I was stuck.  The partially completed Sudoku puzzle was mocking me.  It was not to be solved, and my brain was fried.  So, I gave in and put the puzzle down for the night.  Head hits pillow.  Press the reset button.  Sure enough, the solution came easily the next day.

There are times in our busy days when we cannot find a solution.  The project problems are mocking us.  Complex riddles without a clue.  Even when we shut out other concerns and truly focus, we cannot seem to solve the problem.  The best advice may be to walk away from it.  Tackle another, unrelated task; eat; exercise; do something different.  You may have to step away from the problem for the rest of the day.  Sleep on it.  It’s likely you’ll find an answer or better alternative after the sun has made its cycle.

But, don’t take my word for it.  Listen to Colin Powell:

“It ain’t as bad as you think.  It will look better in the morning.” 

This declaration is the first of Colin Powell’s famous Thirteen Rules.  Powell explains that this rule reflects an attitude and not a prediction.  “I have always tried to keep my confidence and optimism up, no matter how difficult the situation.”  Powell’s advice: leave the office with a positive attitude; go home; get a good night’s rest.  It will look better in the morning.

An act as simple as a good night of sleep may be just what you and your team need to hatch a creative solution to a complex project problem.

Read all Thirteen Rules in Colin Powell’s excellent leadership book, It Worked For Me.