn't asking who cubes the most often, so I had to assume that's what you meant.)

Yes

 

[Cuber07]

I mean, that does happen for some people, but many more cube for years. I’ve been cubing for nearly 2 years. One thing that keeps it enjoyable for me, is having lots of different cubes. I’m up to 51 right now and I’m getting 19 more (for multi bld) in about a week. But don’t be afraid of taking breaks. There are many cases where people take a week or two off, and when they come back they start getting their fastest solves ever

Ah, ok, that's interesting. I have a few different cubes, so I'll perhaps start practicing with them a little more.

 

[F'prime]

Join a competition, be it online or in-person. It helps you stay motivated to do the sport.

 

[1x1 wr holder!]

I started cubing in 2019, and I took about a 4 month break in the later half of 2020. It was sort of refreshing I guess. I had learned f2l but it wasn't really making sense to me, and coming back from the break made everything click. don't be afraid to take breaks. you won't forget everything. also, taking a break isn't the same as giving up cubing. just come back to it whenever you want.

 

[quanloh]

Cubing is a hobby, not life support, so dropping it for another thing you enjoy is totally fine. Also, life can be tough, you sometimes have to drop every single one of your hobby for something more important too.

 

[edward_9x]

No one truly quits cubing. We just take a break

 

[eyeoh]

I've not seen any evidence that there's some magical 4 month mark where dedicate cubers suddenly quit. Dedicated cubers don't quit so early, but people quit or pause it at all different stages which is fine and nothing to be ashamed of. The best way to ensure you don't quit is to have no other life or hobbies.

However, I would still recommend you try other hobbies because who knows, you might find you'll either be better at them, or that it'll help out your cubing (see neuroplasticity and all that). If say you end up taking up chess and find you're better at it, is it such a loss to "quit" cubing? Do what makes you happy, but at the end of the day, also do what makes you money (e.g., study hard, get enough work experience, and keep getting better jobs so you can buy whatever cube you want, etc).

Don't treat this hobby too seriously or you will get burned.

 

[ProStar]

When it comes to hobbies (like cubing), just do what you enjoy. If you’re enjoying cubing, then use some of your free time to practice it. If you start to lose interest, take a break. Chances are you’re not gonna be some world championship contender, so treat it as the fun hobby it is. If you’re feeling disinterested, you’ll also likely find that a break will rejuvenate your desire to learn and practice more, and if you don’t then that’s fine too. Don’t push yourself too much with it

 

[Deleted member 36445]

Cub.

 

[Cuber07]

I've not seen any evidence that there's some magical 4 month mark where dedicate cubers suddenly quit. Dedicated cubers don't quit so early, but people quit or pause it at all different stages which is fine and nothing to be ashamed of. The best way to ensure you don't quit is to have no other life or hobbies.

However, I would still recommend you try other hobbies because who knows, you might find you'll either be better at them, or that it'll help out your cubing (see neuroplasticity and all that). If say you end up taking up chess and find you're better at it, is it such a loss to "quit" cubing? Do what makes you happy, but at the end of the day, also do what makes you money (e.g., study hard, get enough work experience, and keep getting better jobs so you can buy whatever cube you want, etc).

Don't treat this hobby too seriously or you will get burned.

Oh, I'm not thinking of quitting, or getting bored.
Okay. Thanks. Yes, I agree, it's just a hobby, and not extremely serious.

 

[Cuber07]

Thanks a lot for all the replies, they've been very helpful!