Follow Autumn's Lead to Enhance Your Genealogy Project

Autumn isn't just about colorful leaves and pumpkins.  

It is a time to gather our harvests ~~ both from the earth and from our personal projects. 

Autumn is all about preparation. 

Like the trees that prepare to shed their leaves, we too must prepare for the slower pace of the season and have a plan to see us through these sluggish times. 

Genealogy research is a lot like the rhythm of Autumn. 

Think about it. One week, you're riding high on a wave of fascinating and unexpected discoveries; then you're struggling to get through the next week that's full of dead ends. 

And what about the fresh mornings of early fall that bring hope of being the day you actually find that piece of information you've been looking for. Then, as autumn's short day quickly dips into night, so does your energy dip, as you realize that once again, your sought-after information has eluded you. 

Ebbs and flows such as these mirror the seasonal changes of autumn.

So how do you prepare ahead of time for your genealogical fact-finding season? 

By copying the wisdom of the fall season. 

You see, Autumn invites us to pause, reflect and to harvest. 

It urges us to use this time to assess current situations and create action plans.

So, consider your project and determine: 

• Where you are in your process 
• If you have tasks that are unfinished  

Then, you can prepare for slow periods by:  

• Gathering loose ends
• Determining what needs attention

So that when a slow period does surface, you are ready to:

• Dive into other related projects
• Enrich your knowledge base

And let's not forget about community because you are not alone.

Connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts to share tips, resources and encouragement. 

Accept support from those who've been where you are and offer your assistance as needed. 

Like all of nature, embrace the short days and long nights of the season. 

Take time to rest and rejuvenate. Slow down and nurture your passion for family history. 

Remember, in times of stillness, growth happens; in nature and in your family projects.

Like the trees, prepare yourself for slower times, then with patience and purpose, watch your project unfold~~one 'autumn' leaf at a time.

What are some techniques you use to manage the slow autumns of your family history project? Share them in the comments below.