Sometimes we're at our most creative when interacting with others. We sit talking to friends and each feeds off the other's ideas. Plus, a discussion can really clarify things.

But what about when you're alone, or don't want to share your ideas yet? How can you stimulate creativity and find elegant solutions to problems?

Try Talking to Albert Einstein. Talk to Andrew Carnegie or Lee Iacocca if your problem has to do with making a factory more productive. Questions about love can be addressed to the Dalai Lama. The idea is to have conversations in your head with anyone who can help. Why do this?

Imagination Needs Form To Function

You already have a powerful imagination, whether you know it or not. What you may not have, is enough powerful ways to use it. That's what you get with a conversation in your head - access to the creative power of your mind - a way to use your imagination.

Start by imagining someone you respect and know something about. This is so you can easily imagine what they might say. It can even be a fictional character. Explain your problem to this person, and listen to what they have to say.

You'll be surprised how often an imaginary Einstein comes up with an interesting idea, or a question that produces something useful. Just ask anything you want. If that is too difficult, just imagine two other people having a conversation about the problem you want to solve.

All the ideas they come up with are yours, of course, but you'll notice right away that what one imaginary person says will be very different from what another says. That's the whole point - these other voices are other ways for your imagination to produce good ideas.

What Would Jesus Do?

Have you ever seen those "WWJD" pins and stickers? The WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" Some young people wear these pins as a source of guidance.

Whether or not you are a Christian, you can see how, in times of confusion, this simple question can immediately clarify things and allow a right decision. The information necessary may be there in a young man's head, yet there is confusion. Then, he imagines what Jesus would do or say and he quickly "sees" the answer.

Just Try It!
Start talking with your imaginary friends (in your head please). You can use this technique for help with personal, business, moral and any other problems. It's a powerful way to draw on the power of your unconscious mind, and it will work if you give it a chance.

This articles is an excerpt from Secrets of Lucky People by Steve Gillman. Learn how to create your own luck with dozens of simple exercises which will make you the luckiest person you know.

Steve Gillman is also the author of A Book of Secrets. Read Minds, Save Money, Boost Brainpower, Get Lucky, Find Treasure, Subliminally Persuade People, Buy Real Estate With No Money Down - And More!