Overwhelmed by a Big Problem? Here’s How to Break It Down with AI

Big problems don’t need big solutions — they need simple AI prompts.

Most of us stare at a complex challenge and freeze. But here’s the thing: AI doesn’t. Not because it’s smarter than you — but because it’s better at asking small questions.

Let’s fix that.

TL;DR

• AI is really good at breaking down complex problems into smaller steps.
• Using Chain-of-Thought prompting, you can teach AI to reason like a human.
• These prompts can improve your clarity, accuracy, and decision-making.
• You don’t need to be a programmer — you just need the right structure.

Why Complex Problems Stay Stuck

Your Brain’s Wired for Simplicity

We like simple. Our brains are designed to avoid cognitive overload. Big, messy challenges? They trigger mental gridlock.

AI, on the other hand, doesn’t flinch. It works best when you break down a question into pieces and walk it through each one. This is exactly what makes it such a powerful thinking partner.

The First Principles Approach (AI Knows This One Too)

First principles thinking is all about stripping an idea down to its core. Instead of building on assumptions, you start from zero.

This is how Marie Curie questioned the basics of radiation instead of just accepting existing theories — and how AI tackles tough questions. It analyzes the base layers, not the surface clutter (LinkedIn).

How AI Solves Problems Step-by-Step

Enter: Chain-of-Thought Prompting

This is one of the best ways to make AI think like a human.

Instead of asking for one answer, you guide the model to walk through its reasoning. Think: “Let’s solve this step by step.”

This technique increases accuracy, helps you follow its logic, and makes your own thinking easier to debug (Galileo AI).

Example Prompt:

I’m struggling with burnout. Can you help me solve this using small steps? Let’s start by identifying potential causes, then break those into manageable changes.

Now you’re not just dumping a problem onto the bot — you’re giving it a path.

The Science of Why This Works

A study by Anthropic shows that Chain-of-Thought prompts lead to significantly more accurate and explainable responses than traditional ones (Anthropic).

This lines up with how our brains work: when we walk through each step out loud (or on paper), we catch errors earlier, stay grounded, and reduce overwhelm.

In other words: good prompts help your brain as much as they help the bot.

How to Build an AI Prompt That Solves Big Problems

Start with the Real Problem (Not the Surface One)

Don’t just say “I’m stuck.”

Try: “I’m trying to launch a new offer, but I’m overwhelmed by decisions. Can you help me break it down using first principles?”

The more context you give, the smarter the output.

Use the “Step-by-Step” Rule

This one’s gold: tell the AI exactly what you want it to do.

Ask it to:

• Think step-by-step
• Break the problem into parts
• Ask you clarifying questions before jumping to solutions

Add Constraints (Less Is More)

AI loves constraints. So do humans.

Add details like:

• “Give me just 3 options.”
• “Use bullet points.”
• “Keep responses under 200 words.”

Now your thinking gets more focused, not more cluttered.

Where This Works Best

In Decision-Making

AI is surprisingly great at walking you through tradeoffs.

Want to choose between two offers? Or decide whether to start a new project? Prompt it to lay out pros and cons — then ask which assumptions matter most.

In Strategy Sessions (With Yourself or a Team)

Planning a launch, campaign, or system?

Start with: “Help me break down this big goal into milestones, then show me the blockers at each phase.”

Boom. Instant roadmap.

In Stuck Moments

Sometimes you don’t need a full answer. You just need the next best question.

That’s what AI does well: giving you frictionless momentum.

Try: “Ask me 3 questions to help me think clearer about X.”

Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

Mistake 1: Asking for One Big Answer

AI works better when you work with it. Guide it.

Instead of: “How do I fix my business?”

Try: “Help me break down which parts of my business feel most unclear. Let’s list them, then go one-by-one.”

Mistake 2: Skipping Clarification

Let it ask you questions. Give it feedback. The better your back-and-forth, the better the thinking gets.

Mistake 3: Treating AI Like Google

This isn’t a search bar. It’s a collaborator.

Don’t just ask it to find things — ask it to structure things, test ideas, and build frameworks with you.

The Secret: AI Isn’t a Genius. It’s a Mirror.

It’s not about the model being brilliant.

It’s about you using a tool that slows your thinking down in a good way.

By forcing ideas to unfold step-by-step, it makes big ideas smaller — and way more manageable.

And that’s exactly what good problem-solving needs.