Make a habit of devoting time towards concerted thinking.

Generally, intentional and mindful critical thinking is a very under-utilized undertaking. It’s true that some great things have arisen extemporaneously. However, most amazing creations are contrived in exacting detail as a result of many hours of intentional thought.

You’re not an inventor—what do you care? Well, you’re more of an inventor than you think. You create your world. If you don’t think deeply about yourself, the people around you, your past, and your future, what lessons will you learn? What useful information will you retain and utilize to better your future? It’s likely not much if you aren’t putting in the time to think things through.

There are a few issues that require clarification.

Every person has a different place and mindset for optimized thinking. Some people think best alone and isolated, some think best while engaged in physical activity, and some—like myself—think best while communicating with others. The solution: identify the situation that is most conducive to productive thought for you and think there.
If your thoughts are only in your head, they need to be said aloud. The spoken word is far more powerful than the thought-of word, especially because you’re not necessarily the force behind your thoughts. You are, however, the one who puts your thoughts into words. Speak your thoughts, even if you’re alone.
If you are alone, this poses another issue. Even if you’re having a whole conversation with yourself, there’s no sanity check (no, I’m not referring to the fact that people—if they were to hear you—would think you crazy). You need something or someone to assist you in listening by conversing with you to rationalize your ideas. Your thoughts have a lot more power when put into words, but they’re not fully complete until they’re heard by another person, weighed, and rationalized.