What do you do when motivation disappears and even getting to the workshop feels impossible? This episode explores how community connections, brain chemistry, and simple habits can help makers push through creative blocks and stay motivated.In Episode 12, Odin and Michael catch up after a busy season to discuss recent leather shows including Dallas M.A.D.E. marketplace and the expanding leather craft community across different platforms and regions. They explore the evolving role of guilds in helping hobbyists become business owners and dive into practical strategies for maintaining momentum when the work gets tough.This conversation digs into the science of motivation, why predetermined habits beat willpower, and knowing when to change course versus pushing through.TIMESTAMPS:01:55 - Dallas M.A.D.E. Marketplace Experience06:34 - When Shows Don't Pan Out09:00 - Gordon Andrus and the Science of Art17:58 - Brandon Swift in New York20:11 - The Role of Guilds in Leathercraft29:45 - Breaking Through Creative Blocks36:41 - The Brain Chemistry of Motivation39:30 - Building Habits vs Relying on Willpower42:11 - Removing Decisions to Boost Productivity43:16 - Starting Small to Build Habits---LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:YouTube: https://youtu.be/SwuJ0t50k4ASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - @odinleatherMichael Magnus - @magnusopus---Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.New episodes every other Thursday.Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy