Solve a Smaller Problem First

Introduction: The Overwhelming Nature of Big Problems

We've all been there—staring at a massive, seemingly unsolvable problem that leaves us feeling stuck, demotivated, and, frankly, a little hopeless. Whether it's a business challenge, a personal goal, or even a global crisis, big problems have a way of paralyzing us into inaction. But what if the secret to solving these overwhelming problems isn't to tackle them head-on but to start small?

Let’s talk about why breaking things down into bite-sized, manageable pieces is the way to go.

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Some problems are too big to solve. At least, not all at once. The mistake people make is assuming that big problems require big solutions. They don’t. The best way to solve a big problem is to first solve a smaller one.

This is something startup founders understand instinctively, but it applies everywhere. If you try to build a billion-dollar company from day one, you’ll fail. But if you solve one small, painful problem for a handful of users, you might just be onto something. Stripe didn’t set out to “fix payments worldwide.” They just made it easier for developers to accept credit cards online. Amazon didn’t start by building the everything store. They just sold books.

This isn’t just about startups. It’s about everything. Writing a book? Don’t try to “write a book.” Write one good page. Learning a skill? Don’t try to master it overnight. Get good at one small part of it. Big problems feel overwhelming because they are. The trick is to carve out a piece that’s small enough to handle, but still useful.

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Why This Works

The obvious reason is that smaller problems are easier to solve. But there’s something deeper going on. When you solve a smaller problem, you do three things:

1. Momentum breeds motivation. Once you make progress on something small, your confidence builds, making larger issues feel less intimidating.
2. Small solutions add up. Solving interconnected minor issues often leads to solving the overarching problem itself.
3. You get feedback. Reality tells you if you’re on the right track.
4. You learn what actually matters. The smaller problem you solve first will reveal what the bigger problem actually is.
5. You avoid the "analysis paralysis" trap. Overthinking a large problem often leads to no action at all. Smaller problems require immediate, actionable steps.
6. It’s how nature works. Evolution, technology, and even human learning happen incrementally, not all at once.

Think of it like climbing a mountain. If you stare at the peak, it feels impossible. But if you just focus on getting to the next ridge, you’ll get there eventually. And by the time you do, you’ll have learned something about how to climb.

This is how hard problems are solved. People think breakthroughs happen all at once. They don’t. They happen in layers. The Wright brothers didn’t invent the airplane in one shot. They first figured out how to control gliders. Then they added an engine. Then they tested. And failed. And tested again. Each time, solving a smaller problem until they had something that worked.

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The Illusion of “Big Thinking”

Some people resist this idea because they want to “think big.” But thinking big isn’t the same as solving big problems. In fact, it often prevents people from solving anything at all.

You’ve probably met someone who has a “huge idea” but no plan. They talk about revolutionizing industries, but never ship anything. Why? Because they’re trying to eat the whole elephant in one bite. The ones who succeed start small. Airbnb didn’t begin by “disrupting hospitality.” They just helped people rent out their air mattresses.

Ironically, starting small is the best way to think big. When you solve a real problem, no matter how small, it expands. The first users of Facebook were Harvard students. The first users of PayPal were eBay sellers. The first Tesla Roadster wasn’t a mass-market car. It was an expensive toy for rich people who liked tech. But once they solved a problem for a small group, they could move up the stack.

The world is full of people trying to solve problems that are too big. They end up doing nothing. The ones who succeed? They solve a small problem first.

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Where This Fails

Of course, not every problem can be broken down this way. Some problems really are all-or-nothing. If you’re designing a bridge, you can’t just build half of it. But even then, you can prototype a smaller version. You can test materials. You can solve small engineering challenges first.

The danger isn’t in starting small. It’s in staying small. Some people get stuck solving small problems that don’t lead anywhere. They spend years tweaking something insignificant, avoiding the bigger challenge. That’s the other trap—mistaking busy work for progress.

The key is to start with a small problem that matters. One that’s painful. One that real people need solved. If you do that, the path forward will reveal itself.

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The Science Behind Breaking Down Challenges

Cognitive psychology and behavioral science back this method up.

• The Zeigarnik Effect: This psychological principle states that incomplete tasks create mental tension, pushing us toward completion. Solving smaller problems first helps reduce mental clutter, making it easier to solve larger ones.
• The Progress Principle: Research from Harvard Business School found that small wins boost our motivation more than major breakthroughs. Consistently solving small problems gives us a sense of achievement and control.
• Neuroscience of Dopamine: Small accomplishments trigger dopamine release in the brain, reinforcing positive habits and making us want to continue problem-solving.

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Strategies for Tackling Small Problems First

So, how do you actually put this method into action?

1. Identify the Core Problem and Its Components

• Break down the big issue into smaller, more defined problems.
• List out the barriers preventing progress.

2. Start With the Easiest or Most Impactful Task

• Pick a problem that can be solved quickly to gain momentum.
• If possible, choose something that will have a ripple effect on other problems.

3. Use the 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

• Focus on the 20% of tasks that will yield 80% of the results.

4. Implement the “Two-Minute Rule”

• If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
• This prevents procrastination and builds progress.

5. Keep Track of Progress

• Use a journal, an app, or even a sticky note system to track completed small wins.
• Seeing progress fuels continued effort.

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The Psychological Benefits of Incremental Progress

• Reduces stress and anxiety by making problems feel manageable.
• Builds resilience—small wins help develop a "can-do" attitude.
• Enhances problem-solving skills over time by training your brain to think in steps.
• Strengthens habits and discipline, leading to greater long-term success.

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Solving Small Problems

• Mistaking activity for progress – Don’t just do busy work; focus on tasks that genuinely contribute to solving the big problem.
• Perfectionism – Small wins don’t need to be perfect. The goal is progress, not perfection.
• Giving up too soon – Just because progress is slow doesn’t mean it’s not working. Keep going!
• Forgetting to reassess – Regularly step back and ensure your small solutions are leading toward the bigger goal.

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Real-World Examples of Small Steps Leading to Big Wins

1. SpaceX and the Modular Approach to Space Travel

Instead of trying to build an all-in-one perfect spacecraft, Elon Musk’s SpaceX focused on solving smaller engineering challenges (reusable rockets, cost-effective launches), leading to groundbreaking progress.

2. Weight Loss and Fitness Journeys

Most successful fitness transformations don’t start with extreme dieting or grueling workouts. They start with small habit changes—like drinking more water or walking daily—leading to sustainable progress.

3. Coding and Software Development

No one builds a complex software system overnight. Programmers develop in iterations, debugging small errors before releasing a final product.

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What to Do Next

If you’re stuck on a big problem, don’t try to solve it all at once. Look for the smallest part that you can solve today. It should be:

• A real problem (not just an idea)
• Solvable with your current resources (not something that needs millions of dollars)
• Painful enough that people will care (not just a minor inconvenience)

Next time you’re faced with a daunting challenge, don’t ask, “How do I solve this massive issue?” Instead, ask, “What’s the smallest thing I can solve right now that will help?”

And then, get to work. One small win at a time.