I love doing genealogy research. I just have a hard time finding the time to do it. When I was at RootsTech two weeks ago, I was immersed in genealogy talk for three days and it was divine. Trouble is, I went from there to visit family members with health issues and was immediately immersed in that. I’m back home now, but have been booked solid with organizing clients. So I have yet to do any research, despite my getting all jazzed up in Salt Lake City.
I realize that the time to do genealogy research is not going to just present itself. I need to set aside time in my busy schedule to do it. I think I’ll set a goal of doing research at least once a week. That feels realistic. Given my work schedule of late, working on family history on a weekend is probably going to be easiest.
I’ve learned through my blogging that if I want to get something done, I should do it first thing in the morning. So I think that for the next month or so I’m going to try hard to do family history research (for as long a period of time as I’m able) first thing on Saturday mornings. If I’m seeing a client on Saturday (which is fairly often the case), I’ll shift to Sunday. It’s rare that I have both Saturday and Sunday clients.
Maybe you can help me. When do you do your genealogy research? Do you schedule it or does it just happen when you feel like it? I’d love to learn from your experience!
I am somewhat of a magpie – easily distracted by shiny things! For me, genealogy happens when I least expect it. I will be searching for something on the internet, notice something genealogy-related and off I’ll go chasing some new lead. Or, as is happening more often, my father will ask me to look something up for him (an ancestor’s will for instance) and that will lead me down another path chasing more information. I try to organise myself and schedule time for research and time for other projects, but sticking to a schedule just doesn’t seem to work for me. ;^)
Doing what works for you is the important thing, Amos! All that counts is that you’re getting the genealogy work done some time.
As I work shifts I try to get some Family Tree done whenever I am off, if that happens towards the end of the week, I am able to go to my local genealogy research centre (only open Wednesday – Saturday), otherwise I do some at home on the Internet, around everything else I need to do!
I try to organise that I have time at the weekend as I am mainly off those two days.
That’s great, Marion. Sounds like your approach is similar to the one that I’m trying to adopt!
What a great question, I have blocked out Tuesday and Thursday evenings after work and dinner. I generally get in about 3 hours. If I manage to get all my household work done and the weather isn’t allowing me to ride my horse, it’s back to the computer or the Family History Library on Saturday afternoons. Sunday afternoon or evening is spent reviewing and developing my research plan and goals for the next week, I use a grid/log that gives me that information and here we go again!
Maria, I’m envious of your proximity to the Family History Library. I love hearing about your weekly goals and your research plan. That sounds an excellent way to stay on track. I admire that you do your personal research in a couple of three-hour chunks a week!
it generally turns out to be between midnight and 2:00 AM. Since I still work, this is not great; but if I’m being honest, that’s when it happens. (It is now 1:51 AM)
Wow, Jo! We are definitely wired differently. 🙂 If that works for you, that’s fantastic. Thanks for your comment.