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How To Improve Efficiency In Genealogy                          2017 05 01
Lesson 019...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

What's The Problem?...
Time... Time is always at a premium. Ticking away without regard to the task being done or not.
Whether we work fervently or sluggishly has absolutely no bearing on measured time.

If we see time as a "problem", it is because we have mindfully set goals to attain within that period.
Viewed from another standpoint, perhaps we've set too high of a goal for a given timeframe.

Other reasons might include unexpected problems, distractions and procrastinations along the way!
These may seem huge, aggrevating and unavoidable to many, while others take them in stride!

Acceptable delays are another way of stating that we understand what went wrong and deviated us.
That's not to say it's an open invitation for all time, but as for an unusual circumstance, it's okay.
Most of these will fall into the realm of "out of our control". That is, having outside factors.

Ultimately, it's always deadlines that are at the root of all our time related problems.
Whether as whole or partial project, delivery time, store hours or even meal prep!
One can almost imagine a mathematical equation is necessary to avoid waste!


How Does That Happen?...
Under ideal situations, perhaps we are so excited about the discovery(s) and the information found!
Even with expierience, tasks may become cumbersome with unexpected knowledge expansions!
Though advancement and learning are welcome hand-in-hand, deadlines may be inhibitive.

Sometimes, the reasoning is not so joyful, due to unforeseen situations resulting in delays.
Though still frustrating, it may be easier to accept when we understand why it occurred.
The rational for the mis-guidance may be internal or external, or even a combination.

Distractions are something we are all constantly bombarded with in a never ending way.
Music, television, news and internet... Messages, phone calls and the outside world.
All these tangible mediums plus daydreams after thoughts or sounds reach us.

Of all the reasons, procrastination might be the only factor we have some control over.
Examination says it comes from several areas including fear and deliberate delay.
Usually these are subconscious levels because we don't want to deal with it!


What's Can Be Done To Fix This?...
The obvious (though unreasonable) answer to all of the above is to "leave yourself more time".
Everything comes down to choices on what's more important or deserving to our time.
Streamlining our operations may allow subsequent choices some latitude.

Fortunately, one of the easier and more effective methods employed is computer automation.
Todays software has become a so commonly advanced that it's no longer viewed as "AI"!
Recent automations here have been so successful that it has even created overload!

The intent was to delegate some of the simpler yet time consuming tasks to help lighten the load.
What became of it was an onslaught of files awaiting the processing of their second step!
Now other project parts are on hold so that this part doesn't overwhelm the rest!

This leads directly into"Part B" of software streamlining... One thing at a time-Piecework style!
Sometimes people bounce around within genealogy work without a plan toward finishing.
As fun as that is, this type of work (Sorting 25,000 census files!) is best done at once.

As genealogists, we tend to look back in history to gather information for our presentation.
This newly found combination of history and computer software spawned a new idea!
What if we were to gather present-day information on "Leazott's" for future use?


Where Can We Make Up This Lost Time?...
We cannot. Time lost now is time lost forever. We accept that fact and move on.
One of the basic methods toward making better use of future time is to study our losses.
A list of our daily activities and time estimates can yield a realistic (Although uncomfortable) view.

The usual leaks occur on social media, television and other "acceptable" downtime.
A minimal line of defense against these are again-using automated software!!
If you know you may be sidetracked, plan to start a program running!

Another useful method is to invoke software as described above for present-day use!
So far it has taken up half an hour to set up plus an hour looking into notifications.
The notifications are websites mentioning catchphrases inserted for it's searches.

While the information so far has to do with computers, there is also hands-on streamlining.
Not enough can be said in favor of the benefit of doing just one step fully at a time.
Routine and uniformity make for quick and obvious understanding of a task.


What Did We Learn From This?...
First, that we are not destined to be caught in a never ending cycle that habitually wastes our time.
There are considerable amounts of options ranging from subtle background to drastic change.
It all starts with a concious choice to hold our time to a higher standard of productivity.

It follows that automation can help us achieve that goal even when implemented at minor levels.
As an example, a simple/yet FULL virus-scan of your computer can help keep disasters away.
If it becomes a drain on resources as you work - Here are several tips to help avoid that!

Next, genealogists are not limited to gathering the past. We should also collect present day info!
This is made easy by automated software tools as well, thereby increasing daily productivity.
All of the phrases that you normally search for manually are conducted while you sleep.

Additionally, doing bulk amounts of any one thing broken down into several steps is usually faster.
Even unconciously, a system and timing start to develop, improvements are easily made.
This can apply to both hands on as well as computers - Some simple examples.

Of all the logical steps we know of, nothing inhibits them more than our own procrastination.
The reason for it doesn't even matter. That it exists is enough to warrant it attention.
Whenever I become aware that it's happening, I think back to this memory...


The Basic Rules...
First...
Identify specific areas that productivity losses occur and possible repair methods.
Don't be concerned with where their control lies, what's important is the list.

Second...
Choose whichever seem least imposing to start with, and more if you're able.
The automated items should be easy for most. Keep a reminder sheet.

Third...
When you realize that you're avoiding a particular aspect, remind yourself.
Everyone gets sidetracked at times. The idea is to avoid it as a habit.


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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