19 Things You Can Say to People in 10 Seconds That Sometimes Produce Insanely Outsized Effects

1. Yeah, someone *should* do that. Why not you?

2. Is there something you could do about that problem in the next five minutes?

3. That's a great thought - have you written it up somewhere? I'd be excited to share it if so.

4. Should you write a blog or LinkedIn post about that?

5. You want to do that but don't think you will? Do you want to make a concrete plan now?

6. Do you want me to ask in a week/month if you've done that or how it's going?

7. Feeling stuck sucks. Want to brainstorm together?

8. Feeling stuck sucks. Have you spent a few minutes generating options? Want to set a five-minute timer and do it now?

9. What's the twenty-minute version of accomplishing this overwhelming-feeling thing?

10. Do you want me to sit with you while you fill out that application or write that email? No? Too bad, it's happening, let’s do it!

11. Is it worth just asking / cold emailing and seeing?

12. Is there anyone I know who you'd like to be introduced to?

13. Do you want to set an alarm on your phone now as a reminder?

14. Do you know anyone else who might have struggled with or succeeded at that? Have you talked to them about it?

15. Who do you know who you could ask for help from?

16. Do you sort of already know what you're going to do, or have you made up your mind about this?

17. What advice would you give to someone in your situation now?

18. What would you do if you had two years and a billion dollars?

19. What would you do if your life depended on doing X?