Don't Break the Chain

Jan 13, 2026

Exploring the balance between caring what others think and staying true to oneself, the discussion dives into a pivotal conversation with Jerry Seinfeld about the importance of consistency. Seinfeld's 'Don't Break the Chain' principle emphasizes daily practice as a pathway to success. The narrative highlights how showing up regularly can surpass raw talent. Listeners are encouraged to focus on daily habits, marking progress and building momentum, reinforcing that personal growth is about competing with one's past self.

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ANECDOTE

Client's Misread Compliment

Scott recounts a client's compliment that he 'could care less' what people think, which surprised him.
He clarifies that he does care about opinions but returns to himself to avoid being derailed.

INSIGHT

Care Without Losing Yourself

Caring about others' opinions doesn't mean you must abandon who you are.
Coming back to your true self lets you act with consideration while staying consistent with your values.

ANECDOTE

Backstage Lesson From Jerry Seinfeld

Scott Smith describes meeting Jerry Seinfeld backstage in 1986 and their conversation about craft and discipline.
Seinfeld explained his habit of writing daily and putting a red X on the calendar to avoid breaking the chain.

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My client Ralph said something that threw me off. He thinks I don't care what anybody thinks about me. That couldn't be further from the truth.

I care deeply. Maybe too much sometimes.

But I also know that if I keep showing up and doing my thing, the rest takes care of itself. It's not about ignoring feedback. It's about staying consistent with who you are. And that reminded me of a backstage conversation I had with Jerry Seinfeld back in 1986 that changed how I approach everything.

His secret? Never break the chain.

Featured Story

Back in 1986, I got a call from an event promoter. Could I introduce Jerry Seinfeld and do a warmup set? Free dinner, bar tab, and hangout time with Jerry? Obviously yes.

The show hadn't hit yet. Jerry was still touring, living on the road, wearing himself out. We had a great conversation backstage. I asked how he manages to keep going.

His answer was simple. "I write every day. I put a big red X on the calendar. Eventually there's a chain of X's. My goal is never to break the chain." Years later, I've done 14,000 podcasts using that exact principle. Consistency wins.

Important Points

• Consistency beats talent when talent doesn't show up - just keep doing it daily and the average people fade away.

• You don't need permission or approval to get good at what you do - just show up and put in the repetitions daily.

• Your only competition is yesterday's version of yourself - focus there and opportunities will find you naturally.

Memorable Quotes

• "If you want to be good at anything, you're going to have to do it a lot, truly a ridiculous amount of repetitions."

• "Get good at what you do and just keep doing it every single day. You can truly do anything with that approach."

• "Average people will fade away. Your chance will come if you show up consistently every day and never break the chain."

Scott's Three-Step Approach

• Decide what consistency looks like for your goal - three days a week, daily, whatever works, then commit to it.

• Show up and do it every single day regardless of how you feel - put the X on the calendar no matter what happens.

• Keep the chain going until the compound effect kicks in and average people naturally fade from your competition.

Chapters

0:02 - When your client accidentally roasts you

0:28 - Do I really not care what people think?

1:28 - Why I keep showing up even in bad years

4:03 - Jerry Seinfeld's green room wisdom in 1986

5:40 - The brutal truth about consistency

6:47 - How to beat people who fall up

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