Roya Bloom

If you don’t define the problem, you’re solving the wrong one.

Kidlin’s Law states:

“If you write down a problem clearly, half of the work is done.”

It sounds simple. Obvious, even. But that’s what makes it so powerful—and so often ignored.

Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed at work or during your studies. How clearly could you describe what the actual problem was? Vague thoughts like “I have too much to do” or “this is stressful” don’t count. Kidlin’s Law tells us that clarity is the gateway to control.

What Kidlin’s Law Really Means

The moment we write down a problem, it transforms. It’s no longer a blurry mental fog—it becomes visible, defined, and, most importantly, solvable.

Writing forces us to slow down and sort the signal from the noise. It turns overwhelm into structure. It turns confusion into next steps.

This applies in every aspect of life—from boardrooms to classrooms to our own internal worries.

In Professional Life

At work, Kidlin’s Law shows up when:

• Meetings spin in circles because no one has written out the actual issue.
• Projects stall because tasks are assumed, not articulated.
• Teams get stuck in busyness instead of progress.

Leaders who embrace this law ask their team: “What are we really trying to solve?” And they ask it in writing. Problem definitions go from vague concepts to one-sentence summaries. That’s where alignment and momentum begin.

Tip: Start every team discussion or project doc with:
→ “Here’s the problem we’re solving.”

It will change the trajectory.

In Studying and Learning

Students often get stuck not because they’re lazy, but because their study challenges are too abstract.

“I don’t understand this subject” isn’t a problem.
→ “I don’t understand how to apply this formula in word problems” is.

By forcing ourselves to write down exactly what we don’t understand, we begin to shrink the unknown.

Use it like this:

• Before studying: Write one sentence defining what you aim to learn.
• When stuck: Write the specific obstacle.
• When reviewing: Write your key insights.

Reflection in writing is half the path to mastery.

In Life and Self-Development

Kidlin’s Law isn’t just tactical—it’s therapeutic.

Anxiety often stems from undefined thoughts swirling around in our heads. Writing them down brings form to the formless. Journaling. Lists. Mind maps. Sketches on napkins. It doesn’t matter where—it matters that the problem becomes visible.

Want clarity? Make the invisible, visible.

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The Bottom Line: You can’t fix what you haven’t defined. You can’t control what you haven’t captured.

That’s the power of Kidlin’s Law. A written problem is no longer a weight—it’s a blueprint.

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Explore the full series: The 6 Laws That Secretly Influence Your Focus, Time, and Decisions