Should You Do A Thing?

What’s the easiest kind of decision to make? The one that’s an obvious yes. 

Free tickets to your favorite band? Absolutely.

Trip to Hawaii for your best friend’s wedding? Obviously.

Oprah invites you on her show? Okay!

But what about the decisions that aren’t an obvious yes—or no? What about the ones that fall under the “meh” category? 

Courtesy of Erin Bradley (@erinpbradley) and @paragraphbranding

It’s harder to make up our minds about these because we could go either way, really. These decisions get even harder when you’re a freelancer or side hustler, and opportunities = money.

Erin Bradley is a Factora alum and facilitator. She’s also a freelance digital marketer who used to say yes to every person who reached out about a project, but she’s learned that not all clients or projects are equal. So she created her own thought mapping process that helps her come to client decisions she feels good about.

Step 1: Is it something you love to do?

Does this opportunity involve a skill or activity that truly lights you up inside? Forget the client, the location, the logistics; is the actual task you’ll be doing something you really love to do?

If yes, do it! If you’re not sure, move on to...

Step 2: How much anxiety will it bring? 

How anxious will you feel before, during, and after this task/job/event? Think about things like prep work, client personalities/behaviors, and any rounds of edits or approvals you may have to navigate. 

If it’s a lot, forget it. Your mental health is worth preserving!

If it’s little to none, move on to...

Step 3: How much time will it cost?

Again, estimate not just how many hours the thing will take, but how many hours you’ll need to prep for it before and anything you’ll need to do after. Could you be using this time in a way that makes you happier or that makes you more money?

If it’s a massive time sacrifice and you’d have to give up prior commitments, don’t do it. You’re a woman of your word. 

If the thing would take up some free time, move on to...

Step 4: How much money will it make? 

Obviously! For all the value you’re putting into it, what value will you get out of it? 

For Erin, her threshold was $50. What’s yours? 

If it’s at or over your threshold, do it!

If it’s under your threshold, move on to...

Step 5: Will it create passive income for the future?

Can you save the work you’re doing and turn it into an asset that’ll create passive income for you?

If yes, obviously, do it! Passive income is always the goal.

If no…don’t do it. Craft a thoughtful response/decline. If saying no isn’t your thing, here’s a script you can use:

“Thanks so much for reaching out! Unfortunately, I’m at capacity with my clients and I don’t think I have the time or resources to give your project the attention it deserves. It looks so cool, best of luck!”

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