Getting to Good Enough

Getting to Good Enough
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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. 5D AGO

    Learning New Things (Even When You’re Bad at Them)

    Learning something new can be humbling, especially when something that used to take 15 seconds suddenly takes 45 minutes. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about what it’s like to be a beginner again — the frustration, the challenge, and sometimes even the fun of figuring things out from scratch. The conversation explores why some difficult things feel worth pushing through while others make us want to walk away immediately, and how habits, structure, and personal motivation can shape that experience. They also talk about the difference between “this is hard” and “this isn’t for me,” along with a reframe that feels especially meaningful: maybe the issue isn’t that we quit when things are difficult. Maybe we’re just more willing to stay with the things we genuinely care about. What We Talk About00:55 — Janine explains why she spent the weekend buried in bookkeeping and switching from QuickBooks to Xero02:55 — The “one tiny goal” approach: entering a single transaction and seeing what happens next03:22 — Why Janine isn’t discouraged by a steep learning curve04:12 — The satisfaction of going from struggle to fluency when learning something new05:09 — How learning difficult things helps Janine better understand her YNAB coaching clients05:47 — Shannon shares how NLP trainer training included learning bongo drumming08:44 — Why some difficult tasks get easier when they become part of a daily habit11:18 — Shannon explores the difference between things that feel challenging versus things that feel impossible13:09 — The role of motivation, structure, and measurable progress in sticking with hard things18:02 — A powerful reframe: maybe it’s not “I quit when things are hard,” but “I stick with things I actually care about” Key TakeawaysMaking the goal extremely small (“enter one transaction”) can reduce resistance and help you get started when learning something new.Daily repetition changes difficult tasks from confusing to familiar much faster than occasional effort.There’s a meaningful difference between something feeling challenging and something feeling impossible.Structure helps: measurable progress, clear rules, and low-pressure goals make hard things easier to stick with.You don’t have to force yourself to pursue every difficult idea that pops into your head.Sometimes quitting isn’t failure — it’s clarity about what actually matters to you. The Bottom LineLearning new things can feel painfully slow at first, especially when you were already competent with the old system. But this episode is really about paying attention to which hard things feel meaningful enough to keep going. Janine and Shannon explore the idea that perseverance isn’t necessarily about discipline or grit — sometimes it’s about caring enough to stay engaged through the difficult beginning stage. And maybe that’s useful information, not a character flaw. This week, try noticing one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels hard. Instead of asking whether you’re “good at it,” ask whether you actually care about it. That answer might tell you a lot. Want More Like ThisEpisode 49: Getting Started A really strong companion episode to this conversation about resistance, overwhelm, and making difficult things feel doable. Shannon and Janine talk about tiny steps, timers, perfectionism, and why getting started is often the hardest part. Episode 75: Letting Go of Fear This episode explores the fears that often sit underneath avoidance and perfectionism, along with practical ways to move through them instead of getting stuck there. A great pairing with this week’s conversation about difficult beginnings. Episode 135: Keeping Challenges Easy A thoughtful conversation about habit challenges, keeping stakes low, choosing goals you actually want, and making progress in ways that are sustainable and kind. Connect With UsLeave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Watch the conversation on YouTube!

    22 min

  2. MAY 14

    Two-Minute Resets for Overwhelm, Procrastination, and Getting Back on Track

    Ever find yourself scrolling social media even while a part of your brain is begging you to stop? Or staring at your to-do list so long that suddenly reorganizing pens feels like a reasonable life choice? In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about the surprisingly powerful little resets that can help when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, distracted, paralyzed, or just mentally done. And the best part? Most of them take about two minutes. They share the tiny things that help them shift gears: writing in a bullet journal, clearing off a desk, walking away for a minute, petting a pet, drinking water, climbing stairs, stretching, and even bouncing a ball against the wall for physical therapy. It’s all about getting unstuck without turning it into another perfectionistic self-improvement project. What We Talk About01:46 — Why even tiny interruptions can help you refocus02:29 — Shannon’s trick for escaping a social-media rabbit hole without fighting herself03:29 — The “what do I do next?” feeling and decision paralysis at work05:24 — Using a bullet journal and longhand writing to sort out uncertainty fast08:17 — How desk clutter affects focus and mental space10:06 — Why lack of planning can create overwhelm11:42 — The power of physically stepping away from your workspace12:20 — Einstein played violin when he got stuck — why changing mental gears helps13:23 — Hydration, stretching, and tiny physical interruptions that reset your brain18:10 — The therapeutic benefits of finding and petting a very soft cat Key TakeawaysWhen you’re stuck in a doomscrolling loop or overwhelm spiral, you often don’t need a huge intervention — just enough of a shift to interrupt the pattern.Writing things out by hand can quickly uncover what you already know but are second-guessing.Clearing even a tiny amount of physical clutter can create more mental breathing room.Movement helps. That can mean stairs, stretching, walking outside, physical therapy exercises, or chasing your dog around the dining room table.Planning ahead helps reduce overwhelm, but when you’ve fallen off track, revisiting your existing lists can help you reorient quickly.A “reset” doesn’t have to be productive to work. Sometimes drinking water, reading a page of a book, or petting a cat is exactly what your brain needs. The Bottom LineWhen you’re overwhelmed, distracted, or frozen, it’s easy to think you need a perfect system, a huge burst of motivation, or a completely free day to get back on track. But often, what actually helps is much smaller and gentler than that. A two-minute reset won’t solve everything. But it can break the spell. It can shift your attention just enough to help you remember what matters, reconnect with yourself, or take the next tiny step. So the next time you feel stuck, try one small thing: clear a corner of your desk, write a few sentences by hand, walk up the stairs, drink a glass of water, or go find a very soft cat. Want More Like ThisEpisode 84: Overthinking A great companion to this episode if your brain loves turning simple decisions into full-scale mental marathons. Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism fuels overthinking — and how to stop getting trapped in it. Episode 173: Keeping Commitments to Yourself This episode pairs beautifully with the “tiny resets” theme. Shannon and Janine discuss rebuilding self-trust, making things easier to restart, and focusing on the smallest doable action instead of waiting to feel perfectly motivated. Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet? A lighter, laughter-filled conversation about making everyday life more enjoyable — including finding fun ways to do things you’d otherwise avoid. Also features another appearance by Shannon’s cat Cleo. Connect With UsIf this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. How does this show up in your life? What helps—even just a little? Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Watch the conversation on YouTube!

    21 min

  3. MAY 7

    When Planning Becomes Procrastination (and What Actually Helps)

    Ever find yourself “planning to plan”… and somehow never actually starting? In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism sneaks into planning—especially when the stakes feel high. What starts as wanting to be responsible (hello, disaster prep and estate planning) can quietly turn into overthinking, avoidance, and doing nothing at all. With a real-life interruption (tornado sirens!) and a very relatable conversation, they explore what it actually looks like to move forward—without waiting for the perfect plan. Watch the conversation on YouTube! What We Talk About02:08 — Sy’s first marathon and the joy of choosing to do (and support!) hard things05:04 — Tornado sirens interrupt the recording06:15 — How the interruption shifts the conversation to emergency preparedness07:21 — Having supplies vs. having them accessible when it matters07:54 — Why planning for disasters feels so tense and overwhelming11:00 — “Planning to plan” as a form of procrastination11:32 — Starting small: the go-bag and one simple first step13:13 — Estate planning as another high-stakes thing we avoid15:47 — Post-it notes, jars, and choosing a doable next action17:48 — Perfectionism and the myth of the “right way”20:07 — How this shows up in vacations, closets, and everyday life Key TakeawaysPerfectionism often shows up as planning—especially when something feels important or high-stakes.Waiting to figure out the “right way” can keep you from doing anything at all.Small, imperfect actions (like pulling out a backpack or writing a list) create momentum.You don’t need a perfect sequence—just a starting point that leads to the next step.This pattern shows up everywhere: disaster prep, estate planning, organizing, even vacations.“Anything is better than nothing” is a surprisingly powerful strategy. The Bottom LineWhen something matters, it’s easy to believe you need to get it exactly right. But that pressure is often what keeps you stuck. The truth is, there’s no perfect plan—just a series of small steps that build on each other. Start with something simple: pull out the backpack, write down a few ideas, pick one and do it. You can adjust as you go. For now, let “started” be enough. Want More Like ThisEpisode 12: Procrastination A foundational episode on why we put things off—even when they matter—and how to get moving again without overthinking it. Episode 121: Productive Preparation A great companion to this conversation about planning without getting stuck. Helpful if you tend to over-plan instead of take action. Episode 240: Low-Hanging Fruit A reminder that the easiest next step still counts. Especially useful when everything feels too big to start. Connect With UsLeave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

    22 min

  4. APR 30

    Financial Perfectionism (and Why It Keeps You Stuck)

    Most of us don’t sit around chatting about money for fun. Usually, if money comes up, it’s because something feels off—stress, a mistake, that vague sense that things should be better than they are. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about financial perfectionism—what it looks like, how it sneaks in, and why trying to “do money right” can actually make everything feel harder. They also share a much more doable approach: paying attention, getting honest, and letting your spending reflect what actually matters to you. What We Talk About00:00 — That uncomfortable feeling when your spending doesn’t match what matters to you 01:26 — Why most money conversations start with stress, not curiosity 03:10 — “Give every dollar a job” and why that shifts how money feels 06:11 — How having a plan (even if you have debt) can feel surprisingly calm 08:42 — The pressure to do money “the right way” and how perfectionism shows up 10:53 — What happens when you’re not actually funding the things you care about 12:44 — The spiral: one mistake → “I’m bad at this” → why bother 13:16 — Why small, steady changes work better than big, perfect plans 15:31 — The surprising moment when getting ahead on bills starts to feel… fun? 16:55 — Why knowing the truth about your money is hard—and also a relief Key TakeawaysFeeling “bad with money” is often about misalignment, not failurePerfectionism turns normal mistakes into a reason to give upThere’s no perfect system—just the one you’ll actually useSmall shifts add up (and often feel better faster than you expect)Clarity reduces stress—even when the numbers aren’t what you hopedYou can start messy and still make meaningful progress The Bottom LineFinancial perfectionism keeps you stuck because it convinces you there’s a “right” way to do money—and that if you’re not doing it that way, you’ve already failed. So you avoid looking, or you give up after a mistake, or you keep trying to get it perfect before you really engage. Meanwhile, nothing actually changes. What Shannon and Janine come back to is much simpler (and honestly, much more doable): pay attention to what’s real, decide what matters to you, and start letting your money reflect that—even imperfectly. The goal isn’t to never make mistakes. It’s to stay engaged even when you do. That’s where the shift happens. If you want a place to start: write down your accounts and balances. No fixing, no optimizing. Just… look. That small act of awareness is the first step out of the perfectionism trap. Watch the conversation on YouTube! Want More Like ThisEpisode 85: Doing Good in the World A surprisingly relevant tie-in: how perfectionism and overwhelm stop us from taking action—and how doing something small (instead of perfect) is what actually creates change. Episode 87: Financial Peace One of the first episodes about money. It's more about how having a plan (and giving every dollar a job) reduces stress and helps your money feel supportive instead of overwhelming. Episode 196: Building an Anti-Perfectionist Toolkit A really practical follow-up if you're thinking, “Okay, but what do I do when I get stuck?” This episode is all about having tools ready for those moments when perfectionism starts to take over. Connect With UsLeave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

    23 min

  5. APR 23

    What Is Enough? A Different Way to Decide

    You sit down to send a quick email—and somehow 15 minutes later, you’re still tweaking it. If you’ve ever wondered why some things feel weirdly hard to finish, this episode gets at the heart of it. Shannon and Janine explore what “enough” actually means—and why it’s not about doing less, but about aligning your effort with what’s important to you. Because when you’re clear on what matters (whether that’s accuracy, connection, or just getting something done), it gets a whole lot easier to stop overworking things that don’t need it—and move on without that nagging feeling that you should keep going. What We Talk About01:12 — The question at the center of it all: what actually counts as enough? 01:51 — Letting what’s important to you—not habit or perfectionism—set the bar 02:15 — The email example: when it’s worth polishing… and when “what’s for dinner?” is plenty 03:20 — A simple definition of perfectionism: spending more time on something than it deserves 04:24 — The quiet (and kind of delightful) shift of saying “good enough” and moving on 05:30 — Catching yourself overdoing it—like with show notes—and choosing to stop 06:31 — Why getting in touch with what matters gets easier—and more useful—over time 07:08 — When “enough” just means done (and that’s just right) 16:09 — A favorite example: choosing your relationship with family over a perfectly cleaned pan Key TakeawaysPerfectionism often shows up as spending more time on something than it actually deserves“Enough” isn’t arbitrary—it’s grounded in what matters to youWhen you know what’s important, decisions get simpler and fasterSometimes enough is simply finishing the thing so you can move onLetting go of control can feel uncomfortable—and also surprisingly freeingYou can spend the same amount of time perfecting one thing or doing a good-enough version of the whole The Bottom Line“Enough” isn’t about lowering your standards—it’s about choosing them on purpose. When your values are setting the bar, instead of an unachievable idea of perfectionism, things tend to get a little easier (and a lot less exhausting). And the bonus? You don’t just get more done—you get more of what actually matters. You’re not just saving time—you’re redirecting it toward the things that make your life feel better. Small action: The next time you catch yourself overworking something, pause and ask: What’s important here? Then let that answer—not perfectionism—decide when you’re done. Watch the conversation on YouTube Want More Like This?Episode 21: Know Your Why A foundational GTGE episode for a reason. If this conversation clicked for you, this is a great next listen on getting clear about what really matters to you—and using that as your guide. Episode 36: Feeling Satisfied What does it look like to feel satisfied with something that isn’t perfect? This episode explores how noticing and allowing satisfaction can shift your whole relationship with “good enough”—without making you complacent. Episode 75: Letting Go of Fear A look at how fear quietly fuels perfectionism—and some practical ways to question it so you can move forward without getting stuck or overthinking everything. Connect With UsIf this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Please remember to leave us a review!

    20 min

  6. APR 16

    Making Things Easier Isn’t Cheating

    You know those little things that make life easier—but somehow feel like you shouldn’t need them? Maybe it’s using a tool, asking for help, or doing something in a way that just works better for you. And still, there’s that voice saying it’s cheating… or not the “right” way. In this episode, we talk about where that thinking comes from, how it shows up in everyday decisions, and what changes when you let yourself make things easier. Because there are no extra points for doing things the hard way. What We Talk About00:41 — Managing situations in ways that work for you02:53 — The belief that using help or tools feels like “cheating”06:11 — The “no pain, no gain” mindset—and questioning it08:15 — You don’t have to create discomfort to get results10:49 — Overthinking something as simple as what to drink water out of12:50 — Using small tricks to make systems, like YNAB, easier and more enjoyable13:58 — How this shows up with using AI16:25 — Setting yourself up for success instead of making things harder17:48 — Paying for help (like house cleaning or coaching) is a valid choice Key TakeawaysThere are no extra rewards for doing things the hard wayIf something makes it easier to follow through, it’s worth doing“Shortcuts” don’t mean sloppy—they can get you to good enoughYou don’t need to manufacture discomfort to make progressSupport, tools, and small adjustments are self care, not cheating The Bottom LineYou’re allowed to make things easier. Full stop. This week, notice one place where you’re making something harder than it needs to be—and try the short cut or easier option instead. Watch the episode on YouTube! Want More Like ThisEpisode 47: {GEIP} The Little Things A real-life example of applying “good enough” thinking in everyday situations, showing how small shifts can make things easier and more doable. Episode 68: What’s Wrong with Perfectionism? A deeper look at why perfectionism pushes us to overwork, overthink, and do things the hard way—and how that impacts our lives. Episode 86: Anti-perfectionist Hacks A collection of practical strategies for noticing perfectionism and choosing “good enough” instead. Also a bit of a time capsule from early 2020, when we were very excited about what a big year it was going to be. In hindsight… well. Connect With UsIf this episode resonated, we’d love to hear from you. How does this show up in your life? What helps—even just a little? Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com Remember to like and subscribe! And if you know someone who could use this conversation, please send it their way.

    21 min

  7. APR 9

    When Things Don’t Go as Planned and How to Get Back on Track

    You start with the best intentions… and then something throws everything off. A text, a distraction, a schedule shift—and suddenly the plan you meant to follow is gone. In this episode, we talk about what actually happens when things don’t go as planned—whether it’s a new habit, a routine, or just your day. Because it’s not a matter of if something will derail you, it’s when. We also get into what helps you come back from that moment—without turning it into a failure or giving up altogether. What We Talk About01:21 — Having the best intentions… and why things still don’t go as planned03:43 — Anticipating distractions vs. getting pulled into them06:20 — How small interruptions like texts and client messages derail plans08:04 — Travel and planning ahead for disrupted routines09:15 — A “good enough” approach to keeping habits going while traveling13:38 — How easy it is to forget new habits entirely17:04 — Why this applies to any habit, not just exercise18:03 — Planning for things going wrong without overthinking them20:01 — Recovery strategies: getting back on track without self-judgment Key TakeawaysThings going off track isn’t failure—it’s part of the processDistractions are inevitable, even when you’re trying to stay focusedPlanning ahead for disruptions makes it easier to recoverA scaled-down version of a habit still countsNot knowing exactly what to do can stop you from following throughGetting back on track is a skill you can practice The Bottom LineThings will go off track. That’s not the problem. What matters is how you come back. The next time your day doesn’t go as planned, try one small reset instead of starting over. Watch the episode on YouTube! Want More Like This?Episode 67: Dealing with Distraction If your plans tend to unravel because of distractions (same), this one digs into why that happens and what actually helps you stay focused—or come back when you’ve drifted. Episode 81: Ambivalence When you’re not following through, it’s not always distraction—sometimes it’s hidden ambivalence. This episode helps you surface what’s really going on so you can move forward more intentionally. Episode 196: Building an Anti-Perfectionist Toolkit A practical follow-up to this episode’s “recovery strategy” idea—tools you can turn to when things stop working and you need a way to reset and keep going. Connect With UsHave a suggestion for an episode? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com If you enjoy listening, please remember to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen!

    22 min

  8. APR 2

    Rethinking Expectations So Life Feels Better

    You know that feeling when something doesn’t go the way you thought it would—and it hits harder than you'd like? In this episode, we’re talking about expectations—how they show up in everything from travel plans to dentist appointments to your everyday to-do list, and how they quietly shape your entire experience. We share real-life examples (including a very competitive 97-year-old card player, a not-so-fun dental visit, and the ups and downs of modern air travel) to explore why expectations can leave us feeling disappointed—or pleasantly surprised. And we talk about what actually helps when your expectations aren't supporting you: finding a middle ground that’s realistic, a little more flexible, and a lot more forgiving. What We Talk About02:57 – How expectations shape experiences (travel is a great example!) 04:20 – How outside negativity influences what we expect 05:01 – The gap between expectations and reality—and why it feels so bad 06:51 – Finding a middle ground between expecting the worst and expecting perfection 07:09 – Anxiety in new situations 09:57 – When expectations stop us from doing things we might enjoy 13:22 – Expectations as the lens for how we experience everything 14:05 – Noticing and loosening expectations 16:27 – Letting your values guide more realistic expectations 20:00 – Daily expectations and using “minimums” to feel successful Key TakeawaysExpectations are always there—even when you’re not consciously aware of them.The bigger the gap between what you expect and what happens, the harder it feels.Expecting the worst might protect you from disappointment—but it can make the lead-up miserable.How a flexible, realistic expectation (“this might be uncomfortable, and I’ll be okay”) works better.Planning for a little friction—like long TSA lines or no snacks on a flight—can make things feel surprisingly easier.Setting a low “minimum” for your day helps you feel successful instead of behind. The Bottom LineLife tends to feel better when your expectations are a little looser and a little kinder. Not perfect. Not worst-case. Just realistic enough to hold the day—and leave room for things to go better than expected. Watch the episode on YouTube! Want More Like This?Episode 4: Self-Talk The way we talk to ourselves shapes what we expect from our days, our efforts, and ourselves. In this episode, we explore negative self-talk and how shifting that inner voice can make life feel a little lighter and a lot more doable. Episode 99: Playing the Long Game This one pairs well with today’s conversation about loosening expectations. We talk about tolerating imperfection, staying with things even when they feel uncomfortable, and how taking a longer view can ease some of the pressure to get everything right right now. Episode 251: Start Simple If your expectations tend to make things feel bigger, harder, or more complicated than they need to be, this episode is a great companion. We talk about starting simply, letting go of overplanning, and making it easier to begin. Connect With UsHow does this show up in your life? What helps—even just a little? Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeEmail: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com And if you know someone who could use this conversation, please send it their way.

    23 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
    296
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018-2025 Getting to Good Enough
  • Show Website
    Getting to Good Enough

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