Writing, Nerves, and Nuns
1 | “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” - Benjamin Franklin
Most people don't have anything interesting to say.
We found this out in the early 90s, when the internet was in its infancy.
If you aren't familiar with the 90-9-1 rule:
In most online communities, 90% of users are lurkers who never contribute, 9% of users contribute a little, and 1% of users account for almost all the action.
The internet may have made it easier to quantify this rule, but it feels applicable beyond our screens.
Look at the way people go through their daily lives: 90% are on autopilot, 9% float in and out of it, and 1% are driving themselves.
There's nothing wrong with this. Not everyone likes driving.
Many are happy to go from A to B without touching the wheel.
I, for better or worse, want to drive myself.
2 | "...most of us treat nervousness like a warning sign, not a sign that we're standing in front of something that matters." - Warpaint Journal
Reframing is a powerful tool, when I remember to use it.
It's easy to get caught up in the moment and let nervousness turn into panic. My monkey brain means I'm wired for those fight or flight responses.
I naturally want to avoid that feeling of nervousness. It's uncomfortable.
Yet, being comfortable with being uncomfortable is a superpower.
It's why schools of thought like Stoicism and religious concepts like dukkha in Buddhism exist.
Being nervous is a part of life.
Embracing discomfort is a part of growth.
Pushing "outside of my comfort zone" means I can make progress.
I am nervous starting this open journal.
Why even do this publicly? Is my writing worth sharing?
I am nervous writing on a regular basis.
Can I keep to a schedule? What if I miss a date?
I am nervous, and it's ok.
3 | "What do you call a sleepwalking nun?”
I can't help myself
thought starters.
#1
- The Economist Espresso Quote of the Day - 2026-1-17
- https://www.nngroup.com/articles/participation-inequality/