The 90% Rule of Writing
Why the Real Work Happens Before You Type
I got home from primary school one day, excited, and exclaimed to my mom…
"Look, Mom! I got 90% on my math test!"
Her response?
"What happened to the other 10%?"
You might think that’s the reaction of an overachiever. Well, that’s because you don’t have Indian parents. 😂
To me, 90% is a very respectable score.
In mathematics, there’s the rule of rounding off.
But I think High School Physics describes it better with a term called negligible—like how friction and air resistance is sometimes ignored in equations.
Yes, we know it’s there, but we choose to focus on the bigger picture.
If you think about it, you can apply this rule to most things in life. If you can get to 90% of your goal, you’re basically there.
The last 10%? That’s just admin, the minor details.
Diving Deeper: Expanding on the Viral Note
I’m writing this post in response to the unreal engagement my note sparked on Substack.
Honestly, I wasn’t ready for it—I’ve only been on Substack for just over a month! Responding to the comments and interacting with people who resonated with the message made me want to dive deeper.
In this post, I’ll break down each point from my original note, sharing what it means to me. Many of the thoughts in this post were refined through the incredible insights shared in the comments.
Throughout this piece, I’ll be tagging writers who inspired specific sections. And at the end, I’ll give a special shoutout to everyone else who contributed to shaping these ideas Let’s get into it.
“Taking Long Walks” 🚶
Any time away from a screen is a blessing—especially time in nature. Our true home. Some people don’t have any relationship with nature, but whether you find yourself immersed in the beauty of the outdoors or just sitting in silence, the key is realizing that stillness is where creativity thrives. It’s in the quiet moments that our thoughts are the loudest.
reminded me that long, therapeutic walks—paired with a sidekick of tea or coffee—have a way of getting those extra creative juices flowing[
; ; ; ; ; ]“Blocking the Internet” 🛜
This one struck a chord with many readers. As mentioned, time alone is what sparks curiosity. Social media, podcasts, and online engagement all have their place, but the real magic happens when you embrace the silence, eliminate distractions, and allow your thoughts to churn freely.
I wrote a post about winning the war with your mind and eliminating distractions—you might find it helpful. ( CLICK HERE TO READ )
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“Doing Interesting Things” 🪂
This one is simple: the more you do, the more you have to write about. But people overcomplicate it
Many think they need to go jumping out of planes ejecting parachutes or travel to an exotic location. Not true.
People don’t realize that they are probably already doing things that others would find interesting.
What is the only difference between them and someone else ‘having more success’?
They document and share their experiences while others keep them locked up.
Maybe you hit the gym, collect comics, have pets, game hard, or binge movies
Someone’s out there doing the exact same thing— just sharing along the way
There’s always something to share. The people who gain traction aren’t necessarily doing the most interesting things—they’re just brave enough to show up, document the process, and connect with others along the way.
“Capturing Ideas Everywhere” 💡
I recently started a habit that changed my life: whenever inspiration strikes—wherever I am—I immediately jot it down in my phone’s notes app.
After doing this for a while, I noticed something interesting. When I’d have a similar thought later, I’d remember that I had already saved it and could quickly find it.
Ideas are like butterflies—they land on your shoulder for a brief moment…
Then Poof! They’re gone. 🦋
Some writers prefer pen and paper. There’s something special about physically writing things down—it engraves the idea in your mind.
Whatever method works for you, make it effortless and easy to review. I personally stopped using notebooks after realizing my rushed handwriting was unreadable. 😂
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; ; ; ; ]“Listening to People's Questions” 👂
There’s a difference between hearing and listening. (I can hear my mom telling me this for the hundredth time. 😂)
How often do you find that while someone is speaking, you’re already forming our response instead of actually listening to what they’re saying.
This is one reason I love podcasts—
Some of my favorites are: The Tim Ferriss Show, Joe Rogan, and Mark Manson’s.
I love podcasts purely for the back-and-forth conversations.
There’s something about hearing real discussions, especially when differing opinions come into play.
A great podcaster stands out when they truly listen—because you can tell. Their follow-up questions don’t just skim the surface; they show real understanding, the kind that only comes from being fully engaged in the conversation.
“When You Do These Every Day, Strong Writing Is Simply a Byproduct”
This is something I truly believe. These habits have made sitting down to write almost effortless for me.
What works for you? Do you have other habits that help with creativity and writing? Which of these is the hardest for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment—I’m excited to keep the conversation going. 🚀
There were also so many thoughtful perspectives that didn’t fit neatly into one section but still added depth to this conversation—thank you for sharing!
So to any others I’ve forgotten to mention—thank you. Your time refining this piece and reading my work means more than you know. Truly appreciated.
Thanks for reading! 🚀
Here’s the solution to Monday Mind Gym Challenge #5
If you want to give it a shot first, head over to the link. ( Find hint inside)
Otherwise, click below to see the solution
🚀 If you enjoyed this be sure to subscribe for a challenge every Monday
— Rylan
Beautifully written! I love that quote “ideas are like butterflies”
Awesome 🔥🔥
I learned a lot