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Feeling Lost in Family History? Here's How to Reset Your Genealogy Research Process
- Devon Noel Lee
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Have you ever felt like your family history is a big, tangled mess? You’re not alone! Whether you’ve been at it for forty years or just getting serious now, it’s easy to look at your family tree and wonder, "Did I do this right? Should I start over?"
Our Viewer, Kathryn's Question
"I have watched dozens of other family history videos on other channels. I'm learning a lot about how to do family history research, but I need help with how to do "the process." I can't figure out how to even tell you what I'm looking for. I think I've figured out how to proceed, but I'm not sure it's the best way to do things.
This is my situation. I am a Latter-Day Saint (the only member in my family) and have been collecting family information for 40 years. I have taken classes and often made stabs at creating my family tree. About two years ago, I found myself with time and decided it was time to get serious. I have my tree on FamilySearch, and many advised that I create one on Ancestry.
I downloaded my FamilySearch tree onto Ancestry and started using hints to add well-sourced people from Ancestry to FamilySearch. I felt very unorganized, scattered, and like I needed some kind of system.
I started researching and asking around, and everyone had a different way of doing things. I started watching videos.
Then someone told me that I needed software to keep everything organized. After researching, I came across RootsMagic and purchased it. I view RootsMagic as my main database, using Ancestry and FamilySearch as resources to build it.
I understand that Ancestry is my private tree and that FamilySearch is a public tree. I imported my Ancestry tree into RootsMagic and then auto-matched my FamilySearch tree.
I want to start from the beginning with my RootsMagic tree, going person by person and ensuring that what I have is accurate and well-sourced. I'm just confused about how Ancestry, FamilySearch, and RootsMagic should all work together. I'm uncertain about how I should proceed.
Was what I did the best way to start, or should I start differently? Should I separate my tree into different lines? How would you do it if you were going to start all over again? And step-by-step, what would your process be for building an accurate tree on RootsMagic?
Signed,
Kathryn
First, if this sounds familiar, then you and Kathryn should take a deep breath, my friends.
5 Steps to Reset Your Genealogy Research Process
Let's walk through how you can reset your research without losing your mind—and without losing all the good work you've already done.
Step 1: Start with Yourself: Build a Strong Foundation
Before you race up your tree, slow down and start at the beginning—with you. Document your life. Attach your birth certificate, marriage license, school records, and any other important documents to your FamilySearch profile.
Not comfortable putting personal details online?
That's okay! Save everything to your RootsMagic database.
Remember: documenting your own story now gives your descendants a precious, lasting gift.
Step 2: Set Up Your Research Tools Wisely
Here's a system that makes the juggling act manageable:
FamilySearch: Your main public tree, especially if you focus on temple work.
RootsMagic: Your personal, detailed backup.
Ancestry: Your private research tree, where you can find hints and new records.
If you have access to MyHeritage or Findmypast through your LDS membership, those can also be wonderful supplemental tools.
Step 3: Focus on One Line at a Time
Don’t try to work on all your ancestors at once! Choose one line—say, your mother's mother's family—and stay on that path until you've climbed as far as the records will take you.
If you’re LDS, prayerfully consider which line to work on next. Sometimes the Spirit guides us to the right branch.
Step 4: Research Deeply, Not Just Quickly
Before moving up a generation, pause and:
Explore census records, city directories, newspapers, and more.
Make sure you've attached solid sources to every life event.
Research siblings and in-laws—they often leave breadcrumbs to help you find the right parents!
Step 5: Use Caution When Merging Profiles
I can't tell you how many times I've seen two people mashed together on FamilySearch just because they had the same name. (Spoiler alert: They're often not the same person!)
Take it from me—I once helped untangle a wild case involving Johannes Ulrich, who seemed to be married to two women at once. Turns out, there were two different Johannes Ulrichs living in the same place around the same time! Careful research—and a lot of patience—helped sort it all out.
Moral of the story: Always verify before merging. And if you're not sure? It's okay to wait and keep researching.
Special Encouragement for LDS Genealogists
If you're doing temple work, resist the urge to grab "easy names" from Ordinance Ready and rush to the temple. Instead, focus on building out your family lines carefully. As you do, you'll find relatives who are truly ready for their temple blessings—and you'll have full confidence that their records are complete and accurate.
Plus, remember to back up your tree in RootsMagic after every major update. FamilySearch is collaborative—and while that's wonderful, it also means changes can happen without your input. Having your own copy gives you peace of mind.
↪️ Are you looking for more genealogy resources?
Grab your copy of FREE Genealogy Research Guides:
You Haven't Wasted Your Time
If you've felt like you need to start over, just know this: every record you've found, every mistake you've corrected, and every lesson you've learned have made you a stronger genealogist.
Genealogy isn't about perfection. It's about progress. It's about connection.
So, if you're ready to reset and climb your tree with fresh eyes, tryout this genealogy research process. And may God Bless Your Way. try out
Have questions or want to share your own "start over" story? Drop a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!
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