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We’ve all been there: staring at a problem that feels like a tangled knot. You brainstorm, overthink, and loop in circles. But what if I told you the solution starts before you even act?

Enter Kidlin’s Law: “If you write the problem down clearly, the matter is half solved.”

This isn’t just feel-good advice. It’s neuroscience, strategy, and psychology rolled into one. Here’s why it works—and how to apply it:

1. Writing Forces Precision

Vague problems breed vague solutions. When you write, you’re forced to answer:

  • What exactly is broken?
  • When/where does it happen?
  • Who is impacted?

Example: Instead of “Sales are down,” write “Q3 sales dropped 15% in the Midwest region due to delayed product launches.”

Result: You stop chasing ghosts and target the real issue.

2. It Separates You from the Problem

Emotions cloud judgment. Writing externalizes the problem, turning it into an objective puzzle to solve. Think of it as hitting “pause” on panic.

Pro tip: Use neutral language. Replace “Why am I failing?” with “What specific actions are not yielding expected results?”

3. Reveals Hidden Patterns

Ever notice how problems feel smaller on paper? Writing exposes gaps, contradictions, or assumptions you didn’t realize you’d made.

Example: A team struggling with “poor communication” might realize, after writing, that the real issue is too many tools (Slack, email, meetings) causing fragmentation.

4. Creates a Blueprint for Action

A clear problem statement becomes your North Star. It answers:

  • What does success look like?
  • What’s the first step?
  • How will we measure progress?

Without this, even brilliant ideas can fizzle out.

How to Write a Killer Problem Statement

Use this template:

“The problem is [specific issue], which is causing [impact]. If solved, it will [benefit].”

Example:
“The problem is inconsistent customer onboarding, which is causing a 30% churn rate in the first 90 days. If solved, it will increase retention and lifetime revenue.”

The Catch? It’s Harder Than It Looks.

Writing with clarity requires brutal honesty. Avoid:

  • Blame (“Marketing isn’t doing their job”)
  • Jargon (“Synergy gaps”)
  • Overcomplication (“The cross-functional paradigm lacks alignment”)

Final Thought

Kidlin’s Law isn’t magic—it’s discipline. The next time you’re stuck, don’t jump to solutions. Sit down, write, and watch the fog lift.

What problem will you clarify today? 🖊️

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