Distractions, Detours, and Obstacles

        This post is the third in a series of blog posts: (1) “Discovery” and (2) “Setting Goals and Staying Engaged.” The posts provide a behind-the-scenes look at my process for creating the book “Hip Replacement Adaptive Equipment and the Sport of Recovery: A Patient’s Perspective.” I hope my experience helps others navigate the challenges on their journey of achieving goals.

        The book “Hip Replacement Adaptive Equipment and the Sport of Recovery: A Patient’s Perspective” is a mouthful, so I will call it “My Hip Book” to make life easier. I chose the book title because all other titles were used, and the book is specialized within the hip replacement category. In addition, I thought using keywords in the title would help the book show up in search results.

        Publishing a book is a business pursuit and needs a business license. I chose to open a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to shield my person from lawsuits. My Hip Book is a medical subject, and I include a disclaimer in the book, but people will do what they do.

        A business needs a name and a location where it operates. The State of Virginia, Internal Revenue Service, and the County of Albemarle websites have lists of steps that helped me open my business. I registered my business name with the State of Virginia and acquired a Tax ID from the IRS. The county government requires a zoning permit and issues its license for operating a business within its borders. Forming an LLC requires the services of a lawyer. I have an accountant do my business and personal taxes to ensure accuracy, too.

        Why do I share the process of opening a business? Too many online sources will cast doubt on the need for professional services and claim they can do it for a fraction of the price. Hype websites, blogs, and YouTube videos will encourage you to act first and figure it out as you go. I did not and nor should you. Save yourself the frustration and legal pitfalls of operating a legitimate business by doing your research and only move forward when you are ready. Your home state and county may have different rules but breaking the law and not paying taxes have consequences everywhere.

        A business owns the intellectual property it sells, so Copyright and Trademark are critical topics. Make sure what you are naming or claiming does not resemble something that already exists. Google it, whatever it is, and see what turns up. When it comes to a legal dispute, nitpicking over whether you own something you created is not a dinner table debate. A government-issued certificate will immediately settle the case. People you know and sources online will cast doubt on the need for professional help in this arena. Hiring legal services to formally copyright or trademark is a good idea and worth the money as the process has multiple one-way-only time-sensitive steps. Not everything needs this level of protection – that is your choice, but make sure your decision is responsibly informed.

        To heap even more gloom onto this pile: every aspect of researching a goal will also have sources pushing hype, scams, misinformation, and differences of opinion. My belief in My Hip Book gave me the strength to avoid becoming entangled in doubt and give up. To stay on task, I dictated the following truths:

• My Hip Book will be as inclusive as possible.
• I can take photos and make the videos I need.
• If I do not have the money for something, I will save for it.
• I will wait until I have what I need before I act.
• Learning new things is a rewarding Distraction.
• Detours can be recreational and necessary to avoid burnout.
• You are your worst Obstacle.

Now get out there and legally shatter your limitations!