It’s that time of year when we reflect on what we did (or didn’t do) this past year and set our sights on what we want to accomplish next year. Did you make genealogy goals in 2024? Did you write them down? How did you do?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the time-honored tradition of goals, why set them, and how they can help you discover more about your family.
Every year I pick two or three words to focus on throughout the year. In 2024 they were THRIVE and CONSISTENCY. I have them on a sticky note on my computer screen so I see them every day. These simple words motivated me to complete and submit the first part of my portfolio on my way to becoming a Certified Genealogist and taking my genealogy research business full-time. I’m still thinking about what words will be my focus in 2025. I think one of them will be ACTION, so with every step, you’ll see a suggestion to take action or learn more.
I’m a big believer that when you know where you’re going, you’re more likely to get there. Do you envision where you’d like to be in your genealogy research this time next year? Let’s explore eight ways to help you achieve your goals.
Step 1: Define Your “Why”
Before you immerse yourself in records or start building a family tree, ask yourself why this research matters to you. Is it to uncover your ethnic roots? Pass on stories to your children? Solve a longstanding family mystery? Understanding your purpose will give you direction and keep you motivated.
Action Step: Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and allow yourself to wonder. Why is this important? Go ahead and brainstorm all your ideas without judgment or figuring anything out…just write. You’ll be amazed at how helpful this first step can be.
Step 2: Focus on One Research Question at a Time
Genealogy can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once. Instead, narrow your focus to a single research question. For example:
- Who were my great-grandmother’s parents?
- When and where did my ancestor immigrate?
This focused approach allows you to direct your energy and resources more effectively.
Action Step: Read more about this in my blog post, Why It’s Important To Ask Different Genealogy Research Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Research Plan
A well thought out research plan can make all the difference. Here’s a simple template to follow:
- Define your research question.
- List potential sources (i.e., census records, vital records, newspapers).
- Prioritize which sources to check first. Which is most likely to answer your research question? Try and find several that agree (if you can).
- Set deadlines for each step.
Action Step: FamilySearch has a wonderful resource to try: the United States Record Finder. It can help you figure out what records you might need for different research questions. Click here to access it.
Step 4: Stay Flexible
Genealogy is full of surprises, and not all research paths lead where you expect. Be ready to adjust your goals and plans when needed. For example, if you can’t find a birth certificate, look for alternate sources like baptismal records or family bibles. Flexibility allows you to adapt without losing progress.
Action Step: Read more in my blog, How To Enhance Your Genealogy Research.
Step 5: Use Technology and Tools
Genealogists today have access to incredible resources:
- Use genealogy software to track goals and progress.
- Explore FamilySearch’s “Browse All Collections” feature for hidden gems.
- Try apps or spreadsheets to organize your findings.
The right tools can save you time and help you stay organized.
Action Step: I love using Airtable to stay organized (and I still use the free version). Goldie May is another wonderful tool to try. Read more in my blog post, How To Use Goldie May For Your Genealogy Research.
Step 6: Balance Ambition With Reality
We all wish we had unlimited time and money for genealogy, but that’s rarely the case. Set goals that fit your resources. If your time is limited, consider a “weekend research goal” like finding a specific record or transcribing a family letter.
If finances are tight, prioritize free resources like FamilySearch, local libraries, or online archives.
Action Step: Check out these blog posts to save time and money: On The Clock: Genealogy Research For Busy People and How To Find Ancestors With Minimal Time And Money.
Step 7: Document and Share Your Progress
Celebrate your wins and share them with others. This could be as simple as:
- Telling family members about a record you found.
- Posting discoveries on social media or in genealogy groups.
- Creating a scrapbook or timeline to visualize your ancestor’s journey.
Action Step: Simple books can be made at Shutterfly or Snapfish.
Step 8: Think About Your Legacy
Your genealogy research isn’t just for you; it’s a gift for future generations. Consider setting long-term goals that focus on preserving your work, such as:
- Writing a family history book.
- Creating a digital archive of photos and documents.
- Preparing your research for lineage society applications.
By thinking about the legacy you’ll leave, you’ll stay motivated to keep going.
Action Step: If you’re interested in learning more about lineage societies, check out Cyndi’s List.
Finally
Setting and implementing genealogy goals doesn’t have to be complicated. By breaking them into small steps and focusing on progress over perfection, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, these eight steps will help you stay on track and inspired.
Genealogy tip: If possible, set aside a specific time to work on your genealogy goals. Make an appointment with yourself. It’s much easier to accomplish what you want on a schedule than have it be haphazard.
Whatever goals you set for yourself, I wish you all the best. If you run into a roadblock and need some help, give me a call. Click below to get started.
