To quote Don Draper, "Just think about it deeply, then forget it… then an idea will jump up in your face."

Similar to #1, I have a trick that I like to call "Channeling your inner wise man/woman." Simply, picture yourself as a wise old man/woman, and pose the question to said imaginary person. The answer comes easy, almost like a "duh" moment! Or WWJD (with J being any wise being of your choice).