Give the mind an overnight task to solve.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn; and Josh Waitzkin, chess prodigy, world champion athlete, and coach both use this exercise to solve problems. They believe it taps the subconscious for solutions while it is asleep (relaxing and rejuvenating). Time and time again this technique has provided them with explanations and creative solutions. It can do the same for you!

1. After dinner, jot down something you want your mind to work on overnight.
   This could be a solution to a problem, a product design, a strategy, or an idea.

2. Block out an hour the next day to work on that specific problem.
   For some, the beginning of the day is best. You are a blank slate and not distracted by phone calls, emails, responses to things, etc.

3. The next day, list all the ideas you have about the problem.
   Get the ideas down, so you can let them percolate further during the day.