Do you remember that classic board game, Mousetrap? It was chaotic, clunky, and oddly satisfying - when it worked!
You’d turn the crank, the boot kicked the bucket, the marble dropped, the trap snapped shut.
Unless something was off. Then? Nothing. Just a sad boot in the air and a frozen cheese wheel.
I bet you didn’t expect to read those words today!
That’s how many people try to improve performance. Whether in sales, leadership, or just getting more done. They build the whole thing but don’t nail the two steps that matter most.
People often make the mistake of assuming that every step in an approach or process carries equal value; however, not all steps are created equal.
In any outcome you’re trying to create or improve, two steps change everything:
- The trigger that sets the whole thing in motion
- The multiplier that dramatically increases the chances of success
Miss the trigger? Nothing moves. Miss the multiplier? The effort doesn’t pay off. When you identify and focus on these two steps, results don’t just improve—they accelerate.
The Mousetrap Method in action
Think about your current process — sales, hiring, coaching, and daily execution — and what’s the one step that activates it? That’s your trigger.
It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the first thing. Greeting a customer might be the first step in an interaction, but it’s not the moment that triggers conversion.
What’s the one step that amplifies impact? That’s your multiplier. It’s not always the obvious ‘final’ move either. In sales, many think it’s asking for the sale, but by then, it’s often already won or lost.
In retail sales, the trigger might be getting the customer physically engaged with the product — touching it, trying it, interacting. The multiplier? Getting them to share what they like or don’t like — because now they’ll tell you what they will and won’t buy.
When coaching your employees, the trigger might be asking a question that makes them reflect on their recent performance. The multiplier? The employee executes a specific behaviour or action immediately to improve their performance.
Now, you might ask, isn’t every step in Mousetrap critical? Yes, every step is technically required.
If one part is misaligned, the whole chain reaction fails; however, here’s the difference: The trigger starts the motion. The multiplier creates the outcome. The rest? They're connectors.
Yes, they are important, but they are meaningful only because of the momentum and results they support. The same goes for your business. You need a solid process; however, your results come from the most important moments.
Focus there! If you're failing, you don’t need a new system. You just need to crank the right part of the machine. That’s the Mousetrap Method.
Always know your trigger. Improve your multiplier. Higher performance and results will follow.
You're one action away, starting today.
Staying inspired
As a business owner, you’re expected to stay positive and bring the energy; however, what about when you need it?
No one talks about this enough.
Even the best leaders in business have days when they feel flat or uninspired. The difference?
Great leaders don’t wait for inspiration. They practice it.
Here are three habits that help you stay self-inspired and optimistic, no matter what happens.
Own it: Optimism starts with ownership. You don’t have to love your circumstances; however, when you own them, you’re not stuck. Own your mindset and own your results.
When things go well, celebrate the role you played. When they don’t own what needs to change, they go back. Ownership builds energy and drive.
Talk to yourself, not just your staff:
Self-talk shapes your energy, confidence, and presence. What you say to yourself matters.
Instead of “This is going to be a mess,” try: “I’ve led through harder times than this. I’ve got this.”
Alternatively, “I am positive we can make this even better.” You can also say, “I’m a strong leader with a great staff.”
Stay forward-focused: Inspiration fades when you're stuck in what just happened. Lift your head and ask, what’s next? Where’s the opportunity?
Forward energy creates forward momentum. Only look back for the information you need to move forward.
And here’s something most people forget: When you need inspiration, go give it. Encourage someone, celebrate their effort, and share a small win.
There’s a reason people say, “You can’t keep what you don’t give away.”
It works for inspiration, too. You’re not just leading others. You’re leading yourself.
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