If 2008 went by as quickly for you as it did for me, you didn’t have time to work on or complete many genealogical projects. Let’s hope 2009 will give each of us more time to spend on this fascinating hobby.
At this time of year, thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions. While a great concept, the basic procedure is faulty – that is, you are spending time making a list but spending no time planning to do anything on the list. (More about lists later.)
Instead of lists, in the past few years I’ve spent my ‘resolution’ time planning and I encourage you to do the same. Here are some planning ideas:
• Review brick-wall or problem lines and develop a research plan. Consider creating chronologies, maps and timelines for the people and families involved. In certain cases, it may be a good idea to “restart” from scratch. Reread research guides for the locations where these people lived. Check to see if any new materials have been published that might apply to the problem.
• Plan to be more active in a genealogical society or any organized group that helps you with your genealogy such as online mailing lists, local historical societies, libraries, etc. If this means joining, write a check now. If this means attending meetings, find their list of meeting dates, pick one to attend and put it on your calendar. If this means volunteering your time or talents, do so but be aware of the organization’s work schedules and deadlines. Note them on your calendar.
• Plan to have fun. Genealogists often take themselves too seriously and forget that there is a life outside of genealogy. Do something non-genealogical and reduce your stress level. Read a non-genealogy book, keep in touch with other family members or pursue a non-genealogical activity. Become a less stressed, more effective and happier researcher in 2009.
Regarding lists: If you feel more comfortable making a list of New Year’s resolutions, go ahead, but don’t try to do it all. List only a few attainable goals for the coming year. Be selective and be realistic.
In the past, my genealogical New Year’s resolutions list read like a “to-do” list – tasks listed I could check off as I accomplished them. Today, my to-do list is part of my plan: Getting Organized!
Following are some of the items on my to-do list.
* Sort through and organize that stack of papers and books on my desk.
* Label files and use them.
* Answer correspondence within 3 weeks of receipt.
* Prepare a priority list of which ancestor to research next.
* Sort photographs, label and date them.
* Visit that special library/depository.
* Clean up computer files, and make back-up copies.
* Copy original certificates, papers, records, etc., and store in a fireproof location.
* Write a chapter a month of my life story!
I offer the above as an inspiration only. You may want to compile your own list for ‘getting organized’ in the coming year. Whatever you do, take time to have fun doing genealogy and remember it’s only a hobby.
On a personal note: May you and your loved ones find much peace and happiness in the coming year; and may your search for ancestors provide you with loads of joy. Happy Ancestor Hunting! CM
Thought for the day: “Not all Historians are Genealogists, but every good genealogist becomes a Historian.” – Anonymous
Carllene Marek has been chasing ancestors for more than 25 years and chasing her muse for many more. A second-generation Californian, she has helped with several computer user groups, family associations and genealogical and historical societies. She has also compiled numerous indexes for assorted publications and written book reviews for various historical and genealogical publications. Carllene currently writes a monthly newspaper column, “AncestreeSeekers,” for the Chico Enterprise Record and the Oroville Mercury Register. She and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California with a blended family of eight children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
