Every programmer goes through this stage. You can start by first building the logic for the problem. By logic, I don't mean that you directly start writing the code. Just think of how a particular problem can be solved, the inputs and outputs along with the edge cases. If needed, use a paper and pen and write in simple language your logic. Once you are satisfied, start coding the same. Also, do not spend more than an hour on building the logic if you have just started competitve programming. If after 1 hour you are unable to build a logic, see the solutions posted by others and go through atleast the top 3 solutions.Understand them and then proceed with your solution again. If required, search on Google too! Google search, GFG, and StackOverflow are going to be your best friends forever if you are a programmer. Hope this helps !!! :)