Get S.M.A.R.T. with your Research

a.k.a. - how to keep your research organized - FINALLY!

Apr 03, 2025

Exploring your family history can be daunting due to the sheer volume of records and information available online and offline. This is why a strategic and focused approach is imperative for successful genealogy research. Today, let's discuss the S.M.A.R.T. method—a powerful tool for organizing your research to uncover answers about your family's past that you may otherwise overlook.

What exactly is the S.M.A.R.T. method? It involves setting goals that are:

Specific
Measurable
Action-oriented
Realistic and
Timely

Here's how you can apply the S.M.A.R.T. approach to your genealogy research:

First, be Specific.

Instead of setting a vague objective like "research my ancestors," focus on a specific goal. For example, you might aim to:

Discover the full name and birthdate of your great-grandmother or
Uncover when your family immigrated from Ireland.

Clearly defining your goals ensures you remain focused and purposeful in your research efforts.

Second, make things Measurable.

Quantify your goals so you know when you’ve successfully met them.

For example, when reviewing census records for an ancestor in a particular town, define a specific goal for the number of relevant entries you aim to find. What census records are available? How long has your relative been alive, and how many of those would you like to uncover? Likewise, explore within a +5/-5 date range when searching for a marriage certificate. So, if you suspect your ancestor married in 1950, expand your search to 1945 - 1955.

Remember, metrics matter!

Third, keep things Action-oriented.

Goals should emphasize actions within your control rather than just outcomes. Instead of aiming to "uncover my most distant ancestor," which relies on existing information that may or may not be available to you, focus on "exploring international record collections for early family origins." Prioritize checking sites and archives that are most likely to contain relevant information, and remember to check back for updates. Many online archives (FamilySearch/Ancestry) regularly update databases. While you may not find the information in your first search, you may discover it later when they have added more records to their databases.

Fourth, be Realistic.

Be truthful about the feasibility of your goals, taking into account time constraints, record availability, travel capabilities for site visits, and other limitations. Developing skills requires time, so don’t anticipate achieving expert-level research immediately.

Aim for ambitious yet attainable objectives.

Finally, be Timely.

Set specific target dates for achieving your goals, considering their scope and your schedule. Determine what you aim to accomplish in a month, six months, a year, etc.

Timeframes create productive pressure. This pressure can help you to achieve your goal of learning more about your family history.

To effectively implement S.M.A.R.T. goals into your family history researching practice, reflect on your objectives and break them down into clear, systematic steps. These goals and steps will guide you to become a successful family history detective. Furthermore, using the S.M.A.R.T. method to check items off your to-do list will bring satisfaction as you uncover the story of your ancestry.

At least, it does for me!

By integrating the S.M.A.R.T. method into your genealogy research, you equip yourself with a structured framework that enhances efficiency and success. Each component of this approach—specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Timely—plays a critical role in navigating the often complex landscape of family history. By setting and achieving clear goals, you not only make the daunting task of discovering your family history more manageable but also transform it into a rewarding experience and personal growth.

So set your S.M.A.R.T. goals for your genealogy research journey today! Remember that these goals can be adjusted and refined as needed, allowing flexibility as you uncover new information about your family's past.

NOTE: Exploring your family history doesn't stop with research and documentation. While both are important parts of documenting your family's past, once you have gathered information about your ancestors, there are many ways to preserve and share their stories with future generations.

But let's save that for another day!