Chapter 1: Understanding the Nature of Problems

Every challenge can seem insurmountable when it feels beyond your control.

My father often reminded me that a significant issue is merely the accumulation of several smaller ones. I can vividly recall him sitting cross-legged on the couch, guiding me through the trials of growing up. Nowadays, I reflect on this wisdom in a whole new light. Let's dissect a major dilemma together.

In various freelancer and writer groups on social media, I frequently encounter queries such as:

• How can I acquire my first or more clients?
• What strategies can I employ to stay motivated to write daily?
• How do I carve out the time and energy to write effectively?

While these may seem like typical challenges with plenty of online solutions, any issue can feel daunting when it appears unsolvable. Additionally, some of the advice circulating online can be detrimental rather than beneficial.

Let’s reframe one of these concerns. For instance, consider the overarching issue: I can't seem to secure the clients I need.

Breaking Down the Big Problem:

• Smaller Issues:
  • I am unsure where my potential clients search for the services I provide.
  • I know the platforms my clients use, but I'm not adept at navigating them.
  • I lack clarity on what my clients seek when selecting a collaborator.
  • I’m uncertain what successful professionals in my field do to attract clients.
  • The longer it takes to find clients, the more it diminishes my confidence and motivation.

Albert Einstein once said, "If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions." Isn't that a more manageable approach?

If you still find it challenging, consider breaking down each of these smaller problems further. For instance, if you discover that various client demographics congregate in specific online spaces, you can analyze your target audience and focus your efforts on one or two of those platforms. This allows you to learn how to navigate these environments effectively, increasing your chances of connecting with the right audience more swiftly.

When I initially began writing on Medium, I was clueless about gaining traction. By deconstructing the issue into smaller components, I learned what to write, how to articulate it, where and when to post, and the mechanics of the platform itself.

I've started and paused my writing on Medium multiple times, and it usually takes me 5 to 6 months to regain my previous momentum. Why is that? Because this systematic method enables you to devise a coherent strategy. With a solid approach in place, nothing can hinder your progress.

So, take a step back. Address one minor issue at a time, then tackle another, and then another.

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