Progress Is Messy—and That’s OK
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You should know better.” But let’s be honest—knowing better doesn’t always mean doing better. I was reminded of that recently while watching Megan the Trainer RD share a personal story on Nourish to Flourish episode 83. She talked about potty training her young son, Beau, and how that experience revealed something deeper about the way we think about progress… especially when it comes to nutrition and behavior change.
What struck me was how naturally we extend grace and patience to our kids. Beau had good days and not-so-good days, and when he struggled, Megan didn’t scold him—she encouraged him. She rewarded him with a few mini M&Ms, cheered him on, and celebrated his efforts, not just the outcome. Isn’t that the kind of support we all deserve, no matter our age?
But for some reason, when it comes to our own habits—whether it’s eating better, moving more, or getting enough rest—we don’t offer ourselves that same patience. We fall into the trap of thinking we need to be perfect or consistent right away, and if we’re not, we beat ourselves up. The truth is, just like Beau, we need positive reinforcement, consistency, and most of all, grace. Progress is messy. There will be missteps. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re learning.
This episode is a short, honest, and encouraging reminder that change doesn’t happen in a straight line. If you’re someone who’s ever said, “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it,” then take a few minutes to watch this one. Megan offers a perspective shift that might be exactly what you need right now.