Unfortunately, so far this year, genealogy research hasn’t been a top priority. The beginning of the calendar is typically a busy time for me as a professional organizer. People love to get organized at the beginning of the year and 2017 has been no exception. I took a couple of trips in February (including RootsTech!) and wrote and published with Brooks Duncan The Paperless Genealogy Guide. So I’ve been busy. And as a result, with the exception of the time I spent at the Family History Library in February, I haven’t had a chance to do a whole lot of genealogy research.
The antidote to that, for me, is to start a new 30 x 30 challenge in which I pledge to do at least 30 minutes of research 30 days in a row. I’m starting today. Will you join me? If you’d like, comment here and let me know you’re in. Then feel free to post your progress.
Time management is really priority management, isn’t it? When I do a 30 x 30 challenge, family history research becomes a priority because I don’t like to fail challenges. Add to it the accountability of posting this in public and I hope I’m setting myself up for success. (It didn’t work so well in January 2016, though.)
I’m going to add one thing to this challenge: In addition to doing 30 minutes of research daily, I pledge to document that research in a research log each and every session. That should really help me develop the habit of using a research log (one of my 2017 genealogy goals). Because daily habits are the easiest habits to form. (If you’re interested in creating the research log habit too, feel free to join my Facebook group, Genealogy Research Loggers!)
I’ll do a mid-month update. I look forward to seeing if anyone else is up for March 30 x 30 challenge!
I’m in! I have done NO genealogy for January or February! We are renovating a new-to-us house, and I am editing a family history book for a cousin. I let my research slide Thanks for the challenge! I have always kept a log, but I want to try something a little different – and this will be my nudge to do it! Thanks again!!
Excellent, Roberta! Please let us know how it goes!
I’m in also, although I’ve been doing way more than 30 minutes lately. I’ve not done a research log much in the past, unfortunately, but for the last two days I’ve managed to do it in Evernote. So I’ll pledge to 30 for 30 days, and to keep a research log running.
Excellent, Donna! The amount of time you sped is less important than the fact it’s daily, I think. So set whatever time goal works for you. It’s great that you have the ball rolling on the research log!
This challenge is just what I needed. I’ve done it for 3 days now, and I’m getting my genealogical fire burning again. Spent hours on newspapers.com last night and found lots of good stuff. I have depression, and it is sometimes hard to stay focused on hobbies or things that are sort of optional. This challenge has been such a help! Thanks as always, Janine.
That’s great, Caron! Sometimes just getting started again is all it takes to reignite that fire. I look forward to hearing how you do over the next month!
My poor husband is wondering if I will say anything but “Huh?”
I am in. I have been researching a lot since the first of the year but not so much filling in my log. I like to print my documentation. So, I have some improving to do. Good luck , it sounds like you have had several good reasons to let the research slide. There are only so many hours in a day.
Glad you’re in, Barbara! Keep us posted!
Barbara, I am with you about filling in the log. Right now I’m trying to flesh out the first five generations of my family, maternal and paternal. It’s a job! I just want to be sure I have all of the basic records before I move forward. One issue is that I live in NY and all my research is in AL, MS, NC, GA and FL. Thank goodness for the Internet! Of course, a genealogy trip to somewhere warm and beachy might be in order. 🙂
Im in, I really need something to give me a push
Excellent. You have at least five other people doing this with you, so that’s a nice push!
I’m in! Took 30 minutes today (well actually it turned into over an hour!) and made a crack in a brick wall. I’m excited!
A crack in a brick wall! That’s excellent. What wonderful motivation to keep going every day, right. Enjoy! Let us know how it goes!
I am IN IN IN ..! I have been so busy setting up a business and doing research for other people that my family research has taken a back seat. I think the least I can do is 30 mins a day and will team this with the log challenge too – something i need to work on a lot too!
I have posted on my blog about it too: https://emmasfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/30-x-30-challenge-go/
Fantastic, Emma! I’m so glad this challenge is helpful for people other than just me! And thanks for blogging about it!
Oh I love the idea! But I know I won’t be able to make it the next 30 days. And first I have to finish my digitalization project 🙂
I’m in. I have been trying to get things packed for a move so my genealogy has been on the back burner. But I need a genealogy fix so I will do the half hour a day and try to get things organized in the process. The research log has really been holding me back as I’m not sure just what does and doesn’t go into one, but I will try.
That’s great, Trisha. A half hour a day should give you a good fix! My advice on the research log is to try not to get hung up on the right way to do it. Just think about why you want to do it (for me, it’s so I know what I’ve done and I can find a document again if I needed to) and then write down the things that meet those needs.
Greetings from Western Australia. Love to be a part of this so I’m in. I’m a bit of a zig-zag family history detective so the adherence to a research log will do me some good
Excellent, Ron! I love welcoming Australian friends! (My brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew are Australians!)
Janine,
I want to let you know that your blog post is listed in today’s Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2017/03/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-march-3-2017.html
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much, Jana!
I am up for 30 minutes every 3 days for the next 3 weeks. I am in transit and only have limited resources. Thanks for your inspiration.
Welcome to the challenge, Terry! I love that you adapted it for your needs. Let us know how you do!
I’m in. Today is the 8th, so I’ll be overlapping into April. I need to push to do it. And I should be keeping a research log, too.
Excellent!! Let us know how you do!