Jonathan Mann’s 70-20-10 Rule: Creativity Cycle That Leads to Productivity

There is a strong relationship between productivity and creativity.

Creative individuals often complete tasks faster and more effectively. They know how to get things done.

If you want to be productive, be creative with how you:

• Manage your time.

• Spend your energy.

• Utilise your attension span.

• Organise your activities.

• Maintain a strong mindset.

Creativity, however, is a journey that is not typically linear. It can be frustrating and discouraging if one doesn’t achieve the expected result.

The good news is there is a pattern to creativity that leads to productivity.

Regardless of the profession, be it writing, painting, coding, or others, there’s a frequently unspoken truth: not all of your output will be exceptional.

In fact, according to the 70-20-10 rule by Jonathan Mann, a renowned songwriter, 70% of your work will be average, 20% will be subpar, and only 10% will be extraordinary.

The 70%: The Backbone of Productivity

The fact that the vast majority of your work falls into the “average” category can be disheartening.

However, it’s crucial to understand that average does not equate to failure. Average work forms the foundation of consistent productivity.

By doing average work, you’ll likely observe patterns which, if you get used to, you’ll likely be faster with.

Accepting this aspect of our output means recognizing that every piece of work contributes to the bigger picture, even if it’s not revolutionary.

To be productive, you’ll need to build speed while doing these average tasks.

The 20%: The Inevitable Failures

No one enjoys producing subpar work, but it’s an unavoidable part of the creative process. Failures teach you what doesn’t work.

As Thomas Edison famously stated, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This mindset reframes failure from a negative outcome to a vital part of the learning process.

The 20% of your work that is subpar is crucial for several reasons:

• Learning from Failure: Subpar work provides clear, often harsh feedback. It highlights what doesn’t work, compelling you to confront mistakes and misunderstandings. This feedback loop is invaluable for growth.

• Experimentation: Pushing boundaries often leads to failure. When you strive to innovate, some ideas will not succeed. Accepting this allows you to take risks, which are essential for breakthrough moments.

• Resilience Building: Facing and overcoming failure builds resilience. It teaches you to persevere despite setbacks, a trait essential for long-term success.

To be productive, you have to quickly stop what does not work and focus on improving what works.

The 10%: The Exceptional Amidst the Ordinary

Then there’s the 10%—the exceptional creative work that stands out, the work that we are genuinely proud of.

These are the projects that exceed expectations, the ideas that deeply resonate, and the outcomes that receive recognition.

Now that you’ve discovered what works and brings out the best in you, you can construct a system around it to amplify the impact of what works on your productivity.

Practical Implications: Navigating the Distribution to Enhance Productivity

• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that not everything you produce will be extraordinary. Aim for consistency and growth rather than perfection.

• Leverage the 70%: Use your average work as a learning tool. Reflect on it to identify areas for improvement and to build a robust foundation of experience.

• Learn from the 20%: Don’t shy away from failure. Analyze what went wrong and why. Each failure is a step closer to success.

• Celebrate the 10%: When you do create something exceptional, acknowledge it. Celebrate your successes and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.

• Continuous Improvement: Always strive to learn and grow. Use feedback, both positive and negative, to refine your craft.

By accepting that the majority of your work will be average, some will fail, and a small fraction will be exceptional, you can approach your craft with a healthier mindset, use your time wisely, and be unafraid to try new things.