Kidlin’s law

An idea worth thinking about

Kidlin’s law

Kidlin’s law states that if you write a problem down clearly, the matter is half solved.

What I’ve learned through years of helping both teams and individuals solve what seemed to them insurmountable problems is this: if the problem does not feel half solved after you write it, it is not because it does not fit the law but because it has not yet been written clearly enough.

A concept worth thinking about

Deficit-based thinking

This is a learned cultural and educational pattern of looking for gaps to fix rather than strengths to build on.

A common trap in leadership is pointing out where someone is unskilful rather than focusing on where they are already skilful and helping them expand.

The result of pointing to someone’s lack is usually resistance. They become someone who cannot grow, and you see someone who cannot be grown.

A science worth knowing about

Allostasis

Allostasis is how your body keeps you stable while adapting to change.

Unlike homeostasis, which is about holding things steady, allostasis adjusts your heart rate, stress hormones, and focus so you can meet the demands in front of you.

Allostasis plays a big part in determining your energy. It factors in current activity and the brain’s prediction of future energy demands.

What this means is that your energy right now is largely determined by the meaning you attach to your life, responsibilities, obligations, expectations and promises.

It is not what is happening but the meaning you attach to what is happening.

A strategy worth applying

Active meaning making

We are meaning-making animals.

The meanings we make around events literally determine our feelings, actions and quality of life.

I failed > I’m a failure > I don’t have what it takes > I should give up.

I tried > I learned > I’m resilient > What now? > Repeat.

If you had to choose just one of these to explore this week, which would it be?