by Cory MacNeil
"I do some of my best work in my sleep!"
Those words were spoken by a contractor friend of mine during a conversation we had about the challenges of building. He explained that quite often, he simply thought about his problem before going to bed and when he woke up the answer would come to him. This idea may sound crazy on the surface, but what if there is really some truth to it? Is it possible to be most productive when you are least active? We're going to talk about that in today's post.
What if I told you the answer is as simple as going to sleep? Without going into all of the mumbo jumbo on this topic, your mind continues to work while you are sleeping. However, in the age we live in, sleep is looked upon as a waste of time; something we do because we have to; it's a time when we have no choice but to forget about everything until we can get up and actively pursue our goals and dreams. Right?
Wrong!
We truly can do some of our best work in our sleep.
Now hear me out. What I'm talking about is not some new whimsical idea that hasn't been tested or proven. Here's how it works.
1. Before you go to bed, ask yourself a question. Stick with just one question. Once you see how effective this is, you might be tempted to ask 5, 10 or twenty questions. You'll have plenty of time to do that in the future. For now, focus on ONE challenge you are facing. Write it down. If it makes you more comfortable, call this prayer. If you're not comfortable with that word, call it putting your subconscious to work. If you've given up on prayer before bed time, this will show you the importance of sticking with it. For example, you might pray: "Lord, How can I be more productive throughout my day?"
2. Now imagine what it will look like for you to be more productive. Maybe greater productivity looks like you waking up and being refreshed and ready to study the bible and pray before work. Maybe being more productive looks like you having more energy for your spouse and kids at night. Maybe being more productive looks like you assembling an energetic team that excels at coming up with new and cutting edge ideas. Whatever you do, really take some time to think about what the solution to your problem looks like.
3. Next, imagine how it's going to feel when you receive the answer to your question. Imagine how it's going to feel to have your sermon finished by Wednesday or your series completed a month ahead of time. Imagine how it's going to feel when your presence with your wife and kids grows and they realize you are engaged, not just putting in your time. Imagine how it's going to feel to not just go through the motions on a daily basis but to live with purpose and more energy.
Before you object, give it a try for yourself. If you choose to accept the challenge, here are a few more tips: First, keep a journal or voice recorder next to your bed. Why? You might receive some of your best answers in the middle of the night. So be ready. You'll cringe when you wake up in the morning and realize you forgot something that was totally revolutionary and fresh the night before. Second, take time to look at your notes in the morning. Make this a part of your launch for the day. Reflect on what you wrote down and further research things that intrigue you. Search the scriptures.
While you're at it, have some fun. Wouldn't it be ironic if you discovered that what you think is one of your most unproductive times of the day turns out to be one of your most productive? Someone once said the only thing you can expect from God is to do the unexpected. At the end of the day, He is more interested in us than we are in Him. Just imagine....although you're in a rut today, you may be one night away from a life beyond your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. The Message
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