Getting to Good Enough

Getting to Good Enough
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A podcast to help you let go of perfectionism so you can live life with more ease, less stress and a lot more laughter. Your hosts are: Janine Adams, a Certified Professional Organizer, who is naturally good at good enough and Shannon Wilkinson, a Life Coach and recovering perfectionist who is learning to be better at good enough. Together they share tips, techniques and stories from their organizing and coaching practices, as well as their own lives, to help you worry less about perfection and do more of what you love.

  1. 2D AGO

    Choose: A Word of the Year for Easier Decision-Making

    Happy New Year! If decision-making tends to turn into overthinking, you’re not alone. In this episode, we share a good-enough approach to easier decision-making—plus the maximizer vs. satisficer mindset and our “rule of three.” Shannon shares her word of the year for 2026: choose—a reminder to make decisions on purpose instead of feeling swept along. We also dig into the difference between being a maximizer (always trying to make the best choice) and a satisficer (making a good enough choice and moving on), plus a few practical ways to stop the endless research spiral. Along the way, Janine shares a big decision she made on her personal retreat: retiring her blog Organize Your Family History—and the surprisingly overwhelming chain of choices that followed. What we talk about (with timestamps)01:25 Looking back at 2025 and asking: what do we want 2026 to look like?02:16 Word of the year as an anchor (and why “survive” doesn’t feel great)03:06 Shannon’s word for 2026: choose (making decisions on purpose)04:33 Maximizer vs. satisficer: why decision-making can feel so hard06:43 Too many options = no decision (hello, Amazon overwhelm)09:52 Janine’s personal retreat + deciding to retire Organize Your Family History11:52 Writing it down + talking it through (pros/cons, getting support)12:40 The “rule of three”: choose up to three criteria (and/or options) and stop researching16:28 “Just in case” thinking: flexibility vs. clutter (and the hidden cost of keeping things)20:35 Making “for now” decisions with a time frame so you can stop thinking about it Key takeawaysChoosing on purpose can feel energizing. It’s a way to be more active in your life instead of always reacting.Maximizers often get stuck. If you’re trying to find the “best” option, decision-making can become exhausting (and sometimes you don’t decide at all).Satisficing is very “good enough.” Pick a few criteria that matter, choose something that meets them, and move on.Try the rule of three. Limit yourself to three criteria and/or three options to reduce overwhelm.Open loops cost energy. Not deciding can keep a decision quietly draining your attention.A time-bound decision can create flexibility without constant rethinking. Decide “for now,” set a revisit date, and let your brain rest. Try this (a small, good-enough action)The next time you’re stuck in a decision spiral (especially for something low-consequence): Write down up to three criteria that actually matter.Look at up to three options.Choose the first option that meets your criteria—and stop researching. Want More Like This?Episode 102: The Good Enough Decision We talk about why decision-making can feel extra hard for perfectionists, and how the maximizer vs. satisficer mindset shows up in real life. If you liked our conversation about choosing “for now” and saving your energy for what matters, this one is a great companion.Episode 103: Dealing with Imperfectionists An exploration about what happens when a maximizer and a...

    25 min

  2. JAN 8

    Meal Planning Isn’t the Problem—Decision Fatigue Is

    It’s the end of the day, you’re tired and hungry, and you’re standing in front of the refrigerator hoping it will offer a suggestion...again. In this episode, we talk about why dinner can feel so complicated (even when food is readily available) and how a little “good enough” planning can make weeknights calmer. Meal planning isn’t just about food—it’s about reducing decision fatigue at the exact moment you have the least energy. We share simple, realistic ways to make dinner easier, including curating recipe lists, theme nights, planned takeout, freezer meals, and low-effort fallback dinners. What We Talk About 03:00 The “stare into the fridge and hope something occurs to us” problem04:20 Why being hungry is the worst time to decide what’s for dinner05:38 Shannon’s Trello-based meal planning system08:20 Theme nights (Taco Tuesday and beyond) to reduce decision fatigue09:19 Planned takeout night = guilt-free and actually enjoyable10:31 Freezer meals (hello, chili) for low-energy seasons16:59 The power of a super-easy fallback dinner19:05 Let go of “shoulds” and feed yourself (and your household) in a way that works Key Takeaways Decision fatigue is real. Dinner gets harder when you’re tired and hungry—so the goal is fewer decisions at the end of the day.Curate your options. Whether it’s a Trello recipe board or a white board of go-to meals, narrowing choices makes planning easier.Theme nights reduce stress. A theme gives you a lane (not a strict rule) and makes “What’s for dinner?” easier to answer.Plan takeout on purpose. Planned takeout can be relaxing and guilt-free; panic takeout is usually stressful and expensive.Have a fallback. Scrambled eggs, breakfast for dinner, or a snack-plate style meal can keep you fed when plans fall apart.Let it be “good enough.” You don’t need perfect dinners—just food that works for you. Try This: Pick one small change for next week: Choose one theme night (like Taco-ish, Pasta-ish, Soup-ish, or Takeout Night).Pick one fallback dinner you can make when you’re low on energy. Trello | Capture, organize, and tackle your to-dos from anywhereSouper Cubes® - Silicone Food Freezer Trays & Kitchen...

    24 min

  3. JAN 1

    Four Productivity Blocks That Lead to Procrastination (and How to Take Action Anyway)

    We kick this episode off with a very real-life moment: Janine opened the refrigerator right before recording and realized it was past time for the dreaded clean-out… again. (You know the one—mystery containers, missing storage bowls, and the hope that nothing has started to smell.) That prompts a conversation about procrastination—why we do it, what’s actually happening underneath it, and how we can move through it with more compassion and way less drama. We also share one universal strategy that helps no matter what: figure out what feels bad about the task… and then counteract that. Time-Stamped Highlights00:54 The refrigerator clean-out avoidance (and why we wait until it smells). “You wait until the pain of opening the refrigerator is greater than the perceived pain of cleaning it out.” 02:07 To clarify: we’re not “above” procrastination—we’ve procrastinated in every possible way 03:12 Janine’s procrastination trigger: fear of something being unpleasant (phone calls, hold music, hoops) 06:39 The core strategy: identify the bad feeling and counteract it 07:50 The 4 productivity blocks that lead to procrastination: enjoyment, reward, distractibility, confidence 08:33 Why you tend to procrastinate for the same reason most of the time (but it can vary) 16:09 Shannon’s procrastination tends to be distractibility + lack of confidence. She shares her late adulthood ADHD diagnosis and how it changed things for her 17:45 Bottom line: you procrastinate to avoid feeling bad—and choose to do something that feels better instead What We Talk AboutWhy we wait until a task becomes unbearable (hello, refrigerator)How procrastination is often our brain trying to dodge an unpleasant feeling (not laziness)The four productivity blocks that lead to procrastination: Enjoyment, Reward, Distractibility, ConfidenceWhy we tend to procrastinate for the same reason most of the time (even though tasks can vary)Why celebrating small wins can build momentumHow ADHD and distractibility can show up as trying to “set the scene perfectly” before starting FAQ: Procrastination + the 4 Productivity BlocksWhat are the 4 productivity blocks that cause procrastination?There is a formula to productivity and procrastination. In this episode we talk about the four “productivity blocks” that tend to contribute to procrastination: Enjoyment: You expect the task to be unpleasant (or boring), so you avoid it.Reward: There’s not enough payoff to get you started.Distractibility: Your attention keeps getting pulled to other tasks, thoughts, or inputs.Confidence: You’re not sure how to do the task, or you don’t feel confident you can do it well. While there are specific strategies for each block (take the quiz at shannonwilkinson.com to learn them), there's a big universal move: identify the bad feeling you’re avoiding—and counteract it (even just enough to start). How do I stop...

    20 min

  4. 12/25/2025

    The Discomfort Dividend: Small Habits That Make Life Easier

    What if the “secret to happiness” is…doing a small, slightly uncomfortable thing now—so tomorrow (and next week… and tax season) feels easier? In this episode, we talk about what we’re calling the discomfort dividend: the idea that a little effort, inconvenience, or mild discomfort in the present can pay you back later with more ease, less stress, and better momentum. We share real-life examples—like writing down our “Big Three” the night before, building a simple dishwasher routine, staying on top of bookkeeping and payroll, and freezing meals for future dinners—and we explore why doing things as they happen is often dramatically easier than trying to “catch up” later. If you’re craving a calmer week, smoother mornings, or fewer “why did I wait so long?” moments, this one’s for you. Timestamped Highlights01:07 We report back: writing down the “Big Three” the night before is paying dividends02:13 “Less than five minutes” at night can save an hour of morning dithering03:10 The “accountabilibuddy” moment (and how it helps us remember)05:01 The “night before” effort: why setting up tomorrow-us matters08:03 Anchors and routines: coffee as a cue (and why not everyone has a morning beverage anchor)10:15 Bookkeeping as a discomfort dividend: weekly QuickBooks + daily YNAB makes tax time easier11:19 Doing it in the moment vs. figuring it out later (hello, mysterious Amazon purchases)13:02 Freezer meals as future-us support: batch cooking and portioning for easy, healthy dinners16:06 “Thank your past self”: noticing the payoff when the future arrives17:05 Putting things away: the ease of being able to find what we need, when we need it Key TakeawaysSmall effort now can create big ease later. The payoff is often time, energy, and reduced stress.Doing things “as they happen” is usually easier than catching up. In the moment, we still have context—later we’re stuck reconstructing.Cornerstone habits create momentum. Once one routine is solid (like the dishwasher), other habits become easier to build.Make it automatic. Repetition turns “extra effort” into something we don’t even have to think about.Design your environment for success. A place for everything (and putting it away) reduces daily friction. Bottom LineA little discomfort today can buy you a lot of ease tomorrow. The trick is spotting the small actions that feel mildly annoying now—but consistently make life smoother later. Listener...

    21 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    The Myth of Catching Up: Letting Go of the Endless To-Do List

    Have you ever finished a big task and felt that rush of relief—like, ahhh, I’m finally caught up—and then… immediately noticed ten more things waiting for you? Same. In this episode, we’re unpacking the productivity myth of “catching up,” why it can feel so urgent (and so exhausting), and how it connects to perfectionism and productivity. Starting in the middle of an “atmospheric river” (aka endless rain), we talk about a surprisingly satisfying homeowner win: Shannon and Mike installed a French drain that finally solved a long-standing sidewalk flooding problem. It felt amazing to cross it off the list… until the list refilled (as it always does). We explore where the pressure to catch up comes from and what it might look like to let go of the whole concept. We also talk about doing things for enjoyment (without deadlines or milestones), and Janine shares a simple practice that helps her feel less behind: writing down her “Big Three” tasks the night before. What we talk about Why the endless to-do list can make us feel perpetually behindHow “catching up” can be perfectionism in disguiseLetting go of tasks (or at least letting go of the pressure around them)Doing things for enjoyment vs. doing them to hit milestonesA practical tool for focus: the “Big Three” Timestamped highlights  01:25 — Rain garden overflow + the French drain fix 03:16 — That brief “we’re caught up!” feeling after a big win 04:02 — Do we ever actually feel caught up? 05:04 — Letting go of the whole concept of catching up 06:11 — Retirement as a glimpse of a different pace 09:42 — SMART goals vs. a “word of the year” 11:10 — Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies (and motivation) 12:26 — Unfinished knitting projects and “good enough” outcomes 15:06 — Janine’s “Big Three” practice (and why it helps) 19:16 — Shannon’s experiment: trying the Big Three (plus accountability) Key takeaways “Caught up” is a moving target. The list refills fast, so chasing that finish line can keep you stressed.The idea of getting caught-up is a productivity myth. It promises relief, but is virtually unattainable creating extra pressure and self-criticism.Perfectionism and striving for high productivity are closely linked. Wanting to “finally be caught up” can be perfectionism in a different outfit.Small constraints can create calm. Choosing a short list (like three priorities) can reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through. Bottom line We don’t have to earn peace by finishing everything. If “caught up” doesn’t really exist, we can stop chasing it—and start noticing what we have done instead (and celebrating it!). Try this for the next few days: Write down your Big Three tasks for tomorrow.Ask yourself: If I only do these three things, would that be good enough?Notice what shifts—your focus, stress level, maybe even that feeling of being “behind”. And we’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you do (or could do) that helps you feel less behind—without trying to do everything? Connect with us Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail:...

    21 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Ready or Not: Embracing Imperfect Beginnings

    Ever catch yourself waiting for the “perfect” moment before you start something new? In this episode, Shannon and Janine break down how embracing imperfection, self-compassion, and progress over perfection can help you finally take that first step—no matter how messy it feels. What We Talk About01:45: The myth of readiness—how perfectionism and waiting for the “right time” keep us stuck 03:49: Real-life stories about starting new habits and projects; using a “practice” mindset to overcome perfectionism paralysis 09:55: Letting go of backlog overwhelm; strategies for progress over perfection in planning 11:18: The power of feelings—how self-compassion and embodying confidence help you take action 17:50: The four Cs: Calm, Competent, Capable, and Confident—tools for building new habits and self-trust  Key TakeawaysWaiting until everything is perfect can keep you stuck—tiny, imperfect steps are the key to building momentum and beating perfectionism.Treat new habits and projects as experiments, not final exams. There’s no single “right way” to begin.Letting go of the need to catch up or finish everything first frees you to start now.Feeling good and confident before you act makes it easier to move forward.It’s okay to start again, and again—every action is a fresh beginning and a chance for self-compassion. Bottom Line You don’t need all the answers to get started. Progress comes from action, not from waiting for perfection. Start where you are, be kind to yourself, and let the rest unfold as you go. What’s something you’ve been waiting to start? Try taking just one small, imperfect step this week—even if it’s messy. Share your story with us! We’d love to hear how you’re embracing progress over perfection and building new habits. Connect With Us Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Want More? Feeling Good About Good Enough - We talk about how getting comfortable with stopping at “good enough” (instead of chasing perfection) is a journey, but one that’s so worth it. You’ll hear how we each learned to embrace progress, question perfectionist thoughts, and truly feel good about what’s reasonable.Start Simple - We explore the beauty and challenge of taking a simple approach to starting something new. We share stories about how starting simple can help you actually get going—even when you’re a perfectionist.

    21 min

  7. 12/04/2025

    What We’re Enjoying These Days: Comfort TV, Crafts, Books & Simple Joys

    From the Great British Bake Off to quirky comedies and riveting thrillers, creative crafts, and lots of reading, we’re diving into all the things that have been adding a little comfort and fun to our days. We chat about the shows making us smile (and cover our eyes), the joy of audiobooks and how they fit into our routines, and the satisfaction of rediscovering cozy knitting projects. We also reflect on recovery, adapting to life’s changes, and how leaning into simple pleasures—especially during colder months—can make everything feel a bit brighter. Join us for a relaxed conversation about embracing what feels good right now and finding joy in the everyday. What we talk about01:30 | Great British Bake Off love—why it’s comforting, the junior version, and the joy of British competition shows05:33 | British slang discoveries (“pants” is a swear?)07:18 | TV recommendations: thrillers and “palate cleansers”13:33 | Audiobook routines: Using the Libby app, reading with our ears, and how listening fits into daily life17:04 | Knitting and crafting: Rediscovering old projects, using Ravelry, and the joy of making cozy things Key TakeawaysGentle TV and books are comfort tools—a good palate cleanser after intense shows can work wonders.It’s okay to lean into what’s comforting and fun, especially during tough times.Small wins matter: Whether it’s finishing a knitting project, learning new slang, or finding a new favorite show, celebrate it.Trying new things (or revisiting old favorites) can spark unexpected joy.Community makes everything better: Sharing recommendations and hearing from friends (and listeners!) adds joy to the experience. Bottom LineYou don’t have to be productive every minute—sometimes, following your curiosity and indulging in simple pleasures is exactly what you need. Progress over perfection, always! YouTube - Here's the YouTube link if you'd like to watch the episode! What are you into right now? We’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy, comfort, or just a little escape these days. Drop us a comment on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843), or send us an email via our website! Let's connect! Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Want More Like This?Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet? Having fun is important! We laugh our way through a conversation about how to prioritize fun, add joy to everyday life, and find delight in things like puzzles, dancing, and favorite TV shows.Episode 242: It's Okay to Be Imperfect We discuss how your value as a person has nothing to do with being perfect, and why embracing imperfection can actually make life more enjoyable and less stressful.a href="https://getting-to-good-enough.captivate.fm/episode/episode-148-living-with-less" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    22 min

  8. 11/27/2025

    Saying No Without Guilt: Boundaries That Work

    Struggling to say no without feeling guilty? You're not alone. In this honest conversation about setting boundaries, Shannon and Janine share why "no" really is a complete sentence—even when it doesn't feel like it. Fresh from juggling surgery prep, family events, and a three-day conference, Shannon opens up about the real challenge of saying no to things you actually want to do. Janine shares her decades-old wisdom from Miss Manners that changed how she sets boundaries forever. In this episode about saying no and setting boundaries, you'll discover: Why over-explaining actually weakens your no (and invites people to argue)The "hell yes or no" test that makes decisions crystal clearPractical scripts for declining work requests, social invitations, and volunteer commitmentsHow to recognize when you're asking too much of yourselfThe relief test that confirms you made the right choiceWhy saying no to good opportunities creates space for great ones (or just rest!) If you've ever said yes when you meant no, felt guilty about protecting your time, or struggled with people-pleasing perfectionism, this episode is your permission slip to start setting boundaries that actually work. What We Talk About: [00:43] Shannon's Complicated Season: When Everything Hits at Once Shannon shares what's been making life complicated: relaunching the podcast, preparing for shoulder surgery in a week, attending her nephew's wedding, visiting her 96-year-old aunt, and attending a conference—all while trying to get everything done before surgery day. [02:15] The "Perfect Excuse" vs. Real Boundaries Janine asks whether Shannon had opportunities to say no to things she wanted to decline. They discuss when it's appropriate to use an explanation (like upcoming surgery) versus letting no stand alone. [03:09] Miss Manners and the Full Sentence No Janine shares wisdom from reading Miss Manners cover to cover after college: you never have to give a reason to decline an invitation. This revelation has guided her boundary-setting for decades. [05:17] Do More of What You Want, Less of What You Don't Janine explains her top goal for the past couple of years and how it's made saying no much easier. She stopped doing volunteer commitments and simply states that without lengthy explanations. [05:46] Why Over-Explaining Weakens Your No Shannon and Janine discuss how giving long, detailed reasons for declining can make it seem less true—and opens the door for people to argue with you or find loopholes in your excuse. [08:14] The "Hell Yes or No" Test for Setting Boundaries The hosts explore the trap of defaulting to yes when something feels like a maybe. Key insight: if it's not a "hell yes," it's a no. [09:25] How Priorities Become Clearer With Age Janine reflects on how getting older has made her priorities crystal clear, making it much easier to discern what deserves a yes and what needs a no. [10:13] The Kind, Thoughtful No: Setting Boundaries Without Being Rude Shannon emphasizes that your no can be kind and thoughtful—it doesn't have to be rude or unkind. You can decline sincerely and regretfully while still being firm. [11:27] Saying No to Things You Want to Do Shannon shares the challenge of saying no to things she genuinely wanted to do, including skipping the final sessions of a three-day conference because she was exhausted and had to fly out early the next morning. [12:42] When You Have to Badger Yourself: A Boundary Red Flag Shannon describes trying to hype herself up to go back to the conference in a "mean way"—and realizing that needing to badger yourself is a big clue that you should say...

    27 min
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About

A podcast to help you let go of perfectionism so you can live life with more ease, less stress and a lot more laughter. Your hosts are: Janine Adams, a Certified Professional Organizer, who is naturally good at good enough and Shannon Wilkinson, a Life Coach and recovering perfectionist who is learning to be better at good enough. Together they share tips, techniques and stories from their organizing and coaching practices, as well as their own lives, to help you worry less about perfection and do more of what you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Getting to Good Enough
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018-2025 Getting to Good Enough
  • Show Website
    Getting to Good Enough

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