Kidlin’s Law: Writing Down a Problem Solves Half of It
Great Writing Starts Before You Type
VijayWrites #125
Welcome to VijayWrites—where you’ll find inspiration, tips, and ideas to help you write better, master the art of copywriting, and make a career out of your words.
"If you write a problem down clearly and specifically, you have solved half of it."
That’s Kidlin’s Law in one sentence.
Kidlin’s Law is rooted in problem-solving and psychology.
The idea? The moment you write a problem down, it becomes smaller.
When thoughts stay in your head, they feel big and overwhelming.
But when you put them on paper, you start seeing patterns and solutions.
Think of it like untangling a messy knot.
When it’s jumbled, it’s impossible to fix.
But when you separate the strands, the solution becomes obvious.
This principle is used in therapy, business, and even crisis management—because writing forces clarity.
Writing does the same thing for your brain.
How This Applies to Writing and Freelancing
If you’re stuck while writing, chances are you don’t have a writing problem—you have a clarity problem.
You don’t know where to start.
You’re unsure what the piece should say.
You’re overwhelmed by too many ideas.
But instead of addressing the confusion, most writers just stare at the screen, hoping the words will magically appear.
They don’t.
The fix? Write down the problem before writing the content.
If you’re struggling with an article, write down what’s unclear—is it the structure? The argument? The examples?
If you don’t know what to write, write down the purpose of the piece—who it’s for, what they need, and what you want them to take away.
If you’re stuck in client work, write down exactly what’s missing—do you need more details? A clearer brief? A decision from the client?
Why a Detailed Brief Is the Key to Great Content
Ever noticed that some pieces flow effortlessly while others feel like a struggle?
It’s not about inspiration. It’s about having a solid brief.
A well-written brief gives you:
A clear goal
A structured outline
A deep understanding of the audience
The more detailed the brief, the easier the writing.
That’s why professional writers don’t just jump into writing—they spend time defining the problem first.
The Simple Fix: Write It Down Before You Write
Before starting your next piece, take five minutes to answer these questions:
What am I trying to say? (Main idea)
Who is this for? (Audience)
What do I want them to take away? (Key message)
What’s stopping me from writing? (The real problem)
Once you put the problem into words, the solution reveals itself.
Next, we’ll explore Gilbert’s Law—and how it can help you get paid more.