Why Most Writers Stop at Good and How to Go Beyond

When I picked up 10x Is Easier Than 2x, I expected another motivational framework—the kind you nod along to but rarely feel compelled to act upon. What I didn’t expect was a paradigm shift in how I view not just personal growth but also the craft of writing. One idea stood out: most people get to 80% because they feel it’s needed, but the remaining 20%? That requires want. That idea has been following me around like a shadow ever since.

In the world of writing, the gap between competence and excellence is exactly that—80% and 20%. Competence is where most writers stop because, frankly, it’s enough. It’s enough to get published, enough to gain a modest following, enough to meet the needs of most readers. But going beyond competence? Moving from good to great, or even legendary? That’s not about need anymore. That’s about want.

Competence Is the Default

Most writers approach the craft with a focus on what’s required. They learn grammar, story structure, and how to create compelling characters. They figure out pacing, learn to kill their darlings, and polish their prose until it’s sharp enough to hold the reader’s attention. All of this is essential. It’s the 80% that turns someone from an amateur into a competent writer—a professional, even.

And for many, this is where the journey ends. They’ve mastered what’s needed. Their writing is good enough to sell books, earn reviews, and sustain a career. But this level of competence, while respectable, is still grounded in need. It’s about meeting industry standards, fulfilling reader expectations, and ensuring your work is marketable. It’s the literary equivalent of a steady paycheck.

But competence is not artistry. It’s not mastery. It’s not the kind of writing that lingers in a reader’s mind long after they’ve turned the final page. To reach that level, you have to leave behind what’s merely needed and chase what you want.

The Leap to Excellence

Wanting is different. Wanting is about pursuing the unique voice, the bold risks, and the relentless refinement that separates the great from the merely good. It’s about deciding that "enough" isn’t enough for you—not because the market demands it, but because your own vision does.

This is where the 20% lives: in the territory of experimentation, vulnerability, and relentless self-improvement. It’s the writer who spends an extra month reworking a chapter because they’re not just aiming for clarity but for resonance. It’s the one who dares to tackle themes they’ve been avoiding, or who pours their soul into prose that might alienate as many readers as it captivates. It’s uncomfortable, often unrewarded in the short term, and entirely optional—which is why so few writers ever make the leap.

But those who do? They create the work that reshapes genres, challenges norms, and leaves readers breathless. They’re not just writers; they’re architects of meaning, sculptors of emotion, and pioneers of the human experience.

The Desires That Fuel Mastery

So, what separates the writers who push beyond competence into mastery? It often comes down to intrinsic motivation, which is driven by specific desires. Using the framework of Reiss Motivation Desires, we can identify the traits that naturally align with those willing to pursue the final 20% based on want.

High Desires That Contribute to Mastery

1. Curiosity (Desire for Knowledge)Writers with a high curiosity thrive on exploring ideas, themes, and perspectives for the sheer joy of discovery. This intrinsic desire often drives experimentation, research, and the pursuit of deeper meaning in their craft.

2. Power (Desire for Influence)A high desire for power, when framed through writing, manifests as the motivation to inspire, impact, or move others through stories. It’s about leaving a mark and creating work that resonates deeply.

3. Independence (Desire for Autonomy)Intrinsically motivated writers often have a strong desire for creative freedom, preferring to forge their own paths rather than conform to trends or external expectations. Independence fuels their willingness to experiment and take risks.

4. Honor (Desire for Integrity)A high sense of honor motivates writers to stay true to their vision and principles, even if it means facing rejection or criticism. They are driven by a commitment to authenticity and excellence.

5. Status (Desire for Achievement)While status can be extrinsic, for intrinsically motivated writers, it often manifests as a personal standard of excellence. They’re not chasing fame but the satisfaction of knowing they’ve produced something exceptional.

6. Idealism (Desire for Social Justice)Writers with high idealism are often motivated to explore themes of morality, justice, and societal change. Their intrinsic motivation stems from a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to the world.

7. Romance (Desire for Beauty)Writers with a high desire for beauty are often drawn to creating evocative, aesthetic prose and crafting stories that captivate the senses. This intrinsic drive can fuel their pursuit of excellence in the artistry of writing.

Low Desires That Also Support Mastery

1. Tranquility (Desire for Calm)Writers with a low need for tranquility are more willing to embrace discomfort and take risks. This resilience allows them to tackle challenging projects, push boundaries, and face potential failure without being paralyzed by fear.

2. Acceptance (Desire for Inclusion)A low need for acceptance means they are less concerned with external validation. These writers write primarily for themselves, driven by passion rather than the need for widespread approval.

3. Social Contact (Desire for Companionship)Writers with a low desire for social contact often work well in solitude, which is essential for deep, focused creative work. They’re comfortable spending long hours refining their craft without needing constant interaction.

4. Saving (Desire to Collect)A low desire for material accumulation frees writers from being overly focused on financial rewards or hoarding resources. This aligns with a focus on intrinsic fulfillment rather than external gain.

Why These Desires Matter

Those with these high or low desires are naturally aligned to:

• Pursue intrinsic goals: They’re motivated by personal passion and self-expression.

• Take risks: They’re not afraid of failure or discomfort in the pursuit of excellence.

• Focus deeply: They can commit to their craft without constant distraction or external approval.

• Push boundaries: They’re willing to move beyond safe, conventional choices to create truly innovative work.

Bringing It All Together

So yes, the furthest most writers get is competence, because that’s all that’s needed. But if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you don’t want to stop there. I’m guessing you want to see how far you can go—what you’re capable of when you stop settling for what’s needed and start chasing what you truly want.

By understanding which desires fuel your intrinsic motivation, you can harness them to propel yourself into the final 20%. Because in writing, as in life, 10x isn’t just easier than 2x. It’s better. It’s bolder. And it’s where your best work lives.