One of the worst feelings in the world is thinking of something you know you want to remember juuuuust as you’re falling asleep.

And yet, it’s also one of the best feelings in the world, too.

What makes the difference? Seeking a breakthrough on a wicked problem. When you’re courting a breakthrough, you’re on the hunt! You embrace the gift — whenever it comes — however inconvenient it might feel in the moment of arrival.

I’ve noticed that many times — vendetta against hypocrisy in mind, determined to follow my own advice about napping — within seconds of closing my eyes, the ideas start pouring in, almost to the point that it’s uncontrollable: I can’t actually get up and get them down fast enough. (I shouldn’t be surprised, given the stimulating effect of simply looking at nothing.)

On one hand, it’s maddening, as I had been looking forward to a little shut-eye. But on the other hand, it’s exhilarating, because I really only wanted shut-eye for the ideas shut eyes might call forth. It’s incredible how invigorating a new idea is, how it infuses excitement, energy, and possibility into a day, or even a night.

Two practical takeaways from this personal reflection:
1) you really have to try! — it’s not enough to just close your eyes at the desk, in front of the computer. Instead, get in a comfortable position, in a place where you actually could conceivably fall asleep.
2) you only have to try! — don’t be bummed if you don’t actually get a nap; remember, you’re courting a breakthrough. If you capture your prey, without actually accomplishing the sub-mission of napping, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture!

Related: Practice What You Preach
Related: Take A Nano Nap
Related: Look At Nothing

Join over 11,147 creators & leaders who read Paint & Pipette each week