31 Days of Pete-Gust: Don't Be Like Pete

When life throws a lot at you, at least you're not Pete Campbell. We invite you to play along with 31 days of doing the opposite of whatever Pete might do. Share your successes and anecdotes with this challenge in the comments. Let's celebrate decency - the king orders it!

The Don't Be Like Pete Challenge:

Day 1: Give a compliment without expecting anything in return.
Day 2: Refrain from telling anyone they're bad at math
Day 3: Ride public transportation without a fistfight.
Day 4: Don't insult any administrative assistants.
Day 5: Don't throw your dinner off the balcony.
Day 6: Talk to someone without trying to take credit for anything.
Day 7: Don't punch any school administrators.
Day 8: Don't manipulate a loved one to try to get your work published.
Day 9: Don't steal anything from your colleague's trash.
Day 10: Avoid blackmailing a co-worker about his past.

Doing okay so far? Well-done, you! Keep it up!

Day 11: Call or visit family without asking them for money.
Day 12: Have a genuine conversation with a new co-worker.
Day 13: Don't put a beer bottle in the center of a newly frosted cake.
Day 14: Don't pretend you can drive a standard transmission if you can.
Day 15: Hang up your damn coat.
Day 16: Give someone candy without eating any yourself.
Day 17: Respect women. This includes women you are married to, women you work with, women who live in your building, women who live in your neighborhood, and potential clients.
Day 18: Call a plumber if you don't know how to fix the dripping faucet.
Day 19: Don't share your hunting fantasies with subordinates.
Day 20: Don't make false leadership claims about the Howdy Doody Circus Army.

Time to check-in . . . are you opposite of Pete Campbell? Keep going!

Day 21: Don't share compromising information about your father-in-law.
Day 22: Tread safely down your work staircase.
Day 23: Don't be unduly impressed when coleslaw is right on the sandwich.
Day 24: Don't ask to meet the manager of the republic of dresses.
Day 25: Carry skis out of the boss's office with style.
Day 26: Keep calm about your peanut butter cookie problems.
Day 27: Make sure you have toilet paper (lest you become dependent on someone who isn't trustworthy. That would be . . . not great).
Day 28: Don't brag about your stock shares - keep that glee to socially appropriate levels.
Day 29: Don't cheap out on the investigation of your mother's disappearance, even if "she loved the sea."
Day 30: Avoid flirting with teens in your driver's ed class, especially if you are an adult.
Day 31: Actually use your Chip & Dip. Or at least, enjoy some chip and dip.

Congratulations on being better than Pete Campbell! A thing like that!

Want the podcast episode where you might actually feel sorry for Pete? S1E4: New Amsterdam is a good choice.
Want to see Pete in an epic showdown with Don Draper? S1E12: Nixon vs. Kennedy is the way to go.