How Not to Chase a Genealogical Bright Shiny Object

bright shiny object   n.  (plural  bright shiny objects)  : 
   (figuratively)  Something that attracts a great deal of attention
   because of its superficial characteristics.  [from Wiktionary]

We all know the ancestor or individual is not the bright shiny object.  It's the lure of a possible document for an individual which interrupts our focus, draws our attention, and prevents us staying focused on our goal. 

These are Recommended Steps to Avoid Chasing
Bright Shiny Objects in Genealogy Research

First:  Firmly tell yourself exactly who you're searching for, where you're going to search, and what you hope to find.  Fasten this search into your mind.  To help yourself, write down those things.  Make a list if you need to so you can check it and check off as you go.  If you finish that list, you can create a new one.

Second:  Begin with a purposeful intention.  Be purposeful and intent throughout your search, with one person and name in mind.  Don't aimlessly search at FamilySearch, Ancestry, or at whatever other websites you use.

Third:  When search results appear, do not, under any circumstances click on other possible people of interest.  I know it's easy to get side-tracked when you see two possible siblings or a possible parent or other person not part of your immediate goal, but just let them go for the moment.   It's also easy to get side-tracked when many ancestors lived in one geographic area and their names appear in the records next to your person of interest.  Ignore them (other than making a note to return to that record set later.)

In fact, here's a tip when you're tempted:  if you see a possible person of interest, open your genealogy program, go to the possible person of interest, and leave a note with the date and the url.  Immediately—immediately!—return to your original search.  (Truly, you must do this quickly, with no second thoughts.)

Finally:  When, that is to say, after, you've reached your goal, whether it's to search specific records, or one website, or until you've found what you're looking for—after—then, when you have a lazy Sunday afternoon or a few minutes before you go to bed—return to those possible people of interest and see what you find.

Disclaimer:  I thought this plan was bullet-proof and it helped, but it didn't completely work for me.  One must have laser-focused attention and strong-as-steel determination for these steps to work.  I hope you do!  If you have other suggestion how to avoid the lure of a bright shiny object, please share.

-–Nancy.

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