I used to have some weird ability with certain complex math problems that has nothing to do with traditional academics . . . sometimes answers came to me subconsciously if I stopped trying to consciously solve the problem. I don't know whether DS has that kind of ability.
I think that's probably a pretty standard ability.
Most people don't use it, however, because they don't realize that it exists.
Granted, the other problem with that strategy is that you won't necessarily get the answer *when* you need it.
Pretty standard in my IT experience. It's a common strategy when failing to solve a complicated technical problem to get out of the computer room, indulge in your habit of choice (coffee/soda/cigarette), and stop thinking about the problem for a little while. This, it is hoped, helps you access that subconscious thinking part of your brain without running into the time constraint problem. If not, it can also help provide a mental reset, because you were obviously thinking down the wrong path, and coming in fresh again might correct that.
For situations that don't involve emergency downtime, personal downtime has often been a major help. I can't tell you how many times a particular coworker began a conversation with, "I was in the shower this morning, and..."
