How we can improve our problem-solving ability ?

Every one says same thing "real programmer knows how to handle real problem.", but they forget something how they take this ability, or where ( I know in school, no one gives us any ability, of course in my opinion. )

If you have any idea except above ones, feel free when you give an advice

• solve more problem
• do more exercise, write code, search google then write more ...

For me, my question is like "Use complex/known library instead of using your own." In other words, I want your experience, book recommendation, web page