Should I Do It? Well, That Depends…

“Should I do it?”
“Should I go?”

These are questions we all ask ourselves frequently. For some of us, we agonize to the point of paralysis.

Well, there are two simple and effective decision-making methods Pump Mama uses that she calls “The Attendance Factor” and “The Regret Factor.” Both can be used fairly regularly. Before we go any further, though, PM has to give the following disclaimer and say that these tips from her personal life assume that the decisions you need to make are lawful and in no way intend to harm another life form.

The Attendance Factor
The first, “The Attendance Factor,” is summed up this way: part of life is just showing up*. You never know what might happen if you just show up. Yes, you’ve been to a million boring industry conferences and community meetings. But you know what? How do you know you won’t make a connection with someone or something that could change your life or enhance it — or do the same for someone else? When we go to places and events with open minds, the possibilities are limitless.

Example: PM knew there was a first-aid lecture on the calendar for her other business. It wasn’t for certification, and the only thing that would be served was cheap pizza. Heck, it sounded really boring. There were many other things to do instead. Like, finishing those dishes from last week. However, when PM asked herself, “What will happen if I just attend this thing?” and couldn’t readily answer the question, she put on her lecture outfit and darted out the door.

Man was that presentation dull! But you know what? If PM had stayed home, she wouldn’t have met up with an acquaintance who has turned into a cherished colleague and friend with the same penchance for fun — in even the lousiest of circumstances.

So if you are unsure whether you would have a better time doing something else, “Should I go?” has a simple answer. And hey, if it really is that bad, just leave.

The Regret Factor
This second decision-making method is all about avoiding regrets in life — and it’s even easier than The Attendance Factor! To use The Regret Factor just ask yourself this question, “Will I regret it if I don’t___?” If you cannot answer it, then chances are you should consider going so that you don’t have to live with the regret later.

Example: A friend hosted a special event about two hours away and PM wasn’t sure she wanted to go. It was a long drive, there wouldn’t be that much time to visit, and really there were many better ways to spend a good part of that day. But The Regret Factor came into play and since PM couldn’t answer the question, she went. Well, to be clear PM also went to make the gesture of friendship…

Turns out that the visit was literally 15 minutes. But in those few moments, PM took some meaningful photos to share later and met some really nice people. One of them even offered to do something really generous. In retrospect, making that trip was completely the right thing to do. It was definitely a “phew” moment. As in, “Phew, I dodged that regret!”

Oh, and just so we’re clear, using the Attendance and Regret factors are not excuses to be selfish. You must be as open and giving to others as you want them to be to you to feel the flow of abundance and positivity. If you are a toxic and cheap windbag who is always looking for what others can do for you, misery will probably always follow and you might want to stay home and work on seeing the light.

*Who knows if Woody Allen really said this, and honestly, PM doesn’t want to devote the time to check. And Woody, if you did say it, thank you.