It’s 4 a.m., and you’re awake. You’re worrying and can’t settle down and get back to sleep. It’s not just tonight; it’s night after night. You’re awake and can’t get back to sleep.

I’ve got a question for you: What are you worrying about? What, specifically, is making it impossible for you to sleep?

Is it a hearing that’s coming up?

Is it a client?

Is it revenues?

Is it a particular employee?

Is it something unrelated to work?

What is it that has you tossing and turning?

For me, it’s usually something specific. I know what’s driving me crazy when it’s happening. Do you?

Once you figure it out, I’ve got a solution for your problem. I’m going to help you get back to sleeping well.

Once you’ve identified the problem, we’re going to take care of finding a solution.

Of course, some people can’t sleep for medical reasons. Some aren’t awakened by problems or concerns. They can’t sleep for far more complicated reasons: if that’s you, then see a doctor. I can’t help you with medical issues, unfortunately.

However, if you’re stressing out about a particular problem, then let’s get to work.

Here’s what you do if you want to sleep well. Ready for it?

You need to take action to solve the problem.

You need to come up with a plan and get to work.

You’ll note that I didn’t say that you need to solve the problem. You don’t. You just need to take steps to solve the problem, and you’ll settle down for a good night’s rest.

Let’s say, for instance, that the problem is revenues. You need to bump up the number to meet your expenses and take home some cash. You’re waking up dreaming about your phone failing to ring.

What do you do?

Come up with a plan. Decide how you’re going to attack the problem, and take some action. Maybe you’re going to run some ads on Google AdWords. Go ahead and get started. Read the materials on the AdWords site and put some money in your account. Get started. Do some experimentation, and you’ll see some results. Take action.

Maybe the problem is a particular hearing you’ve got coming up. We sleep when we’re well prepared and ready to go. We wake up when we’re not sure whether we’ve done what we need to do. Solution? Take action. Prepare more so you’ll feel good about your readiness for trial. Take action.

Taking steps—taking action—to solve your problem makes you feel better and sleep better. Your actions might not be successful immediately, but you’ll start determining the path to success. You can’t succeed without failing, and taking action is the only path to eliminating the problem.

Taking action will allow you to sleep. Worrying won’t get you anywhere. With worry, you won’t sleep, and the lack of sleep prevents you from taking the needed action. It’s a vicious cycle. You need to get up and do something about the problem. Move toward a solution, and you’ll start sleeping again.

Take action, and have some sweet dreams.