Sometimes I drive myself crazy with the smallest decisions.
For example, I have to name my business and submit my trade name registration and LLC paperwork to the state within the next ten days. And, I have become both obsessed and paralyzed by the need to name my business.
Should it just be the Dreaming Cafe? Should I keep or drop the ‘the’? Should it be something different, something that more accurately describes what I do? Should ‘productions’, ‘publishing’, ‘studio’, ‘communications’, or some other description be included?
The Dreaming Cafe is just half of the story. The other half is still unfolding, Do I need a name that embraces both halves? Or, will they evolve into two different businesses and two different business names?
Ideally, I’d like to have one business name that serves as a base for all that I want to do.
This line of thought, all the ideas, all the questions, all the back and forth has me immobilized. I can’t think of anything else.
So, what am I going to do?
Well, I am following my own advice from “Staying Motivated and Inspired”.
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1. I emailed a friend. And, now I am letting it go. I am not expecting her to solve my problem. I just had to share my dilemma with someone who just might understand.
2. I joined the conversation. I posted my dilemma on Twitter. Others responded and shared that they, too, have had this same experience. (Tweet: “Ever feel like there is a ping pong ball game going on inside of your head – ideas, indecision, lack of focus – back & forth”)
3. I am taking a break (as soon as I finish this post) and I am going to relax and read something inspiring and distracting.
4. I am going to put my ‘name my business’ folder away where I can’t see it for a few days.
5. I am going to meditate and try to calm my brain.
And, maybe, just maybe, after all of this I’ll discovery why this decision is so difficult.
So, Jade…what did you Mom suggest? What did you name it?
wow i was having this same problem in trying to figure out what i would name the non-profit i am in the process of starting. my mom gave me a simple answer and i decided to go with that!
Way to go Sandy! Mindmaps are a great tool. I look forward to your sharing with us what transpires from the exercise.
Gilles Gagnon
Thanks Gilles. I did some mindmapping yesterday just to have some fun with it and I think it will be okay. Thanks for the reminder that nothing is final!
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Sounds like you’re doing all the right things. When it comes to decision making I find we easily get caught up in the minutiae and lose sight of the grand scheme. I think what paralyzes us is that we believe the decision, any decision, is final. Truth is, no decision is final, choice is always present.
I find this to be true when I design web sites for clients. Most get so caught up in details and this hinders the creative process. Once they realize and understand that nothing is cast in stone and that making a choice is better than being immobilized, the flow occurs. Same goes for when I’m in the editing room editing a video. Decisions, decisions. I just remember that nothing is permanent and I start making all my cuts and edits that go with the editing process. And so I travel along the path of crafting the video in at hand.
Once you’ve stepped away from “naming decision” for a while, return with a fresh mind and go with your gut feel.
I hope this helps,
Gilles
I saw your tweet earlier and was thinking of what to say. I have no idea what I would name my business, either, but I will be praying for your ease of mind and that the right answer will reveal itself in due course (and before your deadline.)