Do you ever run out of good ideas, or go around in circles trying to come up with a solution for a persistent problem? Maybe you just need to learn some simple problem solving techniques, and then start applying them. Choose one or two of methods below, and get in habit of using them in your personal life and your business.

Using Your Unconscious Mind

Let your unconscious mind do your problem solving. Outline a problem in your mind before going to sleep, and tell your brain to go to work. Einstein had good luck with this technique, sometimes getting "ah-ha" insight while shaving next morning.

Next, instruct your mind to keep working on problem while you do other things. There is more than we know going on inside our heads. An answer may come to you when you least expect it.

Try working on problems when you are in a drowsy state. This can result in more creative solutions.

Systematic Problem Solving Techniques

Challenge assumptions. For example, if you are assuming you need a better or higher-paying job, ask "do I really need a better job?" Maybe you can get a raise, or somehow make job you have better. A business on side might be an option. Don't let your assumptions limit possible solutions.

Break it down. Buying a house is a big move that is really a bunch of small steps. This is true of many problems. Start by addressing all of components of a problem individually, and it may not seem so overwhelming. This makes it easier to motivate yourself.

Ask others for advice. They may or may not have good ideas, but in any case this helps you be sure that you are not overlooking anything obvious.

Write it down. Then find another way to express problem and write that down. Continue with all solutions and ideas that come to mind. Write down everything. Later you can pick diamonds out of dirt.

Change your perspective. Imagine you are rich, poor, a child, a visitor from another planet. How would you see problem from this new perspective? Einstein imagined riding on a beam of light, which lead to his theory of relativity, so this technique has been known to work.

More Problem Solving Techniques

Home-based business owners have it tough when it comes to staying balanced and getting things done. Although working from home seems like ideal situation for being more efficient and organized, and maximizing your time and effort, it doesn’t always work out that way. Getting and staying organized is more than just buying a PDA and writing a to do list. It involves making a commitment to be efficient in everything you do—from home and family to leisure, fitness, and of course, business. But what do you do when you have a million things to do in one 24-hour period, and no one to help you—or so you think? You get organized.

According to LaNita Filer of Organizing Concepts Plus, a Houston, Texas-based professional organizing firm, you must have a system for everything. “Determine your personality style and find a system that works for you, whether it’s electronic, a planner, file folders, a Palm or good old fashioned paper and pencil,” she advises.

But how do you go about getting organized? Try these suggestions to help manage your time, know where things are when you need them, make most of your day, and be more efficient.

Organize Being organized isn’t just for anal-retentives out there. Nor is it a matter of being meticulous about every aspect of your life. But benefits of basic organization in your home office can save you time, money and perhaps some embarrassing moments. While it might take you some up-front time to get things in order, it will definitely be to your advantage in long run.

First of all, take a good look at your work area. If you’re like me, you might not work at a desk. Since I work from home using a laptop computer, my desk is wherever I am—my bed, kitchen table or living room sofa. Wherever you work, place often used items within arms reach so you don’t waste time and energy searching for cordless telephone, stapler, memory key, data CDs or other items critical to your daily tasks.

If you’re comfortable with technology and want to use it to fullest, automate as much as possible. Get rid of that antiquated Rolodex that’s collecting dust on top of your desk. Take time to add contacts to your electronic database. Stop using that old-fashioned calculator and start using one on your computer or PDA. Simple adjustments such as these can help you focus on task at hand and avoid being distracted by time-wasting activities.

Next, make staying organized an ongoing task. “When you start a new project, immediately make a new folder for it,” advises Filer. “If you prefer to go electronic route as well, be sure your computer filing system reflects one in your file cabinet.” And finally, at end of each day, create a “To Do” list for next day. This way you’ll know exactly what needs to get done so you don’t waste time trying to remember that one thing that absolutely, positively has to get done tomorrow. Take it a step further and rank items, placing most important items first and least important items last. What a great segue to our next suggestion.

Prioritize Okay, so you’re reviewing your “To Do” list, which includes ten “must do” business items for today. Besides that, you have to mop floor, take kids to golf lessons, drop off Duke at vet, hit gym and probably take a nap. But what really needs to get done today?