I think I’ve told you before that I spend a lot of time in the car, and when I’m driving, I enjoy reading self-help books. Two books that have really caught my attention lately are The Miracle Morning and The 5 Second Rule. This got me thinking about how I could incorporate the things I’ve learned and use them in my genealogy. This is what I’ve come up with.
As genealogists, we know that uncovering the past requires patience, curiosity, and a clear mind. But what if we could start each day with a ritual that enhances our focus, energizes our research, and helps us feel more connected to our purpose? Enter the Miracle Morning for Genealogists — a blend of Hal Elrod’s “Miracle Morning, and Mel Robbins’ “5 Second Rule.”
This method isn’t just about morning routines. It’s about designing a practice that aligns with your passion and prepares you for daily success in family history research.
The Foundation: SAVERS, Genealogy-Style. Hal Elrod’s original “Miracle Morning” framework uses the acronym SAVERS: Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing. Here’s how we could tailor that for a genealogist’s life:
S – Silence (5 minutes)
Begin your day with quiet reflection or meditation. Take deep breaths and simply be. Set an intention: “Today, I will uncover a new piece of my family story.”
A – Affirmations (2 minutes)
Say your affirmations out loud:
- “I am an insightful and persistent researcher.”
- “My ancestors’ stories matter, and I am their storyteller.”
- “Each small step brings clarity and connection.”
You can listen to a genealogy affirmation on my YouTube channel, titled “I’m Strong Enough.”
V – Visualization (1 minute)
Close your eyes. Imagine yourself discovering a new record or making a breakthrough with a DNA match. Picture the joy of sharing your findings with family or adding a new branch to your tree.
E – Exercise (10 minutes)
Stretch, take a walk, or do gentle yoga. Listen to a genealogy podcast or simply let your mind wander through ancestral timelines. This is especially important for genealogists, as our work often involves a lot of sitting; therefore, it’s crucial to stay active to maintain our physical fitness.
R – Reading (10 minutes)
Read a blog, an article, or a journal related to genealogy, DNA, or archival research. Feed your mind with inspiration and new techniques.
S – Scribing (5 minutes)
Write in your genealogy journal: note a task for today, reflect on yesterday’s research, or jot down a family memory. Over time, this habit builds a written legacy alongside your tree. You may want to consider purchasing a Genie Journal <wink> to keep your notes.
The 5-Second Rule: Overcome Resistance. Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule is ideal for the genealogist who keeps putting off tasks like scanning photos, organizing files, or reaching out to DNA matches.
When you feel hesitation, count 5-4-3-2-1 and take action. (If you’re not familiar with Mel’s book, the idea is that when you have a thought about doing something, you just think 5-4-3-2-1 and then get into action.)
Don’t wait to feel ready. Count and launch yourself into the task — whether it’s logging in to FamilySearch, replying to an email, or labeling a box of heirlooms.
Why This Works for Genealogists. We often feel overwhelmed by the scale of our research or the tasks we feel responsible for, such as writing up our research or organizing the photos. By following these practices, we:
- Create momentum.
- Help break down big goals into daily wins.
- Build habits that support long-term projects.
Genealogy isn’t just research. It’s an ongoing connection with our ancestors. These morning practices keep that bond vibrant, intentional, and uplifting.
Final Thoughts: Your ancestors lived their lives one day at a time. Honor them by showing up for your research, one morning at a time.
Start tomorrow. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just begin.
5-4-3-2-1… Let the stories unfold.
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