Genealogy has been one of my hobbies since the 80's, but I am now really working on it much more than in the past. My parents were fortunate that their g-grandparents (and some g-g-grandparents) were still alive when they were young. They talked a lot about their families 'in the old days'.
Both of my parents read a lot, questioned a lot about family, had great retention and memories. So for me, finding the pieces of the past came a little easier in some places than others. Thanks to my family, I had a really great start to a never ending journey. :)

Take care and good luck on your trail of discovery.