What’s the ultimate key to getting better at any skill? The answer lies in a strategy that legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld once shared – the power of practicing something every single day.
“Every day” may sound daunting, but here’s the secret: zero in on one day at a time, not a week, a month, or a year. It’s all about those small, daily actions that pave the way to achieving your goal.
Here’s how he explained it: When Jerry was still new to comedy, he knew he needed to write every day to get better. So, he got a big wall calendar that showed the whole year. Then, each day he spent time writing, he’d draw a big red ‘X’ over that day. After a few days, he had a chain of red ‘X’s. His goal? Don’t break the chain. This idea wasn’t just about writing—it was about getting better a little bit every day. The more red ‘X’s he had, the more he improved.
The Importance of Daily Action
Why the emphasis on daily practice? When you devote time each day to developing a skill, it soon becomes part of your routine. This repeated action becomes automatic over time, reducing the reliance on willpower, much like brushing your teeth every morning is a habit. Want to start something new? Do it every day.
The principle behind doing something every day is not just about consistency but also about continuous improvement. Think of it as aiming to be just 1% better every day. It may not sound like much, but these small increments add up significantly over time. If you improve by 1% every day for a year, you don’t end up 365% better by the end. Thanks to the magic of compounding, you end up over 37 times better! That’s a massive difference compared to just doing something once a month or year.
Tracking Your Progress with the Seinfeld Strategy
Jerry Seinfeld suggested using a calendar to stay motivated and track your progress. Every day you engage in your chosen activity, you mark that day on your calendar. Over time, you’ll create a chain of marks that keeps getting longer. The main objective? Don’t break the chain.
The Impact of the Unbroken Chain
The brilliance of the “Don’t Break the Chain” technique is its simplicity. It demands no intricate goal-setting or complex tracking systems. Just a straightforward commitment to daily practice and a visible way to record your progress. As your chain grows longer, so does your dedication to keep it intact. This visual commitment to mastering your skill is powerful.
But it’s essential to remember: the purpose of the chain isn’t to induce stress or fear of failure. It serves as a symbol of accomplishment and a tangible way to monitor your progress. If you break the chain, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, view it as an opportunity to start a new chain. The main goal is to keep moving forward.
This gradual improvement approach encourages us to focus on tiny, consistent progress rather than sporadic leaps. It’s a more sustainable way to learn, grow, and excel. So, while each day might feel like a small step, these daily practices compound into significant growth and mastery over time.
As you follow this method, remember this: Rome wasn’t built in a day, but bricks were laid every hour. The same principle applies here: every effort you make each day brings you closer to your goal. So, stay focused on the present, keep practicing, and maintain the chain!
