Losing sleep over a challenging business matter is depressing. We’ve all done that. I have a suggestion.
Many years ago, I was a young, promising mid-level guy in a very big organization. The powers that be had just promoted me to a very visible level in a unit filled with serious issues that I was expected to help resolve. I didn’t think I was experienced enough to do the job. I panicked and furiously began tackling the issues.
It didn’t seem I was getting anywhere. I was worried sick. I developed ulcers. I awoke every night and agonizingly went over all the issues in my mind hoping to hit on resolutions or even praying they would go away. Would there be a 2:00 AM miracle this time? This was not good. But there was hope.
I finally confided to my doctor – told him my fears and anxieties. He calmly suggested I take a deep breath and come to understand there was a reason I had been given this challenging opportunity. Others in the organization who knew me well had seen me perform as I was coming up the ladder and they had confidence I was up to the task. They had seen me show up every morning and crank out very good results. He told me to understand that truly I was quite competent and that I only lacked confidence.
When I admitted this was true, he made a suggestion. He said there are two Tom Hendersons. One wakes at 2:00 in the morning with his mind racing. That guy should take a deep breath, realize there is nothing he can do about it right now, and make the decision to let the other Tom Henderson do it. That other guy shows up in the morning and gets the job done time and time again. He said I had to trust that guy.
Hmmm, nothing wrong with that thought process. I promised to try it. No immediate breakthrough – old habits do die hard, but several weeks later my ulcerous condition was a lot better and I was sleeping much better too. His suggestion worked and many years later, in times of stress, I still remind myself about the other Tom Henderson.
So, try this when you’re losing sleep. Let the other (your name here) do it.
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