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5 Steps to Avoid Homestead Research Overwhelm

homestead research overwhelm
Picture of Kody Hanner
Kody Hanner 
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Do you get overwhelmed with homestead research?

Raise your hand if you get so excited about the next thing on your homestead that you bury yourself in research. I don’t know about you, but this is where I end up with homestead research overwhelm. Then this is where I get discouraged. I love researching both practical and philosophical things about homesteading, parenting, American History, and business. But occasionally, I come across a project that I start researching, and I get so overwhelmed. Some of it is from my agriculture background that both complements and contradicts homestead life. Some are just that I want to do all the things and do it at the highest level, and then I want to teach my followers about it, and then I want a good video about it (this requires make-up), and my rabbit hole spirals out of control.

What homestead research overwhelm looks like.

Even for those of you who aren’t trying to be a content creator and just want to learn how to start your garden seeds, the information out there is extensive! I shared on Instagram this morning that I was scrolling through my feed when I came across an e-book from Vaughan Family Farm on raising a family dairy cow. We have had a family dairy cow for almost five years. I did a ton of research before we bought her, and we have continued to improve our dairy program. 

However, when I saw a reel that this creator shared about how their book teaches you holistic dairy cow practices, I had a panic moment. I’m not completely holistic! I focus on a natural program! Holistic farming is a long process to put in place when I have a ton on my plate right now! Am I a bad homestead educator that I don’t practice holistic farming?

I took a moment to reflect and realized that for me, I just needed to remember that I don’t have to do everything homesteaded related. I educate myself in all areas of homesteading and then choose how I want my homestead to run. When I educate others, I teach about all aspects. 

5 Steps to Avoiding Homestead Research Overwhelm

When it comes to you who is trying to decide on how to start a garden, start a bee-keeping operation, or bake bread, you don’t need to spiral down every rabbit hole. In fact, I have a specific way that I suggest adding to or upgrading things on your homestead. When it comes to the things you are going to research, invest funds, time, and physical labor into, follow these guidelines.

  • Only focus on one big change at a time per area of your life.
    So, one new kitchen project, one new garden project, and one new animal project, within reason. Sometimes we have to layer a few concepts over each other.
  • Focus the bulk of your energy on the project’s first or most impending step.
    As an example, if you want bees, focus on which equipment you should purchase, how to set up a hive, and when to order bees. Don’t stress yourself out on which is the best way to extract honey from the combs when you are looking at possibly a couple of years before you reach that step.
  • Master the task before adding more.
    I suggest this a lot in the kitchen. Master a perfect loaf of bread that is easy, turns out great, and is part of your routine before learning how to pressure can. That way the kitchen is a place of joy, comfort, and routine, not a source of stress.
  • Don’t research from more than 3 sources.
    It can be exciting to decide you’re getting your first dairy animal. It’s easy to get caught up in buying 5 books on the topic, following 7 content creators, and subscribing to multiple YouTube channels. This is when you start second-guessing yourself or feeling like it is too hard. Try choose one from each genre. I suggest one really solid book on the matter, one content creator with lots of information on the particular topic, and one person mentor/extensive YouTuber on the topic. Absorb everything they have to offer until you feel comfortable getting the animal. Then if you want add more sources, go for it!
  • Write everything down!
    I know that we are in a digital world, but writing things down is actually proven to aid in learning, makes it more accessible (especially when you don’t have service at the barn), and you can have action steps. Check out my Research Journal PDF for an aid.  Many influencers often have planning guides for whatever topic they are teaching about that are usually free to reasonably priced and super handy! If you can’t find one, make your own. It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. Jot down supplies, steps to be prepared, steps to start, and troubleshooting. Fill in their details as you do your research.
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If you are planning for a homestead or business in the future, keep a journal or binder of everything you plan to implement one day so you can refer back to the information and your preferred sources quickly. One thing that breaks my rules, though is long-term planning projects like building a new barn, starting a cattle operation, or putting in a large orchard. In this case, create a three-part list that each section includes your action steps. The three parts can be viewed as years, seasons, or financial availability and broken down by getting started, implementing, and maintaining.

Research Journal

Overall, enjoy the process!

I am always happy to help give some clarity, just email be at info@thehomesteadeducation.com. Or if you are ready to launch a business or large endevour, consider my Homestead Business Planning Guide or Coaching Calls.

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