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Why the “Don’t Break the Chain” Productivity Method Has Its Flaws

And what you can do instead that will create lasting results.

AM Costanzo
Better Humans
7 min readJun 26, 2023

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Calendar with red X’s — except for one day and it makes the streak look broken.
Eeeekkkk — a day missed! Now what? Photo created in Canva by author

Congrats! You’re 53 days into a new diet, workout routine, writing habit, or something else that had you patting yourself on the back, and you’re feeling fierce!

You and consistency are tight right now and that “high-on-life” feeling is kickin’ in because you’re in the zone — that wall calendar is your proof. Look at that chain of red X’s, they’re endless and they’re GLORIOUS!

I know firsthand that awesome, unstoppable feeling that comes from a good streak — it used to be my go-to method when trying to accomplish things like writing every day or making time for a short daily walk.

But then, wouldn’t you know it, something would always pop up and break my streak.

There would be a kid at 3 am hacking like a sea lion with green snot pouring out from each nostril, or there’d be a phone call and I’d have to help my mother with something, or I’d be the one with the stomach virus, and instead of maintaining the streak, I’m left dealing with life and its refusal to get out of my way.

But it’s ok, it’s only one day.

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Better Humans
Better Humans

Published in Better Humans

Better Humans is one of the largest and oldest Medium’s publications on self-improvement and personal development. Our goal is to bring you the world’s most helpful writing on human potential.

AM Costanzo
AM Costanzo

Written by AM Costanzo

Accountant turned Graphic Designer turned Personal Trainer turned Writer. I write about wellness, mindfulness, fitness and doing that thing that lights you up!

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