I’m planning to start a new 30 x 30 challenge on January 1. I’ve been doing these challenges periodically for eight years and they’ve been helpful to many people (including me). Come January 1, I’ll be asking you to commit to doing 30 minutes of genealogy research (or genealogy organizing, or really anything you want to commit to) for 30 days in a row. What’s the value of the commitment? If you’ve done a 30 x 30 challenge already, you probably know. But if you haven’t, you might be inspired this post, which I originally wrote on November 3, 2017. Watch for an introductory post to the challenge on New Year’s Day!
I know some of you work on genealogy research every day. But I think the majority of folks are like I once was. I’d wait until I had a free day or half day on the weekend before I’d do any research. And sometimes when that day finally came I’d be paralyzed with all the choices of things to research and very slow to start. Very occasionally, I wouldn’t get anything done because I couldn’t decide!
This year, I’ve been trying hard to research daily. As I mentioned in this introducing a new 30 x 30 challenge, I haven’t missed a day since August 1. That feels great.
It got me thinking about some of the advantages to short, frequent research sessions over long, infrequent ones. Here’s what I came up with.
- I’m more connected with my ancestors. Because I’m thinking about them every single day, I don’t have to review everything in order to get started.
- I forget less. In addition to researching daily I’m also keeping a very informal research log in Evernote that helps me stay on top of what I’ve researched.
- I keep a “next steps” list in my research log so I know exactly what to work on when I sit down to research in the morning. Overwhelm and paralysis is a thing of the past!
- I stay focused. I don’t have the luxury of going down rabbit holes when my timer is going and I know I’ll have to stop before long. This does a great job of keeping me focused. When I’m tempted to get distracted, I just add the bright shiny object to my genealogy task list.
- I’ve created a habit! Doing 30 minutes of genealogy research is a great way to start the day. It used to be I’d forget to research. No more. It’s part of my routine and I love it.
- It’s easier for me to find 30 minutes a day (3.5 hours a week) than a weekly half day or biweekly full day to research. Taking a whole weekend once a month feels pretty much impossible. I still love having longer sessions–it’s truly a special day when I spend the whole day researching. (Thankfully, I have had a few of those this year.) But daily research means that researching is getting done without my feeling like I’m sacrificing other things.
I really do enjoy longer sessions and I consider those a bonus. This year’s daily research, which is usually a minimum of 30 minutes, means that 2017 will be my most productive year yet when it comes to family history research. And from a time perspective, it’s been really easy!
I haven’t done a 30 x 30 in quite a while. I’m in!
I’ve never done a 30 x 30 – it’s a great idea ! Count me in as well.
A new job has taken me away from research since July. I have a new routine in place and I’m ready to add researching in the evening again. I’m looking forward to the 30 X 30 challenge!
I’ve been putting off piles of scanning, this may be the motivation I need!
Glad you are having the challenge. November and December was a bust for me. Want to work on 1820-1840 census for my ancestors. Also, for Christmas I got the book Generation by Generation by Drew Smith. His book may help me with my census research.
Joining the January 30 x 30. The September one was a bust, so Iʻm looking to start the new year strong.
Haven’t done a challenge in a while and the new year seems a good time! I’m in!
I’m so glad there’s so much enthusiasm for a 30 x 30 challenge to start the new year! I’ll create an official start post tomorrow, on January 1.
Time again for a regular commitment – thanks, Janine, for the opportunity.
Excellent, Antoinette!
I’m in–good to make this a priority. I have an Irish family line I’ve found new info on, so want to get it documented and shared.
I hope you have a great time exploring your Irish family line, Joan!
Here goes nothing. I did a 30 x 30 last year and it worked out very well. Not so sure about January, but I can try.
You got this, David! Hope it’s a great month.
I’m interested in the 30 X 30; I’ve never done one before. It is January 1st at 10:20 pm, but I have not received an email for the official start post. I’ll check tomorrow.
I’m glad you’re interested! I did post this morning. You can jump right in, but here’s the link to that post. https://organizeyourfamilyhistory.com/new-year-new-30-x-30-challenge-4/
I’ve neglected my research for the last three months. This would be a good way to get back in the game since it’s unlikely I will ever find a free half day.
Exactly! A little a day goes a long way.
I’m in Janine, thank you. It will be good to get back to both organizing and research now that the busy holiday season is put away for another year.
I’m in. Tried to join a few days ago but I don’t think my link went through. I need to get all my research organized and break down a brick wall that is holding up my writing.