When the phone stops ringing and you start getting anxious, what should you do? Start looking for new ideas and markets? No, take a nap.

Why? Because if you don't, you'll invest hours, if not days, researching a new market when all you need is to stay focused on your current plan.
I hear you say, "My current plan is not working. I need to find something new and fast." Please don't panic, take a nap.

I used to recommend that business people take a walk. But I've learned that doesn't help. You just continue to hallucinate about those supposedly great new ideas. Then you dictate the ideas into your pocket recorder. Or you use your cell phone to call your assistant and send her into a frenzy. You tell her to forget about that direct mail letter and instead start Googling everything about ______ (fill in the blank).

Also you're so excited, you cross the street against the light and almost get yourself killed. That's why you need to take a nap. And you can't cheat. So don't have a pen and pad ready by your side to write down some supposedly great new idea.

Now, I realize that I am assuming you, like me, work from home, and can easily find an empty bed at 2.00 in the afternoon. If you are unlucky enough to work in an office, lock your door and hit the floor.

If you work in a cubicle, then you have to be creative. Or even better since it's August, find some exec that's at the shore for two weeks and use his office.

Many of my younger associates ask if they could use the time to train for a triathlon. They argue convincingly that swimming should be permitted. Why? Even if you let your brain work it's difficult to stop and start writing down all of those supposedly creative ideas.

Another suggestion from generation X'ers is to go out for a few beers with friends. Don't. The alcohol will screw you up. You'll believe that your new idea is a sure winner. And you'll end up returning to the office and handing in your resignation to start your own company.

I'm from the old school. Don't try any alternatives, just take a nap.
If you don't believe me, read President Johnson's memoirs. He took my idea to the extreme. In the middle of the day, he would change into pajamas in order to fool his body. So if the President of the United States can check out for an hour of quality sleep, so can you.

We could also learn from our fellow business owners in southern Europe. They close their businesses from 1- 4 PM for a festive meal and a nap. So if it was good enough for Leonardo Di Vinci, it should be good enough for us.

I'm thinking of calling my congressman to see if he would sponsor some new legislation. It's not outrageous. We now have the Family Leave Act which acknowledges that our lives are complicated and we need to have more flexible work schedules. And I'm sure I could get the mattress and pillow lobby to sponsor the legislation.

Imagine a few years from now. Every cubicle would be set up with those first class airline seats that turn into beds. The lights would automatically dim at 2:15 PM. And your broker's answering machine would say:
"Hi, this is Harry. Are you are anxious about the sudden drop in the Dow Jones Averages? Me too, that's why I'm taking a nap. You should, too."

This article may not be copied or reproduced in any way without the expressed written consent of the Author. All licensing reqests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact Hesh for more information or to discuss licensing.