Jerry Seinfeld ‘s 10 Tips on How to Write Better
Jerry Seinfeld, a name synonymous with comedy, is not just a performer but a master craftsman of the written word. Today we’ll delve into the writing process and philosophy of one of the most successful comedians of our time. Drawing insights from David Perell’s “How I Write” podcast, we’ll explore how Seinfeld approaches the art of writing and what aspiring writers can learn from his methods.
1. The Comedian as a Writer
Many people think of Jerry Seinfeld primarily as a performer, but at his core, he’s a writer. As Seinfeld himself puts it:
“I wrote all my comedy. I wrote it at night.”
This perspective shift is crucial. Comedians aren’t just naturally funny people cracking jokes; they’re dedicated writers who spend countless hours crafting and refining their material.
2. The Power of Silence and Solitude
While Seinfeld performs to large crowds, his creative process is quite the opposite:
- He spends his days in silence
- Works alone, focusing on writing
- Prefers paper and pen for ideation
This contrast between the public performer and the solitary writer highlights the importance of finding quiet time for creativity.
3. The Obsession with Craft
What sets Seinfeld apart is his obsessive approach to refining his work. He’s known for:
- Shaving letters off words
- Counting syllables
- Saving every piece of writing in an accordion folder
This level of attention to detail demonstrates the commitment required to excel in any creative field.
4. The Writer’s Mindset
Seinfeld emphasizes the importance of embracing the difficulty of writing. He believes that the problem isn’t that writing is hard, but that people expect it to be easy. Here’s a key quote that encapsulates his philosophy:
“There’s nothing I revile quite as much as a dilettante. I don’t like doing something to a mediocre level… Get good at something. That’s it. Everything else is out.”
This mindset of pursuing excellence and accepting the challenges of the craft is fundamental to Seinfeld’s success.
5. The Myth of Writer’s Block
One of Seinfeld’s most controversial views is his stance on writer’s block. Simply put:
“There’s no such thing as writer’s block.”
He believes that writer’s block is a myth that writers use as an excuse. Instead, he advocates for a disciplined approach to writing.
6. Time-Boxing Your Writing Practice
To combat the challenges of writing, Seinfeld recommends time-boxing your writing sessions. Here’s how it works:
- Commit to a set writing time (e.g., 30 minutes or an hour)
- During this time, focus solely on writing
- When the time is up, you’re done – regardless of output
This approach helps to:
- Overcome resistance to writing
- Create a sense of urgency
- Provide a clear start and end to your writing sessions
7. The Seinfeld Writing Process
Seinfeld’s writing process is remarkably simple:
- Full focus
- No distractions
- Do it every day
He emphasizes the importance of eliminating all distractions during writing time. This means:
- No checking emails
- No scrolling through social media
- No reading news or blogs
8. The “Don’t Break the Chain” Method
One of Seinfeld’s most famous productivity tips is the “Don’t Break the Chain” method:
- Get a wall calendar that shows a whole year
- Hang it in a prominent place
- Each day you write, mark it with a big red X
- Your goal is to create a chain of X’s and not break it
This visual representation of your writing consistency can be a powerful motivator.
9. Avoiding Distractions
Seinfeld identifies two types of distractions writers must avoid:
a) Small distractions during writing:
- Checking emails
- Scrolling social media
- Looking for “dopamine hits”
b) Bigger distractions that come with success:
- Getting caught up in the “scene”
- Attending too many parties or events
- Taking on too much administrative work
He emphasizes the importance of saying “no” to maintain focus on writing.
10. The Importance of Micromanagement
Contrary to popular business advice, Seinfeld believes in micromanaging his work. He states:
“If you’re efficient, you’re doing it the wrong way. The right way is the hard way. The show was successful because I micromanaged it—every word, every line, every take, every edit, every casting. That’s my way of life.”
This level of involvement and attention to detail is what Seinfeld credits for his success.
11. Embracing the Hard Way
Seinfeld’s philosophy can be summed up in one phrase: “The right way is the hard way.”
He believes that true excellence comes from:
- Putting in long hours
- Accepting burnout as part of the process
- Being willing to do what others won’t
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Jerry Seinfeld’s approach to writing offers valuable lessons for writers in any field. His emphasis on discipline, focus, and embracing the difficulties of the creative process provides a roadmap for those looking to improve their craft.
While his methods may seem extreme to some, they’ve undeniably contributed to his extraordinary success.
- View writing as a craft that requires dedication and practice
- Embrace the difficulty of writing rather than expecting it to be easy
- Use time-boxing to overcome resistance and maintain focus
- Eliminate distractions during your writing time
- Maintain consistency using the “Don’t Break the Chain” method
- Be willing to micromanage your work for the best results
- Choose the hard way over the efficient way to achieve excellence
By adopting even some of these principles, writers can elevate their work and move closer to mastering their craft, just as Seinfeld has done in the world of comedy.
(Source: “How I Write’ podcast with David Perell featuring Jerry Seinfeld)
