Sometimes I need some external stimuli to prime my creative engine — here are three ways I spark my genius.

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Drive

When I drive a long distance without much traffic, I become hyper-focused on the road and enter a meditative state. I become aware of my thoughts, and they soon form a complete picture of the problems I’ve been pondering.

Sleep

Sleeping on my problems can be a refreshing way to unlock my inner sleuth. A power nap or a good night’s rest gives your brain some downtime, allowing it to unravel the cobweb of thoughts into a well-manicured opinion.

Talk to someone

I don’t talk to just anyone; I explain problems to an inquisitive layperson, someone not in my area of interest. I try to explain the problem in terms that they will understand, and in doing so, I will normally answer my own question.