Hey you sound just like me!!
I have exams next week, and for the last couple of months have not been able to pole at all almost! But I do find that if you get into the right mood, change into poling clothes, give the pole a good wipe down with lots of alcohol, put on some loud music and just have a good poling session you quickly realise that things aren't going as bad as they seem. Sometimes you can only get things like moves or spins when you are in the right frame of mind, and that requires that you signal to youself that it is POLETIME and POLETIME ONLY when you do get a moment to practice!
Progress is weird, it goes in spurts and then laaaaaaaags for ages! If you feel like you are not getting anything new just focus on perfecting a few old things. Don't get hung up on moves, it just frustrates you.
For me, I learnt to invert early on, but then it wasn't until I went for classes at the gym that I was able to actually do anything once upside down. I also think it makes a difference if you have somebody there to physically show you the moves or not. I find that it takes me waaaay longer to learn moves on my own than when somebody shows me how to do it.
And something I often seem to forget - its not a race - the pole will still be there when I get that surge of inspiration, its for enjoyment not another thing to add stress to my life.
And definately film yourself, you will probably be plesantly surprised, and it will give you a really good indication on what you might be doing wrong with some moves!
Hope that helps!!
xo Nikki
