Better Not Perfect Part 8: Look How Far You've Walked

Dan Beck

2 hours ago

3 min read

Part 8: Look How Far You've Walked

A Quick Look Back

Eight days ago, you wrote a love letter to your couch and admitted things had gotten a little too cozy. Since then, look what you've been up to:

You noticed your daily defaults
You parked in the back row (and your car has fewer door dings to show for it)
You took the stairs, one flight at a time
You walked on your lunch break instead of falling into the scroll hole
You scrolled and strolled
You did squats during commercials like a total legend
You made healthy eating easier on yourself

Maybe you did all of them. Maybe you did two. Either way, you're moving more than you were, and that's the whole point.

Better, Not Perfect

There will be weeks when you take the close parking spot every single day and the elevator wins every time. That's fine. That's life. One off week doesn't erase your progress, and the back row will be right there waiting when you're ready.

You didn't get here in a day, and you didn't have to get back in a day either. You just had to start.

Sound Familiar?

Remember Pam from Part 1, the one who had to stop halfway up the stairs with a box of books? Picture Pam a while later. She parks in the back row without thinking about it. She takes the stairs at work. She and a coworker walk most lunch breaks, and she does couch squats during her shows.

She hasn't run a marathon. She hasn't given up bread. She still loves her couch. But last Saturday she carried all the groceries in from the car in one trip, and she stood in the kitchen grinning like she'd won something. Because she had.

Myth vs. Truth

Myth: "If I slip up, I've failed."

Truth: Slipping up is part of the deal. Everybody has off days. The only real failure is deciding one bad day means you should quit. Tomorrow is a brand-new back row.

Myth: "Small changes only lead to small results."

Truth: Small changes are the ones that stick, and habits that stick are what add up to big results over time.

Today's Tiny Challenge

Pick your favorite habit from this series, the one that felt easiest, and commit to keeping it. Then, if you're feeling bold, pick one more to bring back.

My Better, Not Perfect Scorecard

Check off every habit you've tried during the series:

Noticed my daily defaults
Parked in the back row
Took the stairs
Walked on my lunch break
Scrolled and strolled
Did commercial break squats
Made healthy eating easier on myself

Excuse Buster

The excuse: "I haven't changed that much."

The bust: Try carrying the groceries in one trip. Try taking the stairs. Notice anything? Small changes are sneaky like that. They show up before you notice them.

Simple Plan Pairing of the Day

Celebrate how far you've come with a meal that keeps the good streak going. Today, try our Turkey Chili Mac Bowl. It's creamy white queso mac and cheese made with whole grain elbow pasta, topped with ground turkey smothered in a savory tomato chili sauce with bold spices for a hearty, protein-packed comfort meal., and it's our way of saying congratulations.

A Final Note to the Couch

Dear Couch,

We're still friends. We still hang out every evening. But I've been seeing the sidewalk, and honestly? It's been good for me.

Love (and a few more squats), Me

Thanks for walking with us. Keep the sneakers by the door, and let Simple Plan keep dinner simple.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. You should talk to your healthcare professional about any planned or necessary changes in your nutrition.