It depends on the problem. There are different approaches that I like to try: - break the problem up into smaller parts which are easier to grasp, plus some fr

It depends on the problem. There are different approaches that I like to try: - break the problem up into smaller parts which are easier to grasp, plus some framework to combine the individual parts. If this is possible, you might be able to solve all easier parts and thus the mother problem - start with a problem that looks like the original one but which is easier. Once you have been able to solve it, you can clean up space in your head to focus on the step from the easy problem towards the final one. Also, during the process you have probably gained some experience and understanding of the mother problem - just start with the problem without expecting to solve it. Then do something else. E.g. have a good night sleep, do some household chore etc. When you're not focusing on the problem, your brains continue to work on it so when you look at the problem again the next day, it can well be that your are able to link parts together that you were overlooking the day before - talk about the problem with someone else. It could be of course that the other person has some hints that you didn't think about. But the main thing is that while talking and explaining the problem, you often get a better understanding of the problem yourself as well.