Legacy blogger, Michelle Simmons Lewis recently published her short list for 2014 and I thought it would be appropriate to copy & paste it here.  It goes without saying that we all could use some of these (or all of them) as a basis for our own resolutions.

New Year’s resolutions

Posted: 24 Dec 2013 09:00 AM PST

I thought it was time to start thinking about 2014.  Here are some ideas for genealogical New Year’s resolutions.

1) I will cite my sources
Make sure that every time you add a piece of information to your file that you also add a source. If you get into this habit is will become second nature. You need to follow a style guide so that all of your sources are consistent.

2) I will digitize, transcribe, analyze and file each document as it comes in
Don’t let stuff pile up. It is very frustrating when you have to spend days trying to catch up. Nothing is more daunting than a three inch stack of papers.

3) I will use research calendars
Take the time to write down every source you have checked, or plan to check, and the results of the search. It may seem like a lot of work but it will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

4) I will make time for continuing education
One of the best ways to break through a brick wall is to learn about records sets and research techniques that you didn’t know about before.

5) I will stay up-to-date with what is going on in the world of genealogy
Simple things like being on mailing lists and Facebook pages so that you know when major repositories are releasing new digital record sets.

6) I will join a genealogical society
Membership dues are reasonable and they have so many things to offer.

7) I will publish my findings
Learn to write up quality case studies and then send them in to your local, state or national journals for consideration. What is the point of all your hard work if not to share that information with others. You can also publish your work on the internet as long as your information is in the correct format and completely sourced. You need to be an example to others.
Copyright © 2013 Michele Simmons Lewis

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and may all of your searches be fruitful.