Many wise and good things have been said here but I'll go a step further. . .
PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING
The best we can do is twist older concepts. As we used to say at the Magic Castle, "Magic is the second oldest profession known to man (we just use a different kind of trick.)"
The big problem is that there are only so many effects that we can create and so many methods by which to bring them about. We can however, modify as well as mix and match methods so as to create a new paradigm. Assembling Aces is a great example in that there's at least a dozen variants to it, including two or three (that I'm aware of) that used special card gaffs in conjunction with classic knuckle busting.
As I point out to people wanting to do Mentalism and relying on playing cards, find a way to create a different story for the effect that incorporates a vehicle other than a deck of cards (use post cards, photos, business cards, flash cards, etc.) and in doing so, you end up with a "New" effect . . . look at all the variations to OOTW that have surfaced in the past decade. I just read about one that uses newspaper clippings that's mind boggling and more important, designed to work as a Mentalism bit . . . well, more important to me, at least. ;-)
This may sound corny but try it, it works. . . set aside 20 minutes in the morning and 20-minutes in the evening to simply get quiet and focus on a concept -- an effect that you like but want to put a twist to. Simply visualize that effect as you know it and then, as you move deeper into relaxation, start asking yourself "What if?" What if I used this move here? Couldn't I use this gimmick at this point to get a stronger result? and so forth.
You WILL slowly at first, start finding solutions INCLUDING patter that would fit both, the routine and your personality. Don't be surprised if you start dreaming about the bit and too, if those dream sequences don't turn your thinking up-side-down, giving you a totally different -- and better -- bit of business. LET IT HAPPEN!
This is something I've used for years and I know of some rather notable effect developers that use the same or similar methods. Keep in mind, we're all unique in how our brain works, we just need to experiment with different methods until we find the one or two that give us the best end results.
ONE LAST THING. . . I get lots of inspiration by reading short stories and parables. I also borrow a lot from actual history and regional legends, so you may want to venture down this path as well.