Frequently Asked Questions About the Seinfeld Method
As you begin to implement this simple system, questions will naturally arise. Here are answers to some of the most common queries we see, designed to give you clarity and confidence as you build your own chains of consistency.
1. How long does it actually take to form a habit?
You may have heard the popular myth that it takes 21 days to form a habit. However, research has shown this to be a significant oversimplification. A well-known study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that the average time it took for a new habit to feel automatic was 66 days, with a wide range from 18 to 254 days. The time depends heavily on the complexity of the habit, the individual, and the environment. The takeaway here is not to fixate on a magic number. Instead, focus on the process. The purpose of the Seinfeld Method is not to reach a finish line where the habit is “formed,” but to build a perpetual system of showing up. The consistency itself is the goal.
2. What should I do about sick days, travel, or holidays?
This is where the “all-or-nothing” mindset can be a real trap. The best approach is to plan for imperfection. For planned events like travel, you can create a “travel-mode” version of your habit that is even smaller and more portable, as discussed earlier. For unexpected disruptions like a sick day, the kindest and most effective approach is to give yourself grace. You can simply leave the box blank for that day and resume your chain the very next day, following the “never miss twice” rule. Some people like to make a different mark on the calendar for these days—like a circle or a dot—to signify a planned or unavoidable break, which can feel less disruptive than an empty square.
3. I’ve been consistent for weeks, but I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. What now?
Plateaus are a normal and expected part of any long-term journey of improvement. The initial excitement fades, and the work can start to feel routine or even boring. This is where your identity-based habit focus is so crucial. You are not doing this for a rush of motivation; you are doing it because this is who you are. During a plateau, it’s more important than ever to stick to your minimum viable action. Just keep showing up and marking the “X.” You can also introduce small variations to keep things fresh. If your habit is to practice piano scales, maybe you spend one day a week learning a tiny piece of a fun song instead. If your habit is to jog, maybe you explore a new route. The key is to maintain the core consistency while introducing just enough novelty to stay engaged.
4. Can I use this method for multiple goals at the same time?
While it’s technically possible to have multiple calendars for multiple habits, it is highly recommended that you start with just one. Building a new habit, even a tiny one, requires focus and mental energy. Attempting to change too many things at once is one of the most common reasons for failure. It divides your attention and depletes your willpower. Choose the single most important habit that will have the biggest positive impact on your life right now. Commit to it fully. Once that first chain is well-established and the behavior feels almost automatic, then, and only then, should you consider adding a second one. Master one stream of consistency before you try to branch out.
