Solitary Cogitation
This is a very short bit to help you when left to your own devices in solving a problem or creating something. It might be connected with your work or your home; or a speech you have to make; or a love letter to your wife (well, why not?); or a plan for rebuilding the garden shed; or anything.
First, forget about method and discipline and all the rules they hammered into you in school. Pretend you are irresponsible and slightly mad. Indulge your imagination. Consider the thing you’re going to change in all its mundane dullness. (If you’re starting from scratch, imagine the faces of those who are going to read or hear you—bored and disinterested.)
Next, keep a note pad (with pencil attached) about your person. This is not for solutions—you won’t forget them—its for phrases, words, queries, doodles and mad thoughts. Use it even in the middle of a conversation, if need be. Have it handy especially when you are reading fiction, doing a crossword, playing cards or otherwise diverted.
Get into the habit of C ∗ L ∗ I ∗ C. You are singular. Your own personality will need to have the concept tailored to its peculiarities.
Become more curious about people and things. You cannot possibly overload your brain with facts and fancies. You don’t have to remember them—your subconscious will do that. The bigger the rag-bag the more surprises it contains.
Try to avoid introspective cynicism and self pity.
Above all, have faith in the powerhouse that is in your head. Look at your problems, tell yourself it’s a piece of cake and send a mental memo to your subconscious to get on with it. Don’t force it and the answer will come. Don’t worry about when it will come; your subconscious is well aware of the degree of urgency involved.