Everyone at some time may find that family history research stalls even to the point it stops. There are many reasons why this may occur. Life gets in the way, whether it’s other interests that seem to get more importance or you just can’t be bothered.
Issues.
With everything online, there is the possibility of overload. The emails never stop. There is only one of you but multiple others forcing information your way. These can come from online platforms pushing those hints to grow your tree. Then, there is the information coming in from the family history societies that you belong to via subscriptions.
Overwhelmed.
How to deal with information overload? The easiest but not a good way to deal with all of this, is turn off all notifications so you get nothing. This is the harsh solution.
There are other ways to deal with this bombardment. Each month select what you believe you can deal with from the different organisations then turn off these the following month and select other sources. This may work for some of us but not others.
There’s that voice one has to deal with, “but what happens if something important is revealed.?” This is the choice. Do it or not do it…
What I do.
I use a monthly calendar that I fill out towards the end of the previous month. I mark days with what I’d like to achieve. It’s not marked out in stone! I leave free days each week. One big thing I schedule each week, at least, is emails! I also add in family history. This is not fixed to research so can vary to whatever. I add it so it’s not forgotten.
Easier said than done.
Even with “what I do”, there are always “things” that happen that are out of my control. No matter how much one plans, something happens to throw one off.
When this happens, I don’t beat myself up, I just keep going, even if the day is skipped. Things I have learnt, just keep on keeping on, or is that, keep calm and carry on?
Takeaways.
- Make a flexible plan.
- Know that life gets in the way.
- It’s not the end of the world.
- Adapt and change.
- Be flexible!
Explore and Discover…
Acknowledgements:
All pics have been taken from Pexels in WordPress except the planner; this is my photograph.
Ancestor Family 