The October 2018 30 x 30 challenge has come to an end and it’s time for those of us who were participating to fess up. How did it go for you?
For me, this challenge was not the best. Usually my 30 x 30 challenges are hugely motivating for me. More often than not, because of the challenge I’m able to stay on track and research for at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days in a row. This October, however, I was just not able to prioritize genealogy research. My schedule was such that I couldn’t fit in the research first thing in the morning and, as I’ve discovered, if I don’t first thing it usually doesn’t get done. The last week of the month, I didn’t do any research.
But I’m cutting myself a lot of slack. The genealogy research is waiting for me and I’m hopeful that I will be able to prioritize once again very soon. I have some challenges, including an upcoming five-day trip and a visit from my brother and niece (who live in Australia) followed by a trip with them to Washington state see our father. Sometimes during these family times regular work falls off the radar and genealogy becomes a priority. So I’m hopeful that I’ll get some great genealogy research in the rest of the year. But I don’t think I’ll start another challenge until January.
How about you? Did you fare better than me? Did the challenge help you get some research in? Would you be up for a January 2019 30 x 30 challenge?
Marian says
As I commented earlier, it didn’t work out quite the way I expected. My family stories took more than 30 minutes each, and I couldn’t discipline myself to quit after 30 minutes and resume the next day. So I didn’t form the proper habit, but I did get 8 stories written…8 more than I would have otherwise.
Janine Adams says
Eight stories is great, Marian. Congrats!!
Jeri Socha says
It must be the weather. My month was – zero- I couldn’t motivate myself, I kept getting off track and therefore did not accomplish anything! Had good intentions, but when I came home from work- the good intentions vanished.
Janine Adams says
Oh my gosh, Jeri. I don’t have it in me to do genealogy research after work, so I completely understand. If I don’t do it before working, it’s not going to get done. I’ll be doing another challenge in January if you want to join in!
Dan says
I did better with my family history writing and making posts on my blog. I didn’t do much with scanning my family photos and letters.
Janine Adams says
Congrats on your progress, Dan!
Virginia says
Thanks for the challenge. When I saw that FamilySearch had new images for Georgia Deaths, 1928-1942, I decided that would be my challenge-look for everyone that could fit. I created a list from my genealogy program and started in. I worked on it most days, but still have a long way to go. I’ve only made it into the C’s!
Janine Adams says
I love your systematic approach, Virginia! That’s a great “little and often” project.
Jerry Hereford says
Thanks for doing the challenge again. I think I managed to get at least 30 minutes in a day. This past week, my wife asked me to do a time line for her mother. This is the first time I have tried to do a timeline. It sorta puts some of the hardships that your parents faced during their life. Since you have been having the 30 day challenges I have ben trying to have it part of my daily routine.
Janine Adams says
You’re my star, Jerry! Congrats on developing the daily habit. I’m so glad that the 30 x 30 challenges have been helpful to you! I agree with you completely about the timeline. It’s very revealing. Are you familiar with HistoryLines? You upload a GEDCOM and it puts your ancestors’ lives into historical context. (It’s a subscription service.) Very interesting! https://historylines.com/
Tom Hendricks says
I could not commit to the 30 x 30 but I did start to substitute time while I was babysitting 9 pm to 7 am (just Monday and Friday) to set time aside for my genealogy an hour or two and I think I have become a little more diligent on ancestor research.. Thanks for the challenge!
I’d like to also start writing..I am terrible, my teacher said I used periods and colons like freckles.
Janine Adams says
“…used periods and colons like freckles.” What a charming expression! I think your carving out time for genealogy while babysitting is a great idea! It’s time that’s already set aside and it would be easy to create a habit of linking genealogy to it. Bravo for you!
Marian says
Don’t let that teacher intimidate you, Tom. I’m in a memoir group that includes immigrants, and their stories are very meaningful in spite of any problems with grammar or word choice or spelling. I’m sure their children and grandchildren will drink them up.
Janine Adams says
I love this response, Marian!
Rebecca Stanley says
As has been usual for me since I started trying to do the 30×30 challenge back in June, this past month I didn’t make very much progress. I was only able to do it for 9 days. But that’s 9 days more than I would’ve done it! I managed to get through the rest of my city directory backlog but I didn’t make any progress in re-inputting my genealogy files into Family Tree Maker. Oh well. At least there’s this month. And yes, I would be up for a January 30×30 challenge.
Janine Adams says
You’re right, Rebecca. That’s 9 days more than you might have done. Good on you!
mollybwriter says
Oh my…. is October already over – can I have a ‘do – over?” I did nothing re genealogy. A family matter took me away from all my usual activities and it may be January now before I can work again. 30 mins seems do-able, but somedays I don’t even see my computer! Please do this again.
Janine Adams says
Hey, Molly. Don’t beat yourself up! I intend to start another challenge in January. Stay tuned!
blurped says
Was doing 3-4 hours a day but my genealogy research is temporarily postponed until March. Current focus is studying for the bar exam
Janine Adams says
Corbin, I’d say your priorities are right! Best of luck on the bar and exam and enjoy your re-entry into genealogy in March!
Linda says
I started yesterday. I like the concept and I am more aware if I have an end goal. Thanks