Lesson #1 Setting Goals

Setting Goals For Your Family History Errand

lesson #1

Especially this time of year we hear a lot of talk about setting goals. We have goals to meet for work. We have financial goals to meet as we save for a new house or car, for investments, or for our future. We may also have personal goals, like losing those extra pounds, expanding our horizons by reading a certain number of books this year, growing our best garden yet, etc. By setting a specific objective, it is clear to see what we need to do and the time needed to accomplish these goals. Goals are also an important part of family history research. If we wander about aimlessly, collecting surnames from databases here and there and hoping to run into that genealogical "pot of gold" that will open all the doors and clear up all mysteries about our ancestry, we are most likely going to be disappointed and frustrated. On the other hand, if we take the time to analyze our findings and set specific goals to focus on, we are much more apt to get positive results and make progress with our research. Another benefit is If you set a specific goal it will help your instructors to know what you want from us. .


1. Set Realistic Goals ~- Focus on one family at a time ..don’t try to go back to Adam the first day or even the second or ever. Remember it isn’t how fast you go but how correctly you go. Some goals may be;

a. Collect what already has been done

b. Put your files on a computer data base like PAF5

c. Learn how to manage your data files on the computer.

d. Correct dates and places – this is a major source of errors in your genealogy.

e. Acquire temple data

f. Check your database for possible errors – like children out of order or children born before parents were born or before parents are old enough to have children etc.

g. Evaluate missing information – then make a to-do-list

2. BE ORGANIZED- To do list before you go to the Library or go online or meet with your teacher. This will keep you focused on the goal you have set for yourself and lessen your frustration. As you cross off your list you reward yourself with a sense of accomplishment. Be aware of any ideas that come to you as you are executing your to-do-list and write them down.

3. Record Your Searches~ in a Research Log. This will facilitate future research and let you know where you have been and places you may want to go back to.

4. Be Time Willing ~ to devote at least 2 hours a week on achieving you Family History goals. We must not faint or be weary – Our sacrifice upon the alter may be our time. This time you and I have is sacred time and it was bought with a high price and for a sacred purpose; the exaltation and eternal life of man. All men. It is a privilege to be allowed to return the favor of our time

5. BE PATIENT ~ with Yourself - It takes time and perseverance to learn programs and research techniques. One of Lucifer’s greatest tools is discouragement the twin sister to impatience and the mother of frustration.

6. BE DILIGENT ~ Don’t allow yourself to get distracted – Create a firm mind - Mormom 9:29,30 …. have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have aangels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of agodliness.

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the afaith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. 1Nephi 16:28

7. Be Prayerful ~ Remember we are on the Lords errand. Pray always that you may come of the conquer. D&C 10: 5 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work. ( his work is to distract discourage and detour you from your errand from the Lord)

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. 2 Nephi 32: 9

8. Be open to and prepare to receive inspiration ~ These are your people and this is your personal responsibility and when they become aware you are firm in your commitment they will inspire your mind. Write it down and always act on It and you’ll be given more.

9. Use the power of the Temple ~ Put your name and the names of those you are seeking In the Temple. Attend with purpose and prayer as often as possible. “It is a high privilege for us to enter in to the House of the Lord, there to serve God and to win power” President Brigham Young