Six Questions to Inspire You to Take Action

“Pain is often a stronger motivator than pleasure, especially when it comes to taking action.”

One of my favorite parts of hosting events is watching what happens after people leave. During the event there seem to be endless ideas and a lot of excitement. Then they go home and they seem to struggle. It’s certainly not for a lack of insight. They just seem to struggle because they don’t turn that insight into action.

At our recent mastermind, everyone arrived with what we call an opportunity. Sometimes it felt like a challenge. Sometimes it felt uncomfortable. But opportunity is the right word, because it means there’s something you can do.

At the end of the event, we ask six simple questions. They aren’t complicated. But they’re powerful.

First, name the opportunity clearly. Not how you described it when you arrived, but how you understand it now. Conversations have a way of reshaping the real issue.

Next, capture the top insights. Not everything. Just the five that made you pause, rethink, or see something differently.

Then comes the most important part. Identify the next three action steps. Not someday ideas. Not long-term plans. Just the next right moves.

We also ask people to name two connections who can help. Progress rarely happens alone. It often happens across the table.

Then there’s the quote. One line that brings you back to the feeling, the clarity, the moment everything clicked.

Finally, we ask about pain. What happens if you don’t act? That question tends to cut through hesitation faster than motivation ever will.

These questions are great after events. They also work after meetings, conferences, or even a quiet moment after work. Give them a try. Clarity is helpful. Action is better.