I’ve been thinking that my next Orderly Roots Guide would be The Imperfect Genealogist, based on the talk of the same name I’ve given at RootsTech and various genealogy societies. I’m the co-host of the podcast Getting to Good Enough, all about letting go of perfectionism so you can do more of what you love, so it’s a topic that’s near and dear to my heart. But the other day I started having doubts about whether it’s something people would be interested in buying. So I figured I’d ask my blog readers.
I’m thinking that the guide would cover the following:
- Why perfectionism can be a problem for genealogists
- Areas of your research that can benefit from a “good enough” approach
- Areas where good enough isn’t actually good enough
- Some ideas for letting go of perfectionism
Like my three other shorter guides, this downloadable pdf would probably be about 10 to 12 pages and sell for $8.99.
Please let me know in the comments if you think that The Imperfect Genealogist is a good topic for a guide. And, please, if you have other ideas for guides you’d like to see, let me know in the comments! I appreciate any input you have.
P.S. If you’re going to the Spring Seminar at the Midwest Genealogy Conference in Independence, Missouri, on Saturday, let’s meet up!
I like the last two concepts especially. Sometimes I think, “Do I really need to write that down?” And the answer, like so many things is “It all depends.” Well I would like to stop asking myself that question. (I listen to the Good Enough podcast every week. Love it!)
Sometimes I feel I’m spending valuable time polishing an apple that already has the needed Sources, at the expense of researching other unexplored ancestors. How much is enough? Must every hinted at Source be explored and added to my relative, when there is no question I’ve already nailed (him or her). When you are researching #’s 6, 7, 8, or 9th GrandParents, there are upwards of 150-300 direct lines, and more! And that is not including Collaborative Cousins/Aunts/Uncles! How to decide what to pursue, and manage time required to unravel just what matters. One needs an overarching strategy and a tactical plan within to get to a meaningful end.
Yes, I think it’s a good idea. I’ve been trying to let go of some tasks that are ‘nice to have’ rather than ‘must have’, so this guide would be a real boon.
Yes, of course! I love that presentation of yours. Also a big fan of your podcast, as you well know. 🙂
Yes, I would love to read it! Perfectionism is my downfall – I’ve started over three times now in my genealogy, vowing to make it perfect every time, only to falter and lose my way. I’m overwhelmed!
Thanks for weighing in! There is definitely no perfect way to do genealogy, so you might as well give up on that. 🙂