Don't Break the Chain

Overview

"Don't Break the Chain" is a simple habit-building method reportedly used by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The system uses visual tracking and momentum to build consistency in important daily behaviors.

How It Works

1. Choose a habit you want to build (e.g., writing daily, exercising, practicing)
2. Get a wall calendar that shows the whole year
3. Each day you complete the habit, mark a big X over that day
4. After a few days, you'll have a chain of X's
5. Your only job is to not break the chain
6. Don't break the chain!

Why It Works

Visual Progress: Seeing the chain grow provides tangible evidence of commitment.

Loss Aversion: We're more motivated to avoid breaking a streak than to start one.

Simplicity: Binary success/failure is clear and unambiguous.

Momentum: Longer chains create stronger motivation to continue.

No Excuses: System doesn't care about quality, just consistency.

Best Practices

• Start with just one habit
• Make the daily requirement small enough to do even on bad days
• Use a physical calendar in a visible location
• If you break the chain, start a new one immediately
• Celebrate milestone chains (30, 60, 100 days)
• Don't use for too many habits simultaneously

Digital Alternatives

• HabitBull
• Streaks (iOS)
• Habitica
• Simple habit tracking apps

Seinfeld's Original Habit

Seinfeld used this method to write jokes every day, treating comedy writing as a skill to be practiced daily rather than waiting for inspiration.