Putting Your Problems to Sleep
2003 Boaz Rauchwerger
We all deal with all types of issues every day. Some are simple and others are more complicated. One of my goalsis to help many people live happier, more successful, more fulfilling lives. In short, to help people achieve their most important dreams.
One of the keys to a more successful life is the ability to keep small issues from becoming big issues and cutting big issues down to size.
How many times have you gone to bed upset about something, thinking it was a huge challenge? Then, in the morning, it didn't seem to be as much of a problem. What happened?
Your mind's activities could be equated to a day shift and a night shift. The night shift is the time when you're asleep. Let's pretend there's a crew of people in your mind working during each of those shifts.
When the night shift shows up, as you go to bed, they take a look at what's on the agenda. Be careful what you have placed on the night shift bulletin board of your mind. Watching negative stories on the late evening news can cause confusion and havoc for the night shift. Going to bed angry with someone or worrying about something can do the same thing.
Most of us will end up sleeping over a third of our lives. That's an average of 26 years. Those hours can simply be given away to whatever was on your mind before going to sleep or they can be used productively to solve problems.
When faced with a troubling matter before going to sleep, take a few minutes to write down a clear description of the problem. Then identify what is the worst that could happen. Next I suggest you write down the steps you would take if the worst were to happen.
Let's say you're worried about your company downsizing and concerned that you might be laid off. Describe the situation clearly in writing. Obviously, the worst that could happen would be you getting laid off. Write that down.
Now write down the steps you would take if that did happen. You would start looking for another job. Also, you could get in touch with various people you know and ask them for advice about finding another position. If you've wanted to get more education, perhaps this would be the time to do so.
Once you're written a clear description of the situation, including the worst outcome and your action steps, write an affirmation for your mind. This will be the challenge for your mind's night crew to work on while you sleep.
Here's an example of such an affirmation: "I am a talented, capable, successful, confident person. I know that my career is moving ahead in a great direction. I am at peace."
If you don't feel like taking the time to do the preceding process, simply declare the following out loud time after time until you fall asleep: "I am bothered by (state the problem) and I expect a productive solution by morning."
Spend a few minutes repeating these problem-solving affirmations. Say the words out loud several times. When you turn off the lights, say the words to yourself several times. Each time more slowly and think about the words. You will soon find yourself falling asleep peacefully. Your mind, properly and positively programmed, will take over from there. After all, the night shift now has a clear, positive mandate and it will do its job while you dream.
The challenge you were facing when going to sleep is posted on the bulletin board of your mind. The night shift is rested and ready to go to work. Their mission is to analyze your challenge, look for possible solutions and give you some productive ideas.
The night shift has the entire night to work on this project. Many times they arrive at a creative solution and give that to you when you wake up.
This is a very powerful and productive process for allowing your dreams to resolve issues for you. You will be amazed with how much better you'll feel in the morning. Keep doing this process each evening until the issue is totally resolved.
There is true magic in your ability to direct your mind and to allow your dreams to work for you. Who knows? If you do find yourself downsized, and you do the above process, it might lead you to a Dream Job.
Isn't it time to become more peaceful by putting your problems to sleep?
A Daily Affirmation of Peace
I am a very peaceful person because I allow my sleep time to solve problems for me.
Article reproduced with permission from Boaz Rauchwerger. You may reprint any of these articles in any publication or Web site so long as you credit Boaz Rauchwerger as the author and include this Web site address, www.Boazpower.com.