“Let Me Sleep On It” Unleashes the Power of Your Subconscious Mind
Penny Schlyer • July 11, 2024

Like it or not, your brain can only hold one thought: positive or negative. When we have a challenge or a problem, many of us focus on the problem or challenge.


Humans are teleological in nature, meaning we become what we think about most of the time; we naturally move toward what we think about, whether positive or negative. Teleologic is like a guided missile set on a course that self-corrects along the route.



When you have a problem, you want to solve the damn thing, so your first tactic is to consciously figure out “How do I deal with this?” You keep thinking about the problem and how you are going to deal with it. You think “how are you going fix it.” This can work, but there is a better, quicker, and less stressful way.

Change your thinking. Focus on the solution instead.

When you set a goal for something you want, you create a mental image of the desired outcome. Doing so automatically triggers a seed of thought into the Reticular Activating System or RAS. What is that? In simple terms, it’s our subconscious. We are unaware at the conscious level of the thought, but it’s getting attention in our subconscious!


Perhaps the following examples will help explain this in relatable terms.

  1. Have you ever bought a new car? Not necessarily brand new, just new to you.
    Maybe you thought it was unique and different from any others out there, but while you're enjoying driving your new car around town, seemingly out of the blue, there's one, there's one, and here comes another one.
     
    “Where did they all come from? Were they there before?” They were always there, but you didn't see them because they weren't important to you. Your RAS and how it functions have heightened your awareness.
  2. I never noticed the incredible number of billboards for trial attorneys along the highway until a friend pointed it out during a conversation. Now, all I see are those darn billboards!
     
    Were those billboards always there? Yes, they were. I just never noticed them because, fortunately, they are not important to me, at least not yet.


Things like that are there all the time, but unless they are of value to us, they don't register. It's like we have a scotoma, a blind spot.


So what, who cares, and what does that have to do with anything?


It turns out that the more you set clear and concise goals – especially in writing, such as in a journal – the more the goal images are absorbed into your RAS, unbeknownst to you. Suddenly, you have these aha moments and intuitive thoughts and may even experience a deja vu feeling. Suddenly, you see it everywhere it comes up.

It’s because you magically seem to have a heightened awareness, a focus on the thought triggered by how you set and reinforced your goals.


Applying this concept to our problem


Think about the Reticular Activating System and how it works. When dwelling on the problem, the RAS will show you things you don't really need to see regarding how bad the problem is.

The better way is to think about a solution, not how to deal with the problem. This is a very subtle shift in your focus. From now on, when you have a problem, instead of focusing on it, shift your thinking to what the solution could be to remove the need to cope with the problem.


Here’s an example of how this works.

Working with a coaching client, I asked him, “What's the problem?” He told me the problem in emotionally packed details. Then I asked him, “What's your solution?” He said he didn't know; he didn't have a replacement picture of an ideal outcome.


I said, “Get a piece of clean paper, and on the top, write the following question, “What would the ideal outcome look like and feel like fixed?” Don’t write sentences; give me words.” He struggled and said, “If I knew how I would solve it.” I said I know that you don't know yet. I also knew that he didn't know about the RAS.

This exercise is a great way to strategically give information to your RAS just by writing trigger words. Here's the exciting thing most people don't know: When facing a problem, they should think about what solving it would feel like.


If you write about what the ideal outcome feels and looks like, the RAS is so amazing that it effortlessly gets you started, focused on a solution, and no longer focused on the problem.


Don't Coerce Me!

Approaching a problem this way helps remove stress, which increases energy and creative thinking about solutions. Pretty soon you’ll be saying, “I can do this, I could do that”. It's not magic; it's mental technology. Here's the key: If you try hard to find the answer, it doesn't work. Why? Because your conscious mind does not like to be coerced, it pushes back.


When your consciousness pushes back, it says, “I don't like to be coerced.” The brain works 24-7 in your subconscious to avoid pain at any cost while looking for pleasure.


That’s the key. In anything you're about to do, if you could see a slight smidgen of pleasure, you might do it, but if it comes across as pain, you won't, and if you try hard to find a solution, you push back.

If you relax and let it go, that’s what causes the RAS to go, click, click, click, click and start looking for ways to reach that pleasurable end state.


Staying in a relaxed state of mind rather than trying harder allows the creative subconscious mind to come up with a solution; remember that we’re teleological by nature.


The Bang at 3:00 AM


That’s why you're in a deep sleep until bang, all of a sudden, it's 3 a.m., and you just woke up with a great solution. Your subconscious mind doesn't care if you're asleep; it doesn’t need sleep, and it will give you an answer. It’s driven to keep going and come up with something.

When that happens, make sure you write it down. Sometimes when it comes, it’s complete, and sometimes it’s just pieces. Some people think that it's magic. It's not magic; it’s just using your brain power productively by leveraging your RAS.


Now, you know how to state problems in terms of desired outcomes and let your mental machinery loose to find solutions.


The more clarity about the desired outcome, the more the RAS engages in its job. Since our mind does its best work when we’re in a relaxed state, state the problem in terms of desired outcomes, stop trying so hard, and trust your subconscious mind to serve up the solutions.


I’d love to hear how your RAS has impacted your life.

Let's meet for coffee or lunch! Reach out me via email: pschlyer@focalpointcoaching.com.



Happy Employees
By Penny Schlyer February 14, 2025
Your Rallying Cry isn’t just a mission statement—it’s the heartbeat of your business. It’s what excites you and your team to show up every day. It’s the deeper purpose behind why your company exists and the impact you want to create.
Business Coaching
By Penny Schlyer December 18, 2024
As a business owner, it’s good practice to take the time to assess whether your work reflects your purpose and passion so you can make some changes or double down full speed ahead. Reflecting on how your business is doing and what lies ahead can give you clarity.
By Penny Schlyer October 21, 2024
Hiring in today’s job market is more challenging than ever. Business owners are feeling the pressure to find candidates who not only have the skills to do the job but also care about the customer experience. If you’ve been frustrated by hiring employees who seem great in interviews but don’t deliver once on the job, you’re not alone. The workforce has changed, and many business owners are noticing a shift in work ethic post-COVID. But there’s still hope. You can attract the right candidates who genuinely care about making an impact by leveraging your unique customer experience as a hiring tool. Here’s how to craft job postings that attract employees aligned with your vision. 1. Focus on Impact, Not Just Tasks Most job descriptions are filled with lists of tasks and qualifications. But if you want to hire employees who care about more than just completing tasks, you need to focus on the impact they’ll have on your customer experience. Think about it this way: Instead of just saying, “Handle customer inquiries,” shift the focus to what that role contributes to your business. For example, “As part of our team, you’ll play a critical role in creating memorable experiences for our customers by ensuring every inquiry is handled with empathy and professionalism.” Why this works: People want to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. When you emphasize how their work impacts the overall customer experience, you attract candidates who are motivated by making a difference. 2. Steer Clear of Trendy Job Titles Writing fun, trendy job titles like “Customer Service Rockstar” or “Project Management Ninja” might be tempting, but these terms can sometimes backfire. While they sound playful, they don’t always communicate the seriousness of the role or the impact you expect employees to make. More importantly, these terms can attract the wrong candidates. If you do use this type of language, make sure to define what it actually means for your business. For example, if you’re using “Customer Service Rockstar,” you need to clarify that this means someone who excels at creating positive customer interactions and is committed to going above and beyond for each client. Why this matters: You want to attract candidates who understand the importance of the job and how it ties into your customer experience vision, not just those looking for a fun, trendy workplace. 3. Emphasize Your Values and Company Culture One of the biggest mistakes companies make when hiring is failing to communicate their unique values and culture. If your business prides itself on providing excellent customer service, your job posting should reflect that. Example: “We believe in going above and beyond for our customers. As a part of our team, you’ll contribute to delivering exceptional service, ensuring every interaction leaves a lasting, positive impression.” Why this is essential: In today’s market, employees aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for structure, purpose, and the opportunity to make an impact. By emphasizing your company values and how employees contribute to your customer experience, you’ll attract candidates who want to be part of a well-respected team that shares their commitment to excellence. 4. Clarify the Role’s Contribution to Your Business’s Success When writing a job posting, it’s essential to communicate how the role contributes to the overall success of your business. Employees who understand their part in the bigger picture are likelier to take ownership of their role and deliver outstanding results. Ask yourself: How does this role fit into your business’s long-term strategy? How does it support the customer experience you’ve worked so hard to create? By answering these questions, you’ll craft a job description that resonates with candidates who are driven by more than just a paycheck. 5. Balance Qualities with Skills and Be Transparent About Challenges While it’s important to highlight the values and impact of the role, don’t forget to include the specific qualities and skills someone needs to succeed in the position. At the same time, be transparent about any challenges the role may involve, rather than glossing over them or using vague language. Think about it this way: For example, instead of saying: “We’re looking for a go-getter who’s willing to go above and beyond for our clients” —which might come off as a red flag to some solid candidates—you could say: “We’re looking for a candidate who prioritizes the customer experience, which may require working some nights and weekends.” Why this matters: Being upfront about the challenges helps you attract candidates who are truly ready to handle the demands of the role. Transparency builds trust with potential employees and ensures you’re bringing in people who understand what’s expected from the start. Attract Employees Who Care About Making an Impact Hiring employees who care about delivering exceptional customer experiences starts with how you position your roles. By focusing on the impact they’ll have, steering clear of confusing job titles, and emphasizing your company’s values and culture, you’ll attract candidates who align with your customer experience vision. Remember, the goal isn’t to fill a role—it’s to build a team that supports your business and delivers the customer experience you’ve worked so hard to create. Creating a culture of accountability in your business goes beyond one job posting, however. Need help defining the uniqueness of your customer experience and the culture you’re looking to create? Let’s schedule a consultation to talk about how you can attract and retain the right employees who are as passionate about your customers as you are.
By Penny Schlyer July 3, 2024
Have you considered the transformative power of picturing your endgame? Download this valuable eBook to learn about creating a roadmap for the next stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Mow your lawn
By Penny Schlyer July 3, 2024
How you mow your lawn can say a lot about your behavior tendencies. Let's take a humorous look at DISC. During one of my coaching sessions last week, my client came up with a fun analogy about DISC profiles and mowing the lawn that I just had to share with you.
Creator
By Penny Schlyer February 12, 2024
In our businesses, careers, and life, it's easy to get distracted or derailed by circumstances that are seemingly beyond our control - hurdles standing in the way of our goals and dreams. But here's the thing: you can break free from this cycle and turn your constraints into opportunities!
Running Your Business
By Penny Schlyer December 13, 2023
Entrepreneurship can be an emotional roller coaster – from exhilarating highs when you win that big hairy contract, to gut-wrenching lows when the inevitable pitfalls of business hit hard. If you’re like most owners, you started your business, or took over the family business to follow a passion and to have freedom.
Creating a strong culture in business
By Penny Schlyer November 7, 2023
Core values are critical in helping you to attract and retain employees, as well as reinforce the way you are known in your community and with your customers. And they don't have to be soft.
Leadership Coaching
By Penny Schlyer September 3, 2023
Key Qualities of an Effective Leader
Employee Productivity
By Penny Schlyer June 15, 2023
What does every employer want? A highly productive workforce. A productive workforce is essential for success, but mandating people to return to the office is only part of the equation and if not done well, can be detrimental to productivity and outcomes.