Making maquettes

When prepping for an exhibition...making a maquette is always my starting point alongside sketches of course! But....it is so easy to get stuck on the maquette making circuit...well for me it is. I need to focus on prepping by creating artwork...rather than making models of the artwork....or do I? Isn't making maquettes at least 80% of the work done....because you have a tested idea of what works and how it would look. I mean it is said that preparation is half the battle won. I really need to be kinder to myself...because I am possibly on the right track....even if I do push myself pretty hard.