Constantly look for new combinations of elements, rather than just acting as a "rentier" (routine-focused). Patience is Key:

Here is the heart of the James Webb Young method. If you have downloaded the PDF, these are the pages you will dog-ear.

Most people try to skip this step. They want the idea now , so they sit down and try to force their brain to output something from an empty tank. Young warns that this is impossible.

You can find the essay "A Technique for Producing Ideas" by James Webb Young in PDF format online.