Sometimes it’s hard to slow down. We want quick answers to everything. With genealogy, it’s tempting to do the same. You jump into a database, type in a name, and hope for instant results. But the truth is, rushing can cause you to miss important details, make incorrect assumptions, or even head down the wrong branch of your family tree.
Taking your time in genealogy isn’t just about slowing down. It’s about paying attention (really paying attention) to every detail in a record, writing down the clues, and following a systematic workflow that keeps your research accurate and organized.
In this post, I’ll share why this matters so much, and I’ll walk you through the workflow I use in my own research to make sure I’m not missing anything.
The Problem with Rushing
We’ve all been there. You find a record with your ancestor’s name on it and quickly click “attach” to your tree. But was it really your ancestor? Did you notice the spouse’s name? The neighbors listed on the census page? The occupation? These little details can make or break your research.
When you rush, you risk:
- Attaching the wrong person to your tree – Similar names in the same area can cause confusion.
- Missing clues that could help you in the future – A single detail, like a birthplace for a child, could lead you to an entirely new record set.
- Losing track of what you’ve already checked – Without a good system, you may recheck the same records over and over, wasting time.
Preparing Before You Even Start
Successful genealogy research starts before you ever open a database. Having a plan and a workflow helps you focus and make the best use of your time.
This is what I do:
- Define a clear research question – This keeps me focused. For example, “Who were the parents of John XYZ, born 1850 in York County, Maine?”
- Gather what I already know – I look at the records I already have for that person and make note of any gaps.
- Choose which record sets I’ll search first – Based on the time period, location, and type of question, I decide where to start.
For more on this, check out my blog post, “8 Steps To Achieve More In Your Genealogy Research.“
My Genealogy Workflow
Over the years, I’ve refined a workflow that works for me. It keeps my research organized, which means I’m making efficient progress in my work.
Here’s what it looks like:
- Open my research log
I keep my log in Airtable. This is where I track every search, what I found (or didn’t find), and the source information. For more on this, check out my blog post, “How To Be More Efficient In Your Genealogy Research With Evernote, Word, Excel, and Airtable.” - Write my research question
I put this in the log at the top of my session. It’s my reminder to stay on track. Don’t get stuck on this part. There are so many questions to ask about your ancestors. Here’s some help…”Why It’s Important To Ask Different Genealogy Research Questions.” - Open a Word document
This is where I write about what I find in detail. I record thoughts, theories, and observations in full sentences. Writing is a key element in making progress and working through the clues you find. For more, read “7 Reasons To Stop Your Genealogy Research and Write.” - Open Legacy Family Tree software
This is where I store confirmed facts and link them to the correct sources. - Write a research plan
Here are just some of the steps I would take to answer the research question:- After finding later census records, search the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census for John XYZ in York County, Maine, to see if he is living with his parents. Remember, in this example, the 1850 and 1860 census records did not list relationships, so this is just a clue.
- Check church or baptism records around 1850 in York County to see if John XYZ is listed.
- Search for death records or obituaries that may provide parent clues.
- Start implementing the plan
I go through each step methodically. I don’t jump ahead to something unrelated, even if I find something tempting. That’s why you have an open Word document, so you can jot these ideas down and come back to them when they make sense to. - Record findings in my log and Word document
Whether the result is positive or negative, I write it down. Negative results are just as important as positive ones because they tell me where I’ve already looked (and I won’t retrace my steps). This step also includes citing my sources. Here’s some help on “How To Make Genealogy Source Citations Easy.” - Enter confirmed facts into Legacy Family Tree
Only after I’ve reviewed the record, confirmed the details, and added proper source citations do I enter it into my main family tree. This step would also include adding the event or fact to Ancestry or FamilySearch.
By following this process, I make sure no record is overlooked.
Why This Workflow Works
A consistent workflow prevents mistakes and keeps your research moving forward. Here’s why:
- Builds good habits – You automatically start with a research question instead of random searches.
- Creates a paper trail – You’ll always know where you found each fact and why you added it to your tree.
- Helps you notice patterns – Writing about your findings as you go makes you see connections you might otherwise miss.
Paying Attention to the Details
Once you have a plan, the real work is in reading records carefully.
Here are some tips for getting the most from each document:
- Read every word – Don’t just look at names and dates. Look at occupations, birthplaces, neighbors, and witnesses.
- Check for spelling variations – Names were often recorded phonetically, so be flexible. Keep a record of each surname spelling.
- Look at the whole page – Other entries may be relatives or neighbors who moved together. In census records, look at 3-5 pages before and after your ancestor.
- Note unusual facts – A different occupation or location might indicate a second marriage or migration.
The more carefully you read, the more you’ll find. Sometimes the key clue is buried in the fine print.
Finally
When you take your time and document your work thoroughly, you save time in the long run. You won’t waste hours re-checking the same sources. You’ll be able to pick up a project months later and know exactly where you left off.
Genealogy is more like a marathon than a sprint. The thrill of finding an ancestor is exciting, but the real satisfaction comes from building a family tree you can trust. That takes time, patience, and a commitment to doing things right.
The next time you start a research session, take a moment to breathe. Write your research question, open your tools, follow your workflow, and most importantly, pay attention to the details. You’ll be amazed at how much more you find when you slow down and look closely.
Genealogy tip: You may already have a workflow that works for you. If not, take a little time to design one that fits how you think and process information. Make it your own. If you try to copy someone else’s system, you’ll likely end up frustrated, and no one needs that.
If this is more than you bargained for, but you still want to know your ancestors’ stories, it’s time to hire a professional. I’d love to talk with you. Click below for a free 30-minute, no-obligation consultation.
