Understanding Kidlin’s Law - A Guide to Getting Things Done

        In the world of productivity and efficiency, several “laws” or principles help us manage time and work better. One such lesser-known but powerful principle is Kidlin’s Law. This law highlights a simple but often overlooked truth—

"If you write a problem down clearly, you’re halfway to solving it.”

Kidlin's Law

        This statement emphasises the importance of clarity and written expression in solving problems, whether in studies, work, or personal life. Let’s explore what Kidlin’s Law really means, see some practical examples, and learn how you can use it effectively.

Kidlin’s Law - 

       Kidlin’s Law suggests that problems often feel more complicated in our minds than they actually are. When we keep everything in our heads, ideas tend to feel scattered and overwhelming. But as soon as we write down the problem, it becomes clearer, more concrete, and easier to tackle.

In essence,

• Writing down a problem forces you to define it.
• Defining the problem properly reveals possible solutions.
• Once written, the problem seems less intimidating and more actionable.

Kidlin’s Law in Action—

Example 1 - In Studies

    A student feels stuck while preparing for exams, thinking, “I have so much to study, I don’t know where to start.”

By applying Kidlin’s Law—

• The student writes down each subject and topic they need to cover.
• Breaks it into small tasks: e.g., “Finish Chapter 1 of History”, “Solve 10 Math problems”, etc.
• Suddenly, the workload feels organised and manageable.

Writing down the problem—“I feel overwhelmed because I don’t have a plan”—helps the student create a clear strategy.

Example 2—At Work

    An employee is facing a project deadline and feels stuck because of too many competing tasks.

Applying Kidlin’s Law—

• They write down the core problem - “I don’t know which task to prioritise.”
• List out all tasks and their deadlines.
• Identify the most urgent and important ones.
• This helps them focus and progress systematically.

Example 3—In Personal Life

    Someone feels stressed because they think “my life is out of control.”

    By writing their worries down—finances, health, relationships—they can see specific issues and work on them one at a time.

How to Use Kidlin’s Law in Studies and Work Life - 

1. When you feel confused or overwhelmed, stop and grab a notebook or digital tool.
2. Write down the exact problem in one or two sentences.
3. Break the problem into smaller, more specific questions or tasks.
4. Brainstorm possible solutions next to each smaller part.
5. Take action on the first manageable step.

Note—In studies, personal and professional life, etc, this habit not only clears mental clutter but also boosts productivity and confidence.

Why Does It Work?

• Writing engages a different part of your brain than thinking alone.
• It externalizes the problem, making it feel smaller and solvable.
• It prevents you from overthinking or forgetting key details.
• It helps in prioritizing and organizing tasks logically.

Final Thoughts—

        Kidlin’s Law reminds us of the power of writing to bring clarity to our thoughts. Instead of letting problems swirl around in your mind, take a moment to articulate them on paper. Whether you’re a student struggling to prepare for exams, a professional managing projects, or someone dealing with personal challenges, writing down your problems is the first big step toward resolving them.

So next time you feel stuck, remember—

Write it down. You’re already halfway there.

 

- Tanmay Bhati