Don't Break the Chain!

Comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, developed a daily habit that he called ‘don’t break the chain’. Seinfeld would reserve time alone each day to work on new comedic ideas. When he had spent that time, he would put a big red ‘X’ that day on a calendar that hung on the wall. The X’s would begin to line up day after day and create a ‘chain’ of red across the calendar. Seinfeld would then use the calendar to keep himself motivated to continue working on this craft by refusing to break the chain. He was often heard saying ‘don’t break the chain’ when time commitments began to press in on his daily habit. Seinfeld’s example is a wonderful reminder of the importance of matching daily habits with larger goals. Degrees, physical fitness, weight loss, skill development, and professional ‘craft’ development all become attainable when we create a consistent daily habit.

One final thought; Seinfeld began this habit long before any of us knew who Seinfeld was. Significant goal attainment requires significant commitment and consistency for a significant amount of time. I always say to my players, the small work matters when you have a big vision!

Start your own chain today; and don’t break it!