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Sticking To The Plan-Does It Really Pay Off?        Published Monthly
Lesson 035...                                                                                                            2018 09 01

Defining The Problem...
Somewhere along the line we realize that this family tree is a bigger project than we had thought.
Whether it was originally, or if it evolved into much more than first envisioned is debatable.

Whatever we planned for probably didn't begin to encompass the enormousness of the project.
Part of why we feel that way may stem from marketing strategies of software and websites!

Realizing a better approach is necessary, we begin to devise a plan with significant merit!
Again, a misjudgement of factors outside the immediate problem plague the plan!

The root of the problem is multi-level, and likely shared by many enthusiasts.
A lack of guidance from anyone with a fair amount of expierience.
Grossly mis-informed about the depth of the hobby.

While there are many other reasons, the two above combine for tough first-round-hurdles!
They can lead us into habits that compound, enhance and magnify issues by lack of knowledge.
After gaining expierience, we realize these methods can't go on. So now begins the work of catch-up!


How Did That Happen?...
At some point, those neglected areas can overtake completed areas by causing errors!
Too much void can be devastating to such a large project so dependant on its various parts.
It's natural to pursue the "fun" aspects of an endeavor, and neglect its "work portions" at times.

Sometimes having good success in adding people to the tree results in a backlog of the neccessaries.
We get "on a roll" and before we know it, we have countless new people needing neglected data!
The "neglected data" is the info "we'd like", the data saved is what we considered "important"!

Another way that tends to happen is to mis-judge how much is needed and how fast we can collect it!
Without accurate measurements of each, we're simply guessing-And with two "variables"!
If there are other "unknowns" also in the equation, things worsen rapidly!

Once the problematic methods are known... Be mindful of them... That's all we can do...
There are other ways too, so be aware of what caused the "backlogs" when you discover them.
Ignoring a potential problem is also another way that backlogs can become immense or out of control.


What's Being Done To Fix This?...
After becoming aware of the problem, the biggest help is a new plan that includes "sub-plans".
It's important to break-down larger projects into several more managable portions.
This is always the first step in organizing the overall plan into action.

Stick firmly to those sub-plan portions and complete them in a one-at-a-time fashion.
Begin with the easier portions first. Use some sort of "logical pattern" so you don't miss anyone.
They'll help you get the "completion habit" rolling and likely add important items toward tougher ones!

If the areas of need have been ignored for extended time periods, the repair-time may be extensive.
Beware of overload... Know your limits.... Don't try to do it all at once just to "get it done".
These are important pieces to the puzzle and deserve the same verifications.

Burnout can be detrimental to any work, pre-empting it is key to longevity.
Allowing yourself a short burst or timeframe to work on other areas can actually be a help!
Don't get "caught-up" in the funtime, simply finish a small goal and come back to your main workload.

Above all, keep working one section at a time-whether its by person or by data type.
Be sure to finish each portion completely before moving on to another section.
As each section progresses, you'll see how they build upon each other!


Where Can We Find The Missing Data?...
Look at your tree through its software... Check your "To-Do Lists"...
The subjects that have more complete data undoubtedly prove better than others.
Those data types present in their files that are missing from the others files are what you're after!

Take a look at some trees on the web that are similar in style to yours for an idea of what to look for.
How does your tree compare to others?... What's missing from yours that they have?
Which of those missing info pieces would you like to see on yours?

Data and images though different are still each a part of the story.
Check with elders for photo's of distant or deceased relatives that they may have.
For ancestors that were  "pre-photo era", census or marriage document images add a nice touch!

If you find "new" types of data you did not previously have, DO NOT START A NEW SECTION.
Add them to your list of "to-do's".... First things first... Use self control and dicipline.
Make a list... Combine it with the previous list.... Again, start with the easier.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Building a family tree not as easy as we thought it would be... Especially if we want to publish it!
It will be slower and take a longer time to "finish" that we had thought... (If ever!).
There is more to building a tree than just copy/paste and "fun stuff"!

Missing data when added helps resolve many tree issues and helps to avoid errors.
By filling in any missing dates and places, other difficulties may lessen also!
Wrong person inserts may be avoided by stricter narrowing of choices.

Starting with the easiest isn't a "cop-out", it's how we all learn to do things.
Managable "segments" help tougher portions to become less difficult to control as well.
By process of elimination, their data as well as the subjects themselves become easier to pinpoint.

Daily and weekly breaks and funtime rewards are necessary to help you prevent becoming burnt-out.
Take time away only at opportune times and places within your project and/or your time schedule.
Taking too much time away-whether too long or too often, will eventually worsen the problem.

Family trees come out so much better when approached with a plan, rather than not.
So common sense that it shouldn't need saying! Yet many aspiring genealogists have no plan.
For those of us that do, the deciding factor is in how good the plan actually is, compared to others!


The Basic Rules...
First...
Formulate a plan you can stick to... Have attainable goals/Be realistic.
Be sure it includes at least the next two phases/steps to help "plan ahead" in your work!

Second...
Know your own personal "Burnout Rate"... Allow for some "Playtime Progress".
Go back to it ASAP, and don't over-do any breaks. The real purpose is to find the missing data!

Third...
Once on track, either keep the subjects "up to par" or plan to re-work at scheduled intervals.
This will likely be an ongoing or recurring issue due to continued family tree growth.--It's very normal!


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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