Creation happens in silence
I feel like most of my creative problem solving happens when I'm not working on the problem.  There seems to be, roughly speaking, a three part process:<p>* A loading phase where I immerse into the problem. This requires silence and concentration. Basically staring at the problem and its various aspects for a few hours. Hmm. What if? No. But maybe. Nope. Hmm. Hmm. The problem will often seem too big to fit in my head. I can sort of fumble and grasp its outline, but I don't see it clearly.<p>* A background processing phase, this requires a sense of almost boredom. I need to step away from the keyboard. A disengagement from further input, from intellectual stimuli in general. I can't distract myself with entertainment either. I must be a bit bored.<p>* All the sudden there will be clarity, deep insight into what needs to be created. Like the microwave going <i>bing</i>, signalling the cooking is ready. I'll solve not only one problem, but half a dozen. The solutions come faster than I can implement them. I need to pace myself and write my ideas down before I implement them.<p>It's a heck of a ride.