How To Solve Problems

In order to achieve your most important goals in life, you will need to confront and solve a number of problems. Some of these problems will be small and easy to solve while others may at times appear insurmountable. One of the most powerful strategies you can use to overcome these problems is Subconscious Incubation.

 As you may know, your mind has a conscious component which contains the thoughts you actively think and a subconscious component that regulates the processes that occur automatically such as breathing and blinking.

Here’s how the process of Subconscious Incubation works:

Step 1: Fill Your Conscious Mind
The first step to solving problems using Subconscious Incubation is to fill your conscious mind with all the details of the problem you are facing. The way I like to do this is to read, analyze, discuss, brainstorm, mind-map, and draw pictures to examine the problem from every possible angle. The best time to do this is a few hours before you go to bed.

Step 2: Switch Off Your Conscious Mind
Having filled your conscious mind with the details of your problem, the next step is to switch off your conscious mind so that it doesn’t get in the way. If you don’t switch off your conscious mind you will probably find that you keep thinking about your problem and toss and turn all night.

My favorite way to switch off my conscious mind is to shut down my computer, close the door to my study and go for a walk on the beach. A change of scenery, fresh air and exercise is a great way to relax and switch off your conscious mind. If you don’t have a beach nearby, try a park or even a stroll around the block.

As you turn off your conscious mind, the details of your problem pass down into your subconscious mind for processing.

Step 3: Incubate
When you come home from your walk, have a warm glass of milk or tea and go straight to bed. Don’t watch television or do anything else to reactivate your conscious mind.

Step 4: Revisit The Problem
When you first become conscious in the morning, don’t rush to get out of bed. Instead, take a moment to keep your eyes closed and revisit the problem you are trying to solve. Often in that magical place between sleep and consciousness you will find a sense of clarity and discover new insights into solving your problem.

So there you have it!

The process of Subconscious Incubation takes a little bit of practice but it is a very effective way to confront and overcome the problems that stand between you and achieving your most important life goals.