I can recall two experiences that relate to this discussion, each in its own
way. I was working as a technician, at a customer's site, and having
trouble diagnosing a problem. My backup was a specialist, available on the
phone. So, finally, in desperation, I went to the phone to call him.
Before I started dialing, I realized that there were certain questions he
was going to ask me, so I mentally organized my answers. Each answer led to
another question, and by the time I have all the information ready to give
him, I realized that I did not have to make the call. Just organizing my
thinking in that way helped me solve the problem.

The other one was more mysterious. I went home with an unsolved problem,
dreading the fact that I would have to go back the next day and continue my
frustration. That night I had a dream that contained the solution to the
problem. I went back the next morning--took one look, and the dreamed
solution turned out be be correct.