I think that for any type of problem solving there is a clear workflow you must go through in order to efficiently come to a solution. 1.) Break down the problem to see what you are actually required to do. 2.) Think of ways in which you have solved previous problems and check whether you can do something similar to what you have done in the past. 3.) If you need to do something that you haven't done before do some research and find the tools that you need to solve the problem; if there are multiple paths to solution apply Occam's Razor. 4.) If step three didn't work, you haven't looked hard enough or you have found a problem that no one has solved before, it is most likely the former. 5.) Implement your solution; if it works great the problem has been solved. If it doesn't work retrace your steps and then take a break and come back to the problem when you have a clearer head. 99% of your problems can be solved in this manner