Things that I have Learned From Gunpla

When I was a kid, I remember buying a Macross model kit-for the sake of getting a pilot figure. I didn't really bother assembling the kit, since I was just 5 or 6 back then. Things changed when I read a cute catalog which convinced me to become a Gunpla builder. Recently, I have decided to get back to the game thanks to Exia Dark Matter and with my on-going self-improvement journey, here are some lessons that I have learned from such an unexpected hobby.

Warning: This is a long post and pictures will probably come soon.

1. You'll never enjoy something unless you try it - I remember the first time that I was truly introduced to Gundam model kits; it was a curious little catalog from Toytown. I just got it since I was curious about the units of Gundam SEED and Gundam in general (blame SD Gundam Force) To be honest, I had a fear of assembling robots since they have small parts and complex building techniques (just ask that Macross kit that I never built) but then, seeing that beautiful Duel Gundam made me realize that maybe I should try assembling, maybe it would be as easy as assembling a Beyblade.  And it was true! I bought myself a model kit of SD Gundam Force's Zero the Winged Knight. The assembly process proved to be painless and I was able to move on to the equally easy no-grade SEED models and eventually worked on the no-grade G Gundam and Gundam Wing models which have articulation. 
2. Every Gunpla part matters, even the excess parts - This is true, Gundam model kits don't start out as awesome-looking mecha-instead, they start out as small parts attached to runners and they require nipping, sanding and panel lining to make them stand out and turn into the (shrunken) giant robots that we know and love. Just like us, we're all here for a reason-you aren't worthless. If you (or me) feel worthless or small, just remember the polycap parts in Gunpla, without the polycaps-the Gundam wouldn't be able to move, pose or even exist in general. Always remember that the smallest parts are the most important (and the easiest to lose, so be careful when assembling!)
3.  You aren't the same person as you were in the past - Just like what I said earlier, Gundam model kits don't start out as Gundam-instead, they're a bunch of random parts attached into a runner. When you finish a Gundam, you'll obviously see that a Gundam or its parts could never attach themselves again to the runners and even if you did, they'll never be the same since we probably applied stickers, painted and panel-lined them and even if you did remove that, their "scars" would show. Its just like us in reality, we aren't the same person as we were five years ago, or even yesterday since change is a vital part of life. So there you go, change doesn't just affect us or our gadgets or trends, but Gunpla as well.
4. Mistakes are our greatest teacher - Whenever you buy your first kit, don't be too frustrated that your finished product won't really look like what is being shown in the package or in the internet. The thing is, you need to apply techniques to make your model pop out-and don't be surprised that you'll run into certain mistakes: obvious nubs, messy or overdone panel lines, not-so-smooth cutting or broken joints, we have to learn that mistakes do happen-but we have the power to fix them up. That's also the reason why my current kits look better than my older kits before (with panel lines from thick markers) its because we learn from our mistakes and use it to make our models look better.
5. Self-improvement isn't easy, but its possible - Gundam models look good when assembled, but they can look better. Whether its painting, sanding, paneling or just adding decals to the parts, your Gundam will look better. The same can also be said for self-improvement, sometimes-we end up with excess nubs, cutting scars or whatnot, but just like what I said-we can improve ourselves. All the Gunpla improvement techniques take time (yes, I finished Your Face Sounds Familiar while paneling) but in the end, the payoff would be worth it as the Gunpla looks better and much more attractive. And just like the Gunpla, we would also feel a lot better not just with ourselves, but with everything else in life.
6. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone - Right now, I am intrigued by Bandai's newest Gunpla offering- the Real Grade line of Gunpla models. These kits have the affordability of the High Grade units, the stability and poseability of the Master Grade units and the complexity and sheer part amount of the Perfect Grade units. Yes, judging from the description, RG models are definitely a huge step up from the simple HG models, but I want to try building one once I improve on my building flaws. The thing is, there will come a time where building HG models would be as easy as building those SEED no-grade kits and since MG kits are too big for my display space-RG kits are the best thing not only to challenge myself, but to get a Gundam model that looks amazing. Challenges are amazing since they reveal what you really are capable of, don't listen to the negative voices in your head-if Sei can do it, so can we!
7. You are capable of doing awesome things - Simply put, I am building a scaled-down version of a giant mobile weapon that can save the universe and I can even imagine myself piloting them. Let's be honest, nothing is cooler than that.

Again, thank you Bandai, the awesome mecha designers and everyone in the Gunpla community for making such an amazing and enlightening hobby.