I’ve noticed something fascinating in my interactions with people seeking help. When someone asks me for assistance, especially financial support, I often give them a simple task first – something as basic as mailing me a paperclip. What I’ve discovered is shocking but revealing: 99% of people never complete this trivial task.
This paperclip test has become my litmus test for determining who’s serious about receiving help and who’s just making empty requests. It’s not about the paperclip itself – it’s about demonstrating the willingness to take action, no matter how small.
The Action Gap
There’s a massive disconnect between what people say they want and what they’re willing to do to get it. I encounter this daily – individuals who claim they desperately need help but aren’t willing to take even the smallest step toward their goals. They want the outcome without the effort.
When someone asks to borrow money from me, they’re essentially asking me to invest in them. But if they can’t complete a task that takes less than five minutes and costs practically nothing, why would I trust them with thousands of dollars? The paperclip becomes a powerful symbol of their commitment level.
Why People Fail This Simple Test
I’ve reflected on why so many fail this basic test of follow-through, and I’ve identified several patterns:
- Entitlement mentality – Many people believe help should come with no strings attached
- Lack of seriousness – They’re not truly committed to solving their problems
- Poor execution habits – They’ve developed a pattern of not finishing what they start
- Overwhelm – Even small tasks feel impossible when someone is in crisis mode
The paperclip test reveals character. It shows me who values my time and resources enough to demonstrate they’re worth investing in. This isn’t about being harsh – it’s about being practical with my resources and helping those who will truly benefit from assistance.
The Value of Small Actions
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success isn’t built on grand gestures but on consistent small actions. The people who succeed are those who do the little things consistently and without complaint. They understand that proving themselves trustworthy in small matters opens doors to bigger opportunities.
When I was building my career at Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, I didn’t start by negotiating multi-million dollar contracts. I started by doing whatever was needed – including tasks that might have seemed beneath my position. This willingness to take action, regardless of the task, built trust with colleagues and clients.
All these people are asking me for help, but they’re not willing to do anything.
This observation isn’t just about others – it’s a reminder to myself as well. Am I taking action on the things that matter, or am I just talking about them? Am I following through on commitments, even when they’re small?
Creating a Culture of Action
I now use this paperclip philosophy in all areas of my life and business. Before investing significant time or resources in new ventures or relationships, I look for evidence of follow-through. This approach has saved me countless hours and dollars that would have been wasted on people who talk but don’t act.
For those seeking mentorship or assistance from others, remember this: Your willingness to take small actions speaks volumes about your character. Don’t be among the 99% who fail the paperclip test. Be the 1% who demonstrates through action that you’re serious about your goals.
The next time you ask for help, consider what you’re willing to do first to show you deserve it. And if someone asks you to mail them a paperclip before they’ll help you? Send it immediately, with a thank-you note attached. That simple action might be the beginning of a life-changing opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Isn’t the paperclip test a bit harsh for someone who might be in desperate need?
The test isn’t meant to be punitive but revealing. Someone in genuine need who is also willing to help themselves will complete a simple task. My experience shows that those who won’t take small actions rarely make good use of bigger help when it’s provided.
Q: How did you develop this paperclip philosophy?
After years of helping people who didn’t follow through, I needed a simple way to filter requests. The paperclip became a perfect symbol – it costs almost nothing, requires minimal effort, yet demonstrates commitment. It emerged from patterns I observed throughout my business career.
Q: What if someone completes the paperclip test – does that guarantee you’ll help them?
Completing the test doesn’t guarantee assistance, but it moves someone into serious consideration. It shows they respect the process and are willing to take action, which are fundamental qualities I look for before investing my time or resources in someone.
Q: Do you apply this same principle in your business investments?
Absolutely. Before investing in any venture, I look for evidence that the founders follow through on commitments. The specific test might differ, but the principle remains: show me you can execute on small things before asking me to trust you with big things.
Q: How can someone apply the paperclip philosophy to improve their own life?
Start by becoming aware of your follow-through habits. Do you complete what you start? When you ask for help, do you take action on advice given? Build credibility with yourself and others by honoring commitments, especially the small ones that seem insignificant but reveal character.
