I can’t believe how quickly 2025 went, anyone else blink and the year was over? Lets go over my goals for 2025 and see how I did.

My 2025 goals were:

• Resetting my Family Tree: New Year Goals
• Local Family History Group: Connect and Collaborate
• Join the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge

So how did I do?

Resetting my Family Tree

This is a big ongoing project, and while it’s not finished yet I am continuing to make progress.

Local Family History Group

Unfortunately, I did not manage to attend any of the meetings last year due to work commitments.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

I did not manage to complete the whole 52 weeks but did participate where I could.

At first glance it might look like I did not achieve much with two goals unfinished and one still underway. But when I look at what I did complete, I realise 2025 was still a productive year.

What I Accomplished Instead

• Completed five family history courses with Pharos Tutors, working towards my intermediate certificate.
• Attended two online webinars – one with the society of genealogists and one through the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society.
• Spent a fantastic weekend at the Auckland Family History Expo and listened to some great speakers, including Chris Paton, Maggie Gaffney and Fiona Brooker.

Even though my year didn’t go exactly as planned, I redirected my focus and I think I have accomplished a lot, so I won’t give myself too much of a hard time.

Goals For 2026

I have a tough year ahead health wise, so I’m keeping my goals focused and achievable:

• Finishing my intermediate certificate with Pharos Tutors (three courses to go)
• Starting my advanced certificate in September

I also plan to restart the 52 Ancestors challenge, but will post as and when I can.

What are your genealogy goals this year?