Last Sunday, I created a list of the things I wanted to get done before going to bed that night. I was going to be traveling the following week, so the list was pretty long. At the end of it, I wrote “Genealogy research.”
I’m so glad I added that last item. I got through the rest of my tasks quickly, checking each of them off the list. If I hadn’t added genealogy to the list, I probably would have turned off my computer and picked up my knitting. But because of the reminder, I went ahead and worked on the transcription of my 3rd great grandfather’s Civil War pension records. (Incidentally, that got the ball rolling and I continued transcribing during my trip.)
As much as I love doing family history research, sometimes I forget about doing it. When I get busy and lose my momentum, it can be hard for me to get the ball rolling again.
I’ve tried scheduling the research and that works for awhile. But it’s always when other parts of my life take over that the little pleasures fall by the wayside.
If you make family history research a priority, by scheduling it on your calendar or putting it on your task list, you can keep the momentum–and the enjoyment–going. At least that’s what works for me!
Photo by Courtney Dirks via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons License.
Janine,
I want to let you know that your blog post is listed in today’s Fab Finds posts at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/08/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-august-7.html
Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much, Jana! I hope you have a great weekend too.
I do not schedule time for my genealogy but it might be a good idea. Perhaps I would get more accomplished if I had a special time set aside for my research.
Give it a try, Colleen! I’d love to hear how it works out. Thanks for your comment.
My life is so hectic at the moment that I think I need yo either schedule specific time for my research or at a minimum add it to my to do list!
I sure find scheduling time for genealogy helps me, Marion!
I have every other Friday off from work and those days are dedicated to research. I meet two other women for coffee before the library opens where we “go at it” for about 5 hours. Because of this regular commitment I have really progressed on my work, not to mention deepened friendships. I also have made a commitment to get up early before work and get to the coffee shop near work 1.5 hours prior to my start time. This is a good time (for me) to do more mindless work, like transcription, etc. It’s my “happy place”.
Jennifer, you’re my hero! Honestly, your comment made my heart sing. I think that is such a smart strategy!! You’ve made a time commitment, you have accountability and you get to share your joy with your friends. Plus I love that you get there early and work alone. Bravo! Thanks so much for sharing.