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 About

• 01:21 — Having the best intentions… and why things still don’t go as planned
• 03:43 — Anticipating distractions vs. getting pulled into them
• 06:20 — How small interruptions like texts and client messages derail plans
• 08:04 — Travel and planning ahead for disrupted routines
• 09:15 — A “good enough” approach to keeping habits going while traveling
• 13:38 — How easy it is to forget new habits entirely
• 17:04 — Why this applies to any habit, not just exercise
• 18:03 — Planning for things going wrong without overthinking them
• 20:01 — Recovery strategies: getting back on track without self-judgment

Key Takeaways

• Things going off track isn’t failure—it’s part of the process
• Distractions are inevitable, even when you’re trying to stay focused
• Planning ahead for disruptions makes it easier to recover
• A scaled-down version of a habit still counts
• Not knowing exactly what to do can stop you from following through
• Getting back on track is a skill you can practice

The Bottom Line

Things 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 Us

Have 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 YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoy listening, please remember to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen!

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 About

02:57 – 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 Takeaways

• Expectations 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 Line

Life 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 Us

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 YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

And if you know someone who could use this conversation, please send it their way.

We dig into how social media is curated (and built to work with the algorithm), why it’s such a trap to compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel, and how perfectionism can turn into a shackle. We also share a few practical, good-enough ways to loosen imposter syndrome’s grip: letting ourselves be new at something, giving ourselves permission to say “I don’t know (yet),” and remembering that most people aren’t paying as much attention to us as we think.

What We Talk About

1. 01:49 - Why we’re talking about imposter syndrome: How it changes with age, experience, and caring less what people think
2. 02:20 - Authenticity vs. “fake it till you make it”: Showing up as ourselves and being honest about what we do (and don’t) know
3. 04:19 - Shannon’s coaching imposter syndrome: Feeling siloed, not knowing how we “stack up,” even with lots of client success
4. 06:09 - When the thought has nothing to grab onto: How imposter syndrome fades faster when we’re not fretting about judgment
5. 07:40 - Janine on enjoying being new: Volunteering with experienced people, making mistakes, and not being self-conscious about it
6. 12:00 - What fuels imposter syndrome: Perfectionism, “should” thinking, and comparing ourselves to other people
7. 13:34 - “Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides”: Social media is curated for attention and the algorithm, not reality
8. 15:48 - The power of “I don’t know”: Letting ourselves struggle, learn, and find out—without pretending
9. 17:02 - “Nobody is paying as much attention to you as you are”: And if someone is judging us… why do we care?
10. 18:18 - The survival brain piece: Why fear of judgment makes sense—and why it usually isn’t actually dangerous now

Key Takeaways

1. Authenticity is a real relief: When we show up as ourselves—knowing what we know and admitting what we don’t—there’s less room for that “I’m a fraud” feeling to take hold.
2. Perfectionism and comparison feed imposter syndrome: When we think we should be doing more or doing it perfectly, it’s easy to feel like we’re failing—even when we’re doing our best.
3. Social media is curated, not the full truth: It’s designed to attract attention and work with the algorithm, so it’s not a fair (or helpful) comparison point.
4. Being new can be freeing: If we let ourselves be beginners, we don’t have to perform expertise we don’t have yet. Learning mode is gentler than proving mode.
5. Fear of judgment is loud—but usually not accurate: Most people are wrapped up in their own thoughts. And even if someone is judging, that’s about them—not our worth.

The Bottom Line

Imposter syndrome thrives on perfectionism, comparison, and fear of judgment—but it loses power when we let ourselves be human. The more we practice authenticity, let ourselves be new, and remember that other people’s opinions aren’t a threat to our safety, the easier it gets to move through that “what if they find out?” feeling.

Listener Action: This week, pick one place you’ve been feeling “not enough,” and try one small, honest sentence: “I’m new at this,” or “I don’t know yet, but I can find out.” Then notice what shifts when you stop trying to prove yourself.

• YouTube link - Watch the conversation on YouTube!

Want More?

1. Episode 120: Sneaky Perfectionism — If imposter syndrome tends to show up as “I should be able to do this perfectly (or not at all),” this one will feel very familiar. We talk about how perfectionism hides in plain sight and how “good enough” can help you move forward anyway.
2. Episode 125: Authenticity — We dig into why trying to look perfect is exhausting, and how being more real (even about the messy parts) can actually make life easier. It’s a great companion to this episode’s reminder that honesty beats pretending.
3. Episode 192: Letting Go of Judgment — Imposter syndrome loves judgment—especially the kind we aim at ourselves. In this episode, we talk about easing up on self-criticism and practicing the kind of compassion we’d offer a friend.

Connect With Us

If imposter syndrome shows up for you, we’d love to hear about it—what triggers it, and what helps you move through it.

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

Shannon tells Janine about signing up for the Oslo Marathon 10K happening in September while she's traveling in Scandinavia, and how that race date is giving her a real reason to get back into running after shoulder surgery. Janine shares her own goal: being able to walk up 35 flights of stairs to her apartment—and how a simple, “one flight at a time” plan (plus permission to take breaks) is helping her build stamina without turning it into a perfectionism project.

What We Talk About

1. 01:15 - Signing up for the Oslo 10K (September 12): How a race on a trip to Norway creates a clear training goal
2. 02:51 - Getting back to running after shoulder surgery: Starting over with run/walk and rebuilding motivation
3. 04:11 - Why Shannon wants longer runs (not just a 5K)
4. 07:42 - Janine’s fitness goal: walking up 35 flights of stairs
5. 08:07 - Building a simple plan (and tracking it)
6. 12:07 - Permission to pause without quitting: Planning stops and noticing that “easier” can actually help you finish stronger
7. 15:37 - Using Zombies, Run! for motivation: Story-based runs, optional zombie chases, and making training feel fun
8. 19:43 - Keeping the pressure low with a “good enough” plan

Key Takeaways

1. A purpose makes consistency easier: When we’re training for something—a race date, a trip, a milestone—it’s easier to keep showing up than when we’re just trying to “exercise more.”
2. Good enough reduces perfectionism pressure: Knowing Shannon can walk the 10K within the 1:45 time limit takes the stakes down, which makes it easier to keep moving forward.
3. Make the plan doable—and give yourself permission to adjust: Janine’s “one more flight per week” approach keeps the goal realistic, and building in extra stops helps her stay steady instead of pushing too hard.
4. Fun is allowed (and it counts): A motivating event, a playful app, or a little adventure can be a real part of building a habit.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to fitness, perfectionism can whisper that it only counts if we do it the “right” way—or that we should wait until we feel more ready, more motivated, more consistent. But for us, the magic is usually simpler: a clear goal, a doable plan, and permission to make it easier when we need to.

Listener Action: Choose one small fitness goal with a reason attached (a date, a destination, a milestone). Then pick one “good enough” step you can take this week—something you could still do on a low-energy day.

Want More Like This?

Episode 21: Know Your Why If you’re trying to figure out what actually motivates you (and what doesn’t), we talk about getting clear on your values—your “why”—so “good enough” gets a whole lot easier.

Episode 22: Creating Helpful Habits If you’re building consistency from scratch, we’ve got you. We talk about why habits matter, why they’re hard, and how a good-enough mindset (hello, teeny tiny steps) can help you create routines that actually stick.

Episode 32: Self Care If movement, rest, and self-care get tangled up with “shoulds,” we’ve been there. We talk about what self-care means (it’s different for everyone), and Shannon shares an idea for making exercise feel more like self-care—even when it usually doesn’t.

Connect With Us

Working toward a fitness goal right now—and noticing perfectionism getting involved?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

• YouTube link - If you'd like to watch the conversation, click here!

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We also touch on how perfectionism can sneak in here—when we tell ourselves we have to do something the “right” way (with the “right” supplies) or not bother at all. We share a bunch of real-life examples (including one very satisfying vacuum “shim” and a WD-40 moment we’re still proud of), plus an easy way to spot your own tolerations and knock them down in small, good-enough steps.

What We Talk About

1. 02:27 – The “gunk on the iPad” toleration: how not cleaning it becomes a recurring energy drain
2. 03:33 – When a tiny task feels like a big job: the story we tell ourselves about needing the “right” supplies
3. 05:03 – A satisfying quick fix: shimming a vacuum wand with folded cardboard (and why it feels so good)
4. 06:18 – Fixing a long-term tech annoyance: the Mac dock that jumps monitors, and the simple downloadable solution
5. 09:13 – The hidden cost of small discomfort: how daily friction wears on us over time
6. 10:42 – Keys, clutter, and systems: simplifying a too-full key setup and creating a lock box for rarely-used keys
7. 16:17 – The “just one thing” solution: how removing just one coat can make a cramped closet feel easier
8. 18:34 – Turning a small fix into a big project: when “I could blog about it” makes it harder to start
9. 19:08 – The tolerations list idea: making a list, tackling it 5–10 minutes at a time, and enjoying the wins
10. 21:53 – The WD-40 effect: how one fix makes future fixes easier (and why it only takes a few minutes)
11. 22:23 – Listener challenge: what are you going to “WD-40” in your life this week?

Key Takeaways

1. Tolerations have a hidden cost: Even small annoyances take energy—every time we notice them, avoid them, or think about fixing them.
2. Good-enough fixes are often enough: We don’t have to do it perfectly. A quick wipe, a simple workaround, or a small system tweak can make life smoother.
3. Small wins keep paying you back: Fix something once, and you get a little hit of satisfaction every time you use it afterward.
4. Reduce friction in the places you touch every day: Keys, coats, cables, drawers—tiny improvements in high-traffic spots can make your whole day feel easier.
5. Make a “tolerations list” and work it in short bursts: When we write them down, those semi-subliminal annoyances become visible—and way more doable.

The Bottom Line

Tolerations are sneaky. They seem too small to bother with, but they can take up way more energy than we realize. The good news is that a lot of them don’t require a big overhaul—just a quick, good-enough fix that makes things quieter, smoother, and less annoying.

Listener Action: Pick one toleration and make it 20% better this week. Set a timer for 10 minutes, do what you can, and then notice how it feels the next time you run into that thing.

Want More Like This?

Episode 63: Tolerations If you've been around for awhile, you'll know we’ve been talking about tolerations for a long time. In this version, we dig more into what tolerations are, why they drain our energy, and how to address them without letting perfectionism run the show.

Episode 90: Acting on Good Impulses If you ever have that quick “I should just take care of that” thought and then ignore it, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about noticing those good impulses and acting on them while they’re fresh—so small annoyances don’t keep hanging around and draining your energy.

Episode 153: Helping Your Future Self When we do a small thing now, future-us gets a little gift—and present-us gets a little relief. We talk about strategies for letting go of perfectionism and taking action in ways your future self will genuinely thank you for.

• Watch the episode on YouTube - If you'd like to see the conversation hop on over to YouTube

Connect With Us

What are you going to “WD-40” in your life this week?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We look at how this shows up in everyday life (like skipping a walk because we’re “too busy,” or staying home to get organized and then not doing it), and we share a simple shift that helps: treating rest and enjoyment as part of the plan, not a reward you have to earn.

What We Talk About

1. 03:45 - Waiting to feel good until conditions change Weather as a stand-in for “I’ll be happier when…” and how we put off enjoying ourselves.
2. 04:14 - The “perfect conditions” problem (gardening example) Waiting too long for the right moment can mean missing the chance to do what helps things grow.
3. 05:08 - Skipping fun to “get organized”… and doing neither The familiar loop: we cancel the enjoyable thing, then can’t face the task either.
4. 06:14 - Rest first, then do the thing How taking a real break can give us the brain power to come back and actually do the task.
5. 07:06 - “I’ll do that after I retire” (the bigger version) Why waiting for “someday” can be risky—and why doing what matters while we can matters.
6. 09:06 - The moving finish line The task we’re waiting to finish keeps changing, and many “maintenance” tasks never stay done.
7. 10:09 - Downtime is part of the recipe Why relaxation and sleep can’t always be the thing that gets pushed off.
8. 11:51 - A practical tactic: track “get out of the apartment” Using a simple habit tracker as a reminder to change environment (like getting out without Bix).
9. 14:30 - Staying present instead of screen-hopping A small practice during short waits online: breathe, stay put, and don’t derail yourself.

Key Takeaways

1. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s fuel When we’re exhausted, real rest can be what makes the next step possible.
2. “I’ll relax after…” is usually a moving target If we tie enjoyment to being “done,” we can end up postponing it forever.
3. Do the small version now We don’t have to wait for retirement or a perfect season—sometimes it’s as simple as taking the walk today.
4. Build enjoyment into the system A tiny tracker or reminder can help us actually do the things that support our energy and well-being.
5. Presence prevents the productivity spiral Staying with the moment can save mental energy and make it easier to return to what we were doing.

The Bottom Line

If we keep telling ourselves we’ll feel good after we finish the next thing, we can get stuck in a loop where we don’t finish the thing and we don’t feel good either. Downtime isn’t something we earn once life is perfect—it’s part of how we live with more ease, and it can actually make it easier to do what needs doing.

Listener Action: Choose one small “reset” you can do before you’re completely done—take a 10-minute walk, work somewhere different for a bit, or step outside and look at something far away. Then notice: does doing the next thing feel even a little easier?

Want More Like This?

1. Episode 61: You’re Not Behind - A strong companion to today’s “I’ll relax after…” trap—especially if the pressure comes from feeling behind.
2. Episode 92: Working Through a Backlog - If your “after” is tied to a backlog, this one keeps it practical—how to move forward without turning it into a perfectionism project.
3. Episode 170: Give Yourself Credit - Perfect if your finish line keeps moving—this helps you count what’s done so you’re not always waiting to feel “done enough.”

Connect With Us

If you’re someone who postpones enjoyment until you “get to the thing,” you’re not alone—and we’d love to hear what this looks like for you.

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We chat about why it’s normal for tools and routines to stop working, how novelty and “reward” can help you re-enter real life after a chaotic season, and a few playful ways to shake things up (including Shannon’s plan to try to-do list bingo). If you’ve been thinking, “But this system should work—what’s wrong with me?” we’re here to gently remind you: probably nothing.

What We Talk About

1. 01:04 — That “chaos slash nothing” season, and why getting back in the swing is hard
2. 02:13 — To-do list bingo as a way to make tasks feel fun again
3. 03:32 — When a “good system” stops working, digging in your heels can keep you stuck
4. 04:32 — Shannon’s hybrid planning setup (bullet journal + Todoist + calendar) and why redundancy helps
5. 06:10 — Keeping the bingo board inside the bullet journal (so it’s not “one more tool”)
6. 08:28 — Janine’s Trello era, novelty, and the motivational power of confetti
7. 10:16 — Bullet journaling through hard seasons and why flexibility matters
8. 13:02 — Mark Forster’s “Do It Tomorrow” / Autofocus: the premise matters more than the rules
9. 19:44 — Re-entry after shoulder surgery: sometimes you need extra reward to restart momentum

Key Takeaways

1. When a productivity system stops working, it’s information—not failure If something that used to help you suddenly doesn’t, it doesn’t mean you failed. It may just mean your life changed and your system needs to change with it.
2. A temporary reset can restart momentum You don’t have to overhaul everything. Sometimes a short-term experiment (like to-do list bingo) is enough to make things feel doable again.
3. Small rewards can help you follow through Confetti, bingo, tiny celebrations—if they help you take action, they count.
4. Redundancy isn’t always wasted effort If rewriting plans helps you remember, visualize your week, or feel more grounded, it can be worth the extra step.
5. The “holy grail” of productivity is a myth You can find something that works really well—and still expect it to evolve as your needs and seasons change.

The Bottom Line

The big message here is simple: if your current productivity system isn’t working, you don’t have to force it—or blame yourself. Life changes, your energy changes, and what used to fit might need an update. Sometimes the most “good enough” move is to try a playful tweak (like to-do list bingo), borrow a little novelty, and give yourself permission to experiment.

Listener Action: Pick one small way to “shake up” your current system this week—something that adds a tiny bit of novelty or reward (a bingo square, a mini challenge, a new way to write your list)—and notice what changes.

Want More Like This?

Episode 6: Task Management We get delightfully nerdy about task management and the tools we’ve tried over the years—Mark Forster’s systems, Todoist, Post-it® Notes, and why writing things down can make life feel so much easier.

Episode 61: You’re Not Behind If you stress about feeling behind, this episode offers a kinder reframe: “behind” can be a signal to step back, reassess what matters, and set up a more reasonable way to keep up.

Episode 93: Preventing Pileups A practical follow-up for when your system needs an update: strategies for creating systems (especially for email and paper) so backlogs don’t keep coming back.

• YouTube link - Watch the conversation on YouTube!

Connect With Us

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We share real-life examples (like Shannon’s surprise “lip balm shot” into the trash, a stress-free elevator ride, and surviving a truly unpleasant parking garage) and explore why non-zero effort matters. The more we notice what’s going right, the more we can create a little ease and momentum—especially when we’re not finishing everything all at once.

What We Talk About

1. 00:38 — Why it helps to celebrate little things when life feels tight or difficult
2. 01:29 — Shannon’s “lip balm shot” into the trash—and celebrating it like a center-court basket
3. 02:46 — Celebrating the absence of a problem: a non-stop elevator ride when a dog encounter could have been stressful
4. 03:40 — Noticing when things go as expected—and letting that count as a win
5. 05:30 — Small wins as a “buffer” that helps us handle obstacles without getting knocked down as far
6. 06:00 — The parking garage story: building in extra time to reduce stress, then celebrating “nothing bad happened”
7. 07:10 — When progress doesn’t “count” because we didn’t finish—remembering non-zero effort matters
8. 10:38 — The motivation myth: believing we have to be hard on ourselves to keep going
9. 11:53 — Anchoring feeling good to progress: celebrating small wins as a way to rewire the pattern
10. 16:22 — Holding two truths: celebrating small wins while still caring about what’s happening in the world

Key Takeaways

1. Small wins support progress over perfection: When things feel hard, noticing what did go right helps us step out of the “nothing is enough” mindset.
2. Non-zero effort is real progress: If you took one step—even a small one—it counts, even if the whole thing isn’t finished yet.
3. Self-compassion fuels motivation: Being hard on ourselves can make action harder. Celebrating success (even tiny success) makes it easier to keep going.
4. Small wins create a buffer for tough moments: When we’re already a little “buoyed up,” setbacks don’t knock us down as far.
5. Celebration isn’t silly—it’s practical: Cheering yourself on can help reinforce the habit of taking action and build momentum over time.

The Bottom Line

Celebrating small wins isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about giving yourself a practical boost when life is hard. When we practice noticing what’s going right (including the “nothing went wrong” moments), we feel better. And when we feel better, it’s easier to take action, stay motivated, and keep choosing progress over perfection.

Listener Action: This week, choose one small win each day—something you usually wouldn’t count—and name it out loud (to yourself or someone else). Then take five seconds to actually celebrate it.

• YouTube link - Click here to watch the conversation on YouTube!

Want More Like This? (Related Episodes)

Episode 2: Rewards A true back-catalog throwback on rewarding yourself for progress (not perfection)—and how celebrating steps along the way helps you stay motivated (without the “I have to suffer to succeed” vibe).

41: Can It Be Too Easy? If you tend to dismiss wins that feel “too easy” (or too small to count), this episode is a great reminder that ease is allowed—and that letting things be easier can help you keep moving.

Episode 170: Give Yourself Credit If you tend to move the goalposts and only feel “done” when everything is finished, this episode is a gentle nudge to notice what you’ve already done—and to practice giving yourself that internal pat on the back.

Connect With Us

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We share real-life examples from knitting, bullet journaling, visible mending, watercolor and sketchbooks, and even reading. We also talk about how tracking and goals can quietly turn a relaxing hobby into a stressful one, and how lowering the stakes can help us get back to the point: doing something because it feels good.

What We Talk About

1. 02:46 - When hobbies get “too fiddly,” perfectionism can make us quit Janine finds abandoned knitting projects and talks about how frustration (and not wanting to back up and fix mistakes) can stop us from continuing.
2. 04:05 - A mistake doesn’t have to mean you’re done Janine shares a “rookie mistake” on her hat, then unknits and keeps going.
3. 04:38 - The fear of “ruining it” can keep us from starting Shannon talks about not wanting to mess up a sketchbook or watercolor journal with something that doesn’t feel good enough.
4. 07:40 - Bullet journaling: functional vs. Instagram-perfect We talk about how artistic bullet journal examples can intimidate people, even though the original method was meant to be quick and simple.
5. 09:10 - Visible mending: daunting to start, satisfying to finish We talk about the pressure to choose the “right” way to mend—and how gratifying it feels once we do it.
6. 15:33 - When reading becomes a numbers game Shannon shares how tracking books read started to create stress, especially during shoulder recovery.
7. 18:56 - Protecting hobbies from becoming work Janine shares why she said no to a knitting-related work opportunity so knitting could stay fun.

Key Takeaways

1. Perfectionism can sneak into the fun stuff: Even hobbies can start to feel like performance—especially when we think there’s a “right way” to do them.
2. Lower stakes = easier starts: When something is private, practical, or “just for us,” it’s often easier to experiment and keep going.
3. Functional can be beautiful: A bullet journal that works, a sweater that’s patched, a project that’s imperfect but used—these can be more satisfying than “perfect” things we never start.
4. Tracking can turn joy into pressure: Goals and numbers can be motivating… until they make the hobby feel like a quota.
5. Let hobbies stay hobbies: If turning something into work adds stress, it can cancel out the reason to do it in the first place.

The Bottom Line

Hobbies are allowed to be messy, imperfect, and purely for enjoyment. When we treat them like something to prove—something to perfect, optimize, or keep score on—we lose the ease we were looking for.

Listener Action: Choose one hobby you’ve been avoiding (or overthinking) and do a 10-minute “good enough” version this week. No fixing, no optimizing, no making it look impressive—just do it for the simple joy of doing it.

• YouTube link - Watch the conversation on YouTube!

Want More Like This?

1. Episode 35: Hobbies Our first big conversastion about hobbies and how perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying them. We talk about our hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can actually enjoy what you’re doing.
2. Episode 236: How to Start a New Adventure Starting something new can bring up all kinds of perfectionist feelings, so we talk about how to begin without needing a flawless plan. If your hobby hesitation is really “fear of starting,” this one will help.
3. Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet? We laugh our way through a conversation about how we prioritize fun and add more joy to everyday life. If you’re craving a reminder that fun is allowed (and actually matters), this one’s a great listen

Connect With Us

If this episode had you thinking about your own hobbies (or your own perfectionism), we’d love to hear from you.

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We also share a few real-life examples (knitting while watching TV, exercising with an audiobook, checking email mid-writing) and a simple “Good Enough” experiment: using tiny waiting moments—like a login screen—as a cue to take a few breaths and come back to what you’re doing.

What We Talk About

1. 01:28 — When multitasking can work: knitting while watching TV (and why writing postcards while watching is different).
2. 03:33 — A combo that often works: physical tasks (folding laundry, exercising) while listening to an audiobook (or podcast!).
3. 04:29 — Why switching tasks can make you less productive than single-tasking.
4. 05:47 — The “attention test”: if both tasks need brain power (like sorting and chatting), something gets missed.
5. 06:45 — Phone + conversation: noticing how it affects connection, and small ways to be more present with people.
6. 10:22 — The “lag reflex”: switching away during a short wait (like logging into a bank) and getting pulled into email or Facebook.
7. 11:08 — A simple strategy: practice staying with a few seconds of discomfort so you can finish the task.
8. 13:01 — Meditation explained in plain terms: not “no thoughts,” but returning to your focus.
9. 14:42 — Anchoring mindfulness to your desk chair: building calm where you actually work.
10. 15:44 — Shannon shares how ADHD can amplify distraction and unfinished tasks (especially off meds).
11. 17:13 — Reframing single-tasking as self-care: more calm, more “done,” and less stress.

Key Takeaways

1. Most multitasking is really task switching: If you’re bouncing between email, a document, and social media, you’re not doing three things at once—you’re switching. And switching often makes everything take longer.
2. Some pairings can be “good enough” multitasking: If one task is automatic or physical (like knitting, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, brushing your teeth), it may pair well with listening.
3. If both tasks require attention, you’ll feel scattered: Sorting, writing, and meaningful conversations all need focus. Trying to stack them usually means you’re only half there.
4. Use waiting moments as a mindfulness cue: Instead of opening Facebook during a 10-second pause, try three slow breaths or counting breaths until the page loads.
5. Single-tasking is self-care (and it feels better): Finishing one thing at a time can lower stress and give you that satisfying sense of completion.

The Bottom Line

Multitasking promises efficiency, but for most of us it’s really rapid, less efficient task switching—and it can leave you feeling scattered and less present. A “Good Enough” approach is choosing one thing at a time more often, and using tiny pauses to return to your focus.

Listener Action: Choose one “waiting moment” this week (like logging into a website). Instead of switching to email or social media, take 3 slow breaths and gently bring your attention back to the task in front of you.

• YouTube link - Watch the conversation on YouTube!

Want More Like This? (Related Episodes)

Episode 26: Multitasking If multitasking is your default setting (and it sometimes works… until it doesn’t), this is our original episode on the subject. We talk about why multitasking feels productive, when it can actually be fine, and when it’s really just task switching that leaves you more frazzled than finished.

Episode 27: The Thrill of Done You know that satisfying feeling when you finish something and it stops taking up space in your brain? This episode is all about that. We share simple ways to make “done” easier to reach—especially if perfectionism tends to move the finish line.

Episode 84: Overthinking The multitasking may be coming from inside your brain! If your brain likes to keep running the same thought loop, you’re not alone. We talk about how overthinking sneaks in (especially with perfectionist tendencies), and how to step out of the spin cycle and into the next small, doable action.

Connect With Us

We’d love to hear what multitasking looks like in your real life—and what happens when you try single-tasking instead. Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough.

If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

We remind ourselves that even when we’re not personally in immediate danger, it still takes real energy to be in the world right now. So we explore a good-enough approach: set kind-but-firm boundaries around news and social media, calm your nervous system first, and then choose one small action you can actually sustain.

What We Talk About

1. 00:45 - Feeling overwhelmed and “maxed out,” and naming the nervous system impact
2. 01:10 - Remembering to factor in what’s happening in the world (on top of personal stressors)
3. 02:43 - How external stress compresses our capacity and bandwidth—even if we’re not directly threatened
4. 03:51 - The push-pull of wanting to stay informed without getting pulled into constant news consumption
5. 05:34 - Creating a container for the news: skim headlines, read one article, or set a 15-minute timer
6. 06:57 - Choosing your inputs on purpose: unfollowing/unfriending and skipping online arguments that won’t lead to real dialogue
7. 10:37 - Taking action to feel less helpless: donating, writing postcards, protesting, and focusing your energy where it can matter
8. 12:53 - Not letting perfectionism hijack activism: it’s not all-or-nothing, and “doing a little” still counts
9. 14:26 - Connection over consumption: reaching out to friends and checking in instead of scrolling
10. 16:23 - “Oxygen mask first”: calming your nervous system makes it easier to take meaningful action and help others

Key Takeaways

1. External stress is real stress: Even if nothing in your personal life changed, what’s happening in the world can shrink your capacity.
2. Set boundaries so you can stay informed (without spiraling): A small “container”—headlines only, one article, or a timer—helps you avoid doomscrolling.
3. Curate your inputs like it’s self-care: Unfollowing, unfriending, and choosing what you engage with can protect your nervous system.
4. Small actions beat perfectionism: Donating, writing postcards, protesting, or helping in your community doesn’t have to be perfect to matter.
5. Calm first, then act: When you feel steadier, it’s easier to take meaningful action.

The Bottom Line

When everything feels like too much, it makes sense that your energy is lower and your brain wants to scroll, worry, or shut down. In this episode, we remind ourselves that we can care and protect our nervous systems: set a boundary around what you take in, then choose one small action that helps you feel less helpless—without letting perfectionism turn it into a moral test.

Listener Action: This week, pick one boundary (like a 15-minute news timer or “one article only”) and one small action (text a friend to check in, donate a few dollars, write one postcard, etc.). Good enough counts.

• Watch the episode on YouTube - You can watch us have this conversation on YouTube, if you'd like.
• Ben Sheehan, host of Civics Made Easy, on Instagram: Calling members of Congress WORKS. With such thin majorities for the GOP you’d only need to convince a handful of members to vote across the aisle — and we’ve already seen that happen this year. Don’t let anyone tell you that pressure doesn’t work - we’ve already seen proof that it does. And if you’re concerned about ICE, you might wanna call your Democratic members of the Senate and tell them to force changes to the agency in exchange for their vote — or even withhold their vote to temporarily shut down ICE.
• Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress

Connect With Us

If you try a good-enough boundary or a small action this week, we’d love to hear what you chose.

Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

Want More Like This? (Related Episodes)

1. Episode 107: Balancing Discomfort — This episode is from a moment when there was a lot happening in the world, and we talk about how to hold the discomfort and keep moving forward. We share what helped us stay grounded, and how taking one small step can be more sustainable than trying to do everything at once.
2. Episode 108: Ready to Vote? — If voting has ever felt oddly stressful—like you need to do it perfectly or you’ll mess it up—this episode will feel familiar. We get practical about making a simple plan, shrinking the dread, and following through.
3. Episode 264: How to Enjoy Social Media Again — This is the social media episode we mention in today’s conversation. We dig into comparisonitis, doomscrolling, and some very doable ways to curate your feed and set boundaries so you can stay connected without feeling consumed.

Timestamped Highlights

• 00:44: That creeping feeling behind—why it shows up so quickly
• 01:59: The power of finishing dreaded tasks (and a British-accented banker named Jaunty)
• 03:13: Carrying over tasks week to week—and the relief of clearing the decks
• 05:01: How finishing little tasks clears space for bigger goals
• 05:35: The magic of a “power hour”
• 06:19: The myth of being behind and the dangers of rushing
• 08:47: Unrealistic expectations and honoring your own pace
• 09:28: Letting our priorities (and word of the year!) guide our choices
• 13:11: Setting boundaries around work and personal time
• 15:13: Mornings, rushing, and the wisdom of “slow is smooth, smooth is fast”
• 17:10: How choosing your pace can change everything

Key Takeaways

• The feeling behind is often a myth—there’s no universal timeline we should be on.
• Clearing small tasks can free up mental space for bigger goals and better time management.
• Rushing rarely saves time and often leads to mistakes or missing out on good things.
• Boundaries (like not working weekends) help us enjoy both work and rest.
• We get to choose our pace—let our values and priorities lead the way, with a little self-compassion.

Bottom Line

You’re not actually behind—there’s no official schedule you have to follow. Let go of the rush and find a pace that works for you, right now.

Let's Connect

Do you tend to feel behind? What helps you bring more ease and smoothness into your days?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

Want More Like This? (Related Episodes)

Episode 41: Can It Be Too Easy? We talk about why letting things be easy sometimes feels so strange, and how giving ourselves permission to choose the easier path can actually help us move forward—especially when we’re feeling behind or overwhelmed.

Episode 60: The Problem with Labels Oh, those labels we put on ourselves—like “behind” or “not enough”—and how those stories can keep us stuck. If you’re working on being kinder to yourself, you’ll find some encouragement and maybe a laugh or two.

Episode 156: Feeling Good About Good Enough We get honest about how tough it can be to stop chasing perfection and start feeling good about “good enough.” If you’re learning to embrace progress and let go of unrealistic expectations, this episode is for you.

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)

1. 01:25 Looking back at 2025 and asking: what do we want 2026 to look like?
2. 02:16 Word of the year as an anchor (and why “survive” doesn’t feel great)
3. 03:06 Shannon’s word for 2026: choose (making decisions on purpose)
4. 04:33 Maximizer vs. satisficer: why decision-making can feel so hard
5. 06:43 Too many options = no decision (hello, Amazon overwhelm)
6. 09:52 Janine’s personal retreat + deciding to retire Organize Your Family History
7. 11:52 Writing it down + talking it through (pros/cons, getting support)
8. 12:40 The “rule of three”: choose up to three criteria (and/or options) and stop researching
9. 16:28 “Just in case” thinking: flexibility vs. clutter (and the hidden cost of keeping things)
10. 20:35 Making “for now” decisions with a time frame so you can stop thinking about it

Key takeaways

1. Choosing on purpose can feel energizing. It’s a way to be more active in your life instead of always reacting.
2. 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).
3. Satisficing is very “good enough.” Pick a few criteria that matter, choose something that meets them, and move on.
4. Try the rule of three. Limit yourself to three criteria and/or three options to reduce overwhelm.
5. Open loops cost energy. Not deciding can keep a decision quietly draining your attention.
6. 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):

1. Write down up to three criteria that actually matter.
2. Look at up to three options.
3. Choose the first option that meets your criteria—and stop researching.

Want More Like This?

1. 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.
2. Episode 103: Dealing with Imperfectionists An exploration about what happens when a maximizer and a satisficer are trying to make a decision together (and how to communicate what matters most). It’s a practical listen if you’re trying to choose with more clarity—especially when other people are involved.
3. Episode 156: Feeling Good About Good Enough We share how to get more comfortable stopping at good enough (without that nagging “but what if there’s a better option?” feeling). If you’re working on letting go of over-optimizing and moving on with your life, we think you’ll love this one.

Connect with us

We’d love to hear from you—how do you choose to move through your life? What decisions are you making in 2026?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

• YouTube link - If you'd like to watch the conversation click here!

If you enjoyed this episode…

If you heard something that makes your life just a little bit easier, we’d love it if you’d leave a review or share this episode with someone who’s looking for their own version of good enough.

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

1. 03:00 The “stare into the fridge and hope something occurs to us” problem
2. 04:20 Why being hungry is the worst time to decide what’s for dinner
3. 05:38 Shannon’s Trello-based meal planning system
4. 08:20 Theme nights (Taco Tuesday and beyond) to reduce decision fatigue
5. 09:19 Planned takeout night = guilt-free and actually enjoyable
6. 10:31 Freezer meals (hello, chili) for low-energy seasons
7. 16:59 The power of a super-easy fallback dinner
8. 19:05 Let go of “shoulds” and feed yourself (and your household) in a way that works

Key Takeaways

1. 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.
2. Curate your options. Whether it’s a Trello recipe board or a white board of go-to meals, narrowing choices makes planning easier.
3. Theme nights reduce stress. A theme gives you a lane (not a strict rule) and makes “What’s for dinner?” easier to answer.
4. Plan takeout on purpose. Planned takeout can be relaxing and guilt-free; panic takeout is usually stressful and expensive.
5. Have a fallback. Scrambled eggs, breakfast for dinner, or a snack-plate style meal can keep you fed when plans fall apart.
6. 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:

1. Choose one theme night (like Taco-ish, Pasta-ish, Soup-ish, or Takeout Night).
2. Pick one fallback dinner you can make when you’re low on energy.

• Trello | Capture, organize, and tackle your to-dos from anywhere
• Souper Cubes® - Silicone Food Freezer Trays & Kitchen Accessories

Connect With Us

We’d love to hear from you: What are you going to incorporate into your meal planning—theme nights, a go-to meal, or something else?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

Want More Like This? (Related Episodes)

1. Episode 209: Meal Planning - The OG episode on meal planning! Some similar topics, some different.
2. Episode 212: A Little at a Time - If you like the idea of a calmer dinner routine but you’re not about to overhaul your whole life, we share how building systems gradually can make change feel doable. This episode was inspired by our first (Episode 209) meal planning episode.
3. Episode 16: Decision Making - We dig into why decisions can feel so draining—and how making “good enough” choices on purpose can reduce stress and help you move forward.

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 Highlights

00:54 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 About

1. Why we wait until a task becomes unbearable (hello, refrigerator)
2. How procrastination is often our brain trying to dodge an unpleasant feeling (not laziness)
3. The four productivity blocks that lead to procrastination: Enjoyment, Reward, Distractibility, Confidence
4. Why we tend to procrastinate for the same reason most of the time (even though tasks can vary)
5. Why celebrating small wins can build momentum
6. How ADHD and distractibility can show up as trying to “set the scene perfectly” before starting

FAQ: Procrastination + the 4 Productivity Blocks

What 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:

1. Enjoyment: You expect the task to be unpleasant (or boring), so you avoid it.
2. Reward: There’s not enough payoff to get you started.
3. Distractibility: Your attention keeps getting pulled to other tasks, thoughts, or inputs.
4. 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 procrastinating when a task feels unpleasant?

Start by asking: What feels bad about this task? Then counteract that feeling on purpose.

A few “good enough” ways to do that:

1. Add a little enjoyment (music, a funny podcast, a 10-minute challenge, doing it with someone)
2. Use rewards (small reward for starting, bigger reward for finishing—maybe one in the middle)
3. Reduce distractibility (write down competing thoughts, pick one thing, remove distractions, set a timer—even 5 minutes helps)
4. Build confidence (get information if you don’t know how; practice stepping into the feeling of confidence before you take action)

Is procrastination a sign of ADHD or distractibility?

Procrastination can show up for lots of reasons, and in this episode we’re careful not to treat it like a character flaw. One of the productivity blocks we talk about is distractibility, and Shannon shares how her ADHD diagnosis a couple of years ago changed her understanding of what was going on for her.

So yes—ADHD and distractibility can absolutely be part of the procrastination picture for some people. And even if ADHD isn’t part of your story, the same core strategy still applies: figure out the bad feeling and counteract it, then start with a tiny first step.

Listener Action

Pick one thing we’ve been putting off and ask:

1. What bad feeling are we trying to avoid? (Boredom? Discomfort? Fear of messing it up? Overwhelm?)
2. Which productivity block is showing up—enjoyment, reward, distractibility, or confidence?
3. What would counteract that feeling—just enough to help us start?

Then set a timer for 5 minutes and do the smallest possible first step.

Resources / Links

• Shannon’s procrastination quiz (and workbook) - Take Shannon's two-minute procrastination quiz to find out your productivity block is!
• YouTube - Click here to watch the episode!

Connect With Us

We’d love to hear from you: How do you procrastinate? Where do you get stuck when you’re putting things off?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

Want More Like This?

1. Episode 12: Procrastination — The original breakdown of the productivity blocks/reasons we procrastinate + strategies to move through them.
2. Episode 36: Feeling Satisfied — A perfect companion for the “good enough” mindset that reduces perfectionism paralysis and helps you move forward without needing it to be flawless.
3. Episode 67: Dealing with Distraction — Directly supports the focus/distractibility side of procrastination with practical strategies (timers, closing open loops, minimizing distractions).

Bottom Line

Procrastination isn’t a moral failing—it’s information. When you can name what feels bad about a task and identify the productivity block underneath it (enjoyment, reward, distractibility, or confidence), it gets a whole lot easier to take the next step. Be sure and check out the quiz at shannonwilkinson.com to get more detailed strategies for your particular brand of procrastination.

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 Highlights

1. 01:07 We report back: writing down the “Big Three” the night before is paying dividends
2. 02:13 “Less than five minutes” at night can save an hour of morning dithering
3. 03:10 The “accountabilibuddy” moment (and how it helps us remember)
4. 05:01 The “night before” effort: why setting up tomorrow-us matters
5. 08:03 Anchors and routines: coffee as a cue (and why not everyone has a morning beverage anchor)
6. 10:15 Bookkeeping as a discomfort dividend: weekly QuickBooks + daily YNAB makes tax time easier
7. 11:19 Doing it in the moment vs. figuring it out later (hello, mysterious Amazon purchases)
8. 13:02 Freezer meals as future-us support: batch cooking and portioning for easy, healthy dinners
9. 16:06 “Thank your past self”: noticing the payoff when the future arrives
10. 17:05 Putting things away: the ease of being able to find what we need, when we need it

Key Takeaways

1. Small effort now can create big ease later. The payoff is often time, energy, and reduced stress.
2. Doing things “as they happen” is usually easier than catching up. In the moment, we still have context—later we’re stuck reconstructing.
3. Cornerstone habits create momentum. Once one routine is solid (like the dishwasher), other habits become easier to build.
4. Make it automatic. Repetition turns “extra effort” into something we don’t even have to think about.
5. Design your environment for success. A place for everything (and putting it away) reduces daily friction.

Bottom Line

A 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 Action

Pick one small thing you can do today as a favor for future you—then try it for a week.

Some ideas from this episode:

1. Write down your “Big Three” the night before
2. Run the dishwasher at night and unload it in the morning
3. Enter bookkeeping transactions weekly (or daily if you can)
4. Put keys in the same spot every time
5. Freeze a couple portions the next time you cook

• YouTube - Watch the episode

Want More Like This?

If this episode hit home, you might also like:

1. Episode 153: Helping Your Future Self - Same core idea as the discomfort dividend: doing small, “good enough” things now so future-you has an easier time.
2. Episode 151: Task Management Revisited - A practical companion to the “write it down / decide in advance” vibe of Episode 275, with a focus on finding a task system that works for you (not chasing the perfect system).
3. Episode 150: Creating Helpful Work Boundaries - This connects to the “make life easier later” theme by creating clear start/stop rituals and boundaries that reduce daily friction and decision fatigue (and make tomorrow smoother).

Connect With Us

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

Call to Action

If this episode made your life a little easier, we’d love it if you’d leave a review, share it with a friend, or send us a message with the small “discomfort dividend” you’re trying right now.

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 behind
• How “catching up” can be perfectionism in disguise
• Letting go of tasks (or at least letting go of the pressure around them)
• Doing things for enjoyment vs. doing them to hit milestones
• A 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:

1. Write down your Big Three tasks for tomorrow.
2. Ask yourself: If I only do these three things, would that be good enough?
3. 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 YouTube
• Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com

Want more like this?

If you enjoyed this conversation about the pressure to catch up and the endless to-do list, you might also like:

• Episode 261: Morning Routines That Actually Stick (Even When They Don’t) — A practical, realistic look at routines that support you (instead of stressing you out). This is where Janine’s “Big Three” habit comes from, so it’s a great companion listen.
• Episode 92: Working Through a Backlog — A next-step episode for when the pileups are real: ideas for working through backlogs without getting stuck in the catch-up cycle.
• Episode 61: You’re Not Behind — If the “behind” feeling is familiar, this episode helps reframe it so it becomes a helpful signal (not a source of shame).

Mentioned in this episode

• YouTube - Link to watch the episode on YouTube
• Getting Started: The Four Tendencies | Gretchen Rubin

What We Talk About

• 01:45: 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 Takeaways

• Waiting 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 YouTube
• Email: 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.

What we talk about

• 01:30 | Great British Bake Off love—why it’s comforting, the junior version, and the joy of British competition shows
• 05:33 | 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 life
• 17:04 | Knitting and crafting: Rediscovering old projects, using Ravelry, and the joy of making cozy things

Key Takeaways

• Gentle 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 Line

You 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 YouTube
• Email: 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.
• Episode 148: Living with Less We explore how having less stuff can create more freedom and happiness, and why “less is more” can be the key to a lighter, more joyful life.

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 clear
• Practical scripts for declining work requests, social invitations, and volunteer commitments
• How to recognize when you're asking too much of yourself
• The relief test that confirms you made the right choice
• Why 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 no.

[13:30] Janine's IKEA Meeting Story: Letting Go of Expectations Janine shares how she let go of the expectation to attend her NAPO chapter meeting at IKEA when the timing was too tight. The relief she felt after saying no confirmed it was the right choice.

[14:28] The Relief Test: Your Body Knows the Right Answer Both hosts discuss how the sense of relief after saying no is a good clue that you made the right decision about your boundaries.

[15:19] Asking Too Much of Yourself: Recognizing Your Limits Janine gently points out that Shannon was asking a lot of herself to attend all three days of the conference, especially with an early flight the next morning.

[16:46] The Push and Pull of Conferences and Events Shannon reflects on how conferences and group events (family reunions, weddings) can be fraught with the tension between wanting to do everything and having real limitations on energy and time.

[17:46] Saying No to Volunteering: When Good Things Don't Fit Anymore Shannon shares the difficult decision to step away from volunteering at the pediatric intensive care unit after her first shoulder surgery—and why she chose not to return even after recovery.

[19:42] Your No Opens Opportunities for Others Janine reminds listeners that saying no or stopping something can open opportunities for someone else to step in and enjoy that role or responsibility.

[21:08] Something's Gotta Give: The Real Cost of Not Setting Boundaries Shannon explains that if you don't say no when you lack bandwidth, something will give—whether it's oversleeping (like she did the morning of her 4 a.m. wake-up call) or burning out entirely.

[23:53] Normalizing Boundaries: It's Better for Everyone Shannon emphasizes the importance of normalizing boundaries and recognizing that people can't do everything—and that's okay. It's better for everyone when we're honest about our limits.

[24:13] Know Your Priorities: Your Compass for Saying No Janine wraps up by encouraging listeners to be clear about what's important to them and navigate by that compass—it never lets you down.

10 Key Takeaways: Your Guide to Saying No Without Guilt

✅ No is a complete sentence. You don't owe anyone a lengthy explanation for declining an invitation or request. A simple "No, thank you" or "I can't" is enough when setting boundaries.

✅ Over-explaining weakens your no. The more details you add, the more it can seem like you're spinning a story—and it gives people room to argue or find loopholes.

✅ If it's not a "hell yes," it's a no. Don't default to yes when something feels like a maybe. Protect your time and energy for what truly matters by setting clear boundaries.

✅ Your no can be kind and thoughtful. Setting boundaries doesn't have to be rude. You can say no sincerely, regretfully, and firmly all at once.

✅ The relief test works. If you feel a sense of relief after saying no, that's confirmation you made the right choice about your boundaries.

✅ If you have to badger yourself, that's a clue. When you're trying to hype yourself up in a mean way to do something, listen to that signal—it's probably time to say no.

✅ Know your priorities. When you're clear about what's important to you, it becomes much easier to discern what deserves a yes and what needs a no. This clarity makes setting boundaries natural.

✅ Your no opens doors for others. Saying no or stepping away from a commitment can create opportunities for someone else to step in and thrive.

✅ Something's gotta give. If you don't say no when you're stretched too thin, your body or schedule will force the issue—often in less-than-ideal ways.

✅ Boundaries are better for everyone. Normalizing limits and recognizing that people can't do everything helps create healthier, more honest relationships and reduces guilt around saying no.

The Bottom Line on Setting Boundaries

Saying no isn't selfish—it's essential self-care. When you're clear about your priorities and honest about your limits, saying no becomes an act of respect for your own bandwidth. You don't need to over-explain, justify, or apologize for setting boundaries.

A simple, kind no protects your time, energy, and ability to show up well for what truly matters. And when you feel that sense of relief after declining? That's confirmation you made the right call. Learning to say no without guilt is a skill that gets easier with practice.

Try This: Your Action Step for Setting Boundaries

Practice the simple no. This week, try declining one low-stakes invitation or request without offering a detailed explanation. Notice how it feels—and whether the relief that follows confirms it was the right choice. Start small with saying no, and build your boundary-setting confidence.

• YouTube link - If you'd like to watch the conversation, click here!

Connect With Us: Share Your Boundary-Setting Stories

We'd love to hear from you! Do you struggle with saying no without guilt? How do you set boundaries in your life? Let us know:

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and 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 clear
  • Practical scripts for declining work requests, social invitations, and volunteer commitments
  • How to recognize when you're asking too much of yourself
  • The relief test that confirms you made the right choice
  • Why 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 no.

  [13:30] Janine's IKEA Meeting Story: Letting Go of Expectations Janine shares how she let go of the expectation to attend her NAPO chapter meeting at IKEA when the timing was too tight. The relief she felt after saying no confirmed it was the right choice.

  [14:28] The Relief Test: Your Body Knows the Right Answer Both hosts discuss how the sense of relief after saying no is a good clue that you made the right decision about your boundaries.

  [15:19] Asking Too Much of Yourself: Recognizing Your Limits Janine gently points out that Shannon was asking a lot of herself to attend all three days of the conference, especially with an early flight the next morning.

  [16:46] The Push and Pull of Conferences and Events Shannon reflects on how conferences and group events (family reunions, weddings) can be fraught with the tension between wanting to do everything and having real limitations on energy and time.

  [17:46] Saying No to Volunteering: When Good Things Don't Fit Anymore Shannon shares the difficult decision to step away from volunteering at the pediatric intensive care unit after her first shoulder surgery—and why she chose not to return even after recovery.

  [19:42] Your No Opens Opportunities for Others Janine reminds listeners that saying no or stopping something can open opportunities for someone else to step in and enjoy that role or responsibility.

  [21:08] Something's Gotta Give: The Real Cost of Not Setting Boundaries Shannon explains that if you don't say no when you lack bandwidth, something will give—whether it's oversleeping (like she did the morning of her 4 a.m. wake-up call) or burning out entirely.

  [23:53] Normalizing Boundaries: It's Better for Everyone Shannon emphasizes the importance of normalizing boundaries and recognizing that people can't do everything—and that's okay. It's better for everyone when we're honest about our limits.

  [24:13] Know Your Priorities: Your Compass for Saying No Janine wraps up by encouraging listeners to be clear about what's important to them and navigate by that compass—it never lets you down.

  10 Key Takeaways: Your Guide to Saying No Without Guilt

  ✅ No is a complete sentence. You don't owe anyone a lengthy explanation for declining an invitation or request. A simple "No, thank you" or "I can't" is enough when setting boundaries.

  ✅ Over-explaining weakens your no. The more details you add, the more it can seem like you're spinning a story—and it gives people room to argue or find loopholes.

  ✅ If it's not a "hell yes," it's a no. Don't default to yes when something feels like a maybe. Protect your time and energy for what truly matters by setting clear boundaries.

  ✅ Your no can be kind and thoughtful. Setting boundaries doesn't have to be rude. You can say no sincerely, regretfully, and firmly all at once.

  ✅ The relief test works. If you feel a sense of relief after saying no, that's confirmation you made the right choice about your boundaries.

  ✅ If you have to badger yourself, that's a clue. When you're trying to hype yourself up in a mean way to do something, listen to that signal—it's probably time to say no.

  ✅ Know your priorities. When you're clear about what's important to you, it becomes much easier to discern what deserves a yes and what needs a no. This clarity makes setting boundaries natural.

  ✅ Your no opens doors for others. Saying no or stepping away from a commitment can create opportunities for someone else to step in and thrive.

  ✅ Something's gotta give. If you don't say no when you're stretched too thin, your body or schedule will force the issue—often in less-than-ideal ways.

  ✅ Boundaries are better for everyone. Normalizing limits and recognizing that people can't do everything helps create healthier, more honest relationships and reduces guilt around saying no.

  The Bottom Line on Setting Boundaries

  Saying no isn't selfish—it's essential self-care. When you're clear about your priorities and honest about your limits, saying no becomes an act of respect for your own bandwidth. You don't need to over-explain, justify, or apologize for setting boundaries.

  A simple, kind no protects your time, energy, and ability to show up well for what truly matters. And when you feel that sense of relief after declining? That's confirmation you made the right call. Learning to say no without guilt is a skill that gets easier with practice.

  Try This: Your Action Step for Setting Boundaries

  Practice the simple no. This week, try declining one low-stakes invitation or request without offering a detailed explanation. Notice how it feels—and whether the relief that follows confirms it was the right choice. Start small with saying no, and build your boundary-setting confidence.

  • YouTube link - If you'd like to watch the conversation, click here!
  
  

  Connect With Us: Share Your Boundary-Setting Stories

  We'd love to hear from you! Do you struggle with saying no without guilt? How do you set boundaries in your life? Let us know:

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  ]]>59e23fe7-a49f-44c8-92c0-57365b7de41cThu, 27 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -070026:32falsefull62712716The Communication Pattern That's Secretly Sabotaging Your ConversationsEver suggest dinner plans only to hear an immediate "no" from your partner? Or find yourself automatically disagreeing with suggestions before you've even thought them through? You're not alone—and it's not personal.

  In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of communication patterns, specifically exploring whether you're a sameness or differences person, or a matcher or mismatcher.

  Understanding these communication styles can completely transform how you navigate conversations with your spouse, friends, and colleagues. We'll also explore how seeing similarities versus differences affects everything from perfectionism to everyday interactions. Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a conversation that'll make communication feel a whole lot smoother and way less stressful.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:06 - Welcome and introduction to communication styles and patterns
  • 02:52 - The difference between people who see similarities vs. differences
  • 04:22 - How perfectionism might be linked to sorting for differences
  • 05:45 - When seeing differences is actually a superpower (hello, typo spotting!)
  • 07:45 - The frustration of showing your finished project to someone who immediately spots the mistake
  • 09:01 - How to ask for what you need: "I just want you to be excited, not offer advice"
  • 11:06 - What is mismatching and why some people automatically say "no"
  • 15:58 - How to present ideas to a mismatcher without triggering their automatic "no"
  • 16:37 - The magic phrase: "I don't know if this is anything you'd be interested in..."
  • 19:44 - How to tell if you're a mismatcher (and why it's not a bad thing)
  • 21:29 - The difference between mismatching and not wanting to be told what to do
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Similarities vs. Differences: Two Different Communication Worlds

  Some people naturally see what's similar when looking at things, while others immediately spot what's different. Neither is better or worse—they're just different ways of processing information. Understanding which communication pattern you have (and which one your partner has) can save you tons of frustration and miscommunication.

  Perfectionism and Difference-Spotting May Be Connected

  If you're constantly seeing what's not perfect, you might be someone who naturally sorts for differences. Perfectionism often means constantly noticing what takes you away from perfection rather than celebrating what's already good. The good news? This pattern can evolve over time with awareness and practice.

  Mismatchers Aren't Being Difficult—They're Protecting Themselves

  If someone in your life automatically says "no" to suggestions, they might be a mismatcher. This knee-jerk reaction is often a protection mechanism—a way to preserve their ability to make their own decisions without feeling pushed or manipulated. It's not personal, and it's not permanent (they often come back a day later saying "actually, that sounds good").

  The Magic of Neutral Phrasing for Better Communication

  Instead of asking a mismatcher a direct yes/no question ("Want to go to the new Italian place?"), try neutral phrasing that opens a conversation: "I don't know if this is anything you'd be interested in, but I heard about this new Italian place..." This communication technique allows them to hear the information and respond based on what they really want, not just their automatic reaction.

  Ask for What You Need in Conversations

  It's not cheating to tell someone what kind of response you're looking for. Whether it's "I just want you to be excited, I'm not looking for feedback" or "I'm just venting, not looking for solutions," being clear about what you need helps both people have a more satisfying conversation.

  Bottom Line

  Understanding whether you or the people in your life are matchers or mismatchers, similarity- or difference-spotters, can completely transform your communication. These patterns aren't character flaws—they're just different ways our brains are wired to process information and protect ourselves. The key is awareness: notice your own communication patterns, recognize them in others, and adjust how you present information accordingly. When you do, conversations become easier, relationships feel smoother, and everyone gets more of what they actually want.

  Listener Action: This week, pay attention to how you respond when someone asks you a question or makes a suggestion. Do you feel guarded? Put on the spot? Do you automatically say no, or do you need more time? Notice the pattern without judgment—just observe. Then, if you're trying to get a "yes" from someone in your life, try using neutral phrasing instead of direct questions and see what happens.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Did this episode help you recognize a communication pattern in yourself or someone you love? Let us know:

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  Related Episodes

  • Episode 53: Preventing Overwhelm - Dives into boundary-setting for people-pleasing perfectionists—essential listening whether you're a mismatcher or matcher who struggles with feeling pushed into decisions.
  • Episode 17: Asking for Help - Discusses how to communicate your needs clearly.
  
  ]]>Ever suggest dinner plans only to hear an immediate "no" from your partner? Or find yourself automatically disagreeing with suggestions before you've even thought them through? You're not alone—and it's not personal.

  In this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of communication patterns, specifically exploring whether you're a sameness or differences person, or a matcher or mismatcher.

  Understanding these communication styles can completely transform how you navigate conversations with your spouse, friends, and colleagues. We'll also explore how seeing similarities versus differences affects everything from perfectionism to everyday interactions. Grab your favorite beverage and join us for a conversation that'll make communication feel a whole lot smoother and way less stressful.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:06 - Welcome and introduction to communication styles and patterns
  • 02:52 - The difference between people who see similarities vs. differences
  • 04:22 - How perfectionism might be linked to sorting for differences
  • 05:45 - When seeing differences is actually a superpower (hello, typo spotting!)
  • 07:45 - The frustration of showing your finished project to someone who immediately spots the mistake
  • 09:01 - How to ask for what you need: "I just want you to be excited, not offer advice"
  • 11:06 - What is mismatching and why some people automatically say "no"
  • 15:58 - How to present ideas to a mismatcher without triggering their automatic "no"
  • 16:37 - The magic phrase: "I don't know if this is anything you'd be interested in..."
  • 19:44 - How to tell if you're a mismatcher (and why it's not a bad thing)
  • 21:29 - The difference between mismatching and not wanting to be told what to do
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Similarities vs. Differences: Two Different Communication Worlds

  Some people naturally see what's similar when looking at things, while others immediately spot what's different. Neither is better or worse—they're just different ways of processing information. Understanding which communication pattern you have (and which one your partner has) can save you tons of frustration and miscommunication.

  Perfectionism and Difference-Spotting May Be Connected

  If you're constantly seeing what's not perfect, you might be someone who naturally sorts for differences. Perfectionism often means constantly noticing what takes you away from perfection rather than celebrating what's already good. The good news? This pattern can evolve over time with awareness and practice.

  Mismatchers Aren't Being Difficult—They're Protecting Themselves

  If someone in your life automatically says "no" to suggestions, they might be a mismatcher. This knee-jerk reaction is often a protection mechanism—a way to preserve their ability to make their own decisions without feeling pushed or manipulated. It's not personal, and it's not permanent (they often come back a day later saying "actually, that sounds good").

  The Magic of Neutral Phrasing for Better Communication

  Instead of asking a mismatcher a direct yes/no question ("Want to go to the new Italian place?"), try neutral phrasing that opens a conversation: "I don't know if this is anything you'd be interested in, but I heard about this new Italian place..." This communication technique allows them to hear the information and respond based on what they really want, not just their automatic reaction.

  Ask for What You Need in Conversations

  It's not cheating to tell someone what kind of response you're looking for. Whether it's "I just want you to be excited, I'm not looking for feedback" or "I'm just venting, not looking for solutions," being clear about what you need helps both people have a more satisfying conversation.

  Bottom Line

  Understanding whether you or the people in your life are matchers or mismatchers, similarity- or difference-spotters, can completely transform your communication. These patterns aren't character flaws—they're just different ways our brains are wired to process information and protect ourselves. The key is awareness: notice your own communication patterns, recognize them in others, and adjust how you present information accordingly. When you do, conversations become easier, relationships feel smoother, and everyone gets more of what they actually want.

  Listener Action: This week, pay attention to how you respond when someone asks you a question or makes a suggestion. Do you feel guarded? Put on the spot? Do you automatically say no, or do you need more time? Notice the pattern without judgment—just observe. Then, if you're trying to get a "yes" from someone in your life, try using neutral phrasing instead of direct questions and see what happens.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Did this episode help you recognize a communication pattern in yourself or someone you love? Let us know:

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  Related Episodes

  • Episode 53: Preventing Overwhelm - Dives into boundary-setting for people-pleasing perfectionists—essential listening whether you're a mismatcher or matcher who struggles with feeling pushed into decisions.
  • Episode 17: Asking for Help - Discusses how to communicate your needs clearly.
  
  ]]>529696ab-fcc8-4757-b5f7-5c5e38c4ddfbThu, 20 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -070027:04falsefull62702706Living in the Gap Between Hope and Fear: Navigating Uncertainty with GraceEver feel stuck between hoping for the best and preparing for the worst? When you're facing medical uncertainty—or any kind of unknown outcome—that gap between hope and fear can feel exhausting. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to live in that uncomfortable in-between space, and share strategies for staying present when the future feels uncertain.

  What We Talk About

  • [01:12] The Setup: Another Surgery, Another Unknown - Shannon shares the news that she needs a second shoulder surgery just weeks after getting out of her immobilizing brace
  • [07:00] The Double Jeopardy of It All - Shannon reflects on the unfairness of facing another surgery so soon and her emotional journey from disbelief to acceptance
  • [11:02] Making the Decision: Now or Later? - Shannon explains why she ultimately chose to have the surgery now rather than wait and live with uncertainty
  • [14:50] The Practice of Coming Back to Now - Shannon shares how this experience is teaching her to come back to the present moment and enjoy what is
  • [15:08] Janine's Small-Scale Uncertainty - Janine shares her own uncertainty about traveling during potential flight disruptions
  • [18:30] Preparing What You Can, Then Letting Go - Both hosts discuss making contingency plans and then releasing the worry about what you can't control
  • [21:30] The Irony of Shoulder Surgeries and This Podcast - Reflecting on how shoulder surgeries have repeatedly impacted the podcast's schedule
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Uncertainty Comes in All Sizes (And It's All Valid)

  Whether you're facing major surgery or travel plans during a government shutdown, uncertainty is uncomfortable. The scale doesn't matter—what matters is acknowledging that living in the unknown is hard, and giving yourself permission to feel all the feelings that come with it.

  You Can Prepare for Multiple Futures Without Living in All of Them

  When facing different possible outcomes, it's okay to mentally prepare for each scenario. Make your contingency plans, think through the what-ifs, and then practice letting go. You don't have to live in every possible future simultaneously—just prepare what you can and stay present.

  Sometimes Facing the Unknown Is Better Than Living in Limbo

  Shannon chose to have surgery now rather than rehab longer in uncertainty. Sometimes the discomfort of not knowing is worse than facing the thing itself. If you're stuck in an extended period of "maybe," consider whether taking action—even scary action—might bring relief.

  Humor and Distraction Are Legitimate Coping Tools

  The Great British Baking Show isn't just entertainment—it's a mental health strategy. When you're dealing with heavy uncertainty, give yourself permission to find comfort in whatever brings you peace, whether that's binge-watching TV, reading, or any other form of gentle distraction.

  Staying Present Is a Practice, Not a Destination

  You won't perfectly stay in the present moment when facing uncertainty—and that's okay. The goal isn't to never worry about the future, but to gently bring yourself back to now when you notice you've drifted into anxiety about what might happen.

  The Bottom Line

  Living in the gap between hope and fear is exhausting, but you don't have to do it perfectly. Identify one area of uncertainty in your life right now. What can you actually prepare for or control? Do that. Then practice letting go of the rest, even if just for today. Come back to the present moment as many times as you need to—that's not failure, that's the practice.

  Listener Action: This week, when you catch yourself spinning out about an uncertain future, ask yourself: "What can I actually do about this right now?" If there's an action, take it. If there isn't, practice returning to this moment.

  Connect With Us

  Facing your own season of uncertainty? We'd love to hear how you're navigating it.

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it—and consider leaving a rating or review to help others find the show.

  • You Tube Link - Watch the episode on YouTube!
  
  

  Related Episodes

  Want more like this? Check out these past episodes that explore similar themes:

  • Episode 223: Jen Singer - Living with Illness - Guest Jen shares her journey of living with chronic disease and how illness taught her to let go of perfectionism. Topics include energy triage, figuring out how you want to spend your time when health is uncertain, and the importance of self-care. Jen's mission to "take the loneliness out of illness" resonates deeply with Shannon's current surgical journey.
  • Episode 132: Quieting Your Mind – When you're facing medical uncertainty, your mind can feel anything but quiet. This episode explores how to turn down the volume on anxious thoughts, why our bodies react to worry as if the thing we're worrying about is actually happening, and Shannon's practical flowchart for responding to worry. Plus visual metaphors for letting thoughts pass through your mind.
  • Episode 131: Trying Something New - When you're facing the unknown (like Shannon's surgical uncertainty), moving through fear becomes essential. This episode explores how letting go of perfectionism helps us embrace new experiences even when we don't know what to expect. "Everything you want is on the other side of fear."
  
  

  POST SURGERY UPDATE: Shannon's surgery went well and the results were the best-case scenario!

  ]]>Ever feel stuck between hoping for the best and preparing for the worst? When you're facing medical uncertainty—or any kind of unknown outcome—that gap between hope and fear can feel exhausting. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to live in that uncomfortable in-between space, and share strategies for staying present when the future feels uncertain.

  What We Talk About

  • [01:12] The Setup: Another Surgery, Another Unknown - Shannon shares the news that she needs a second shoulder surgery just weeks after getting out of her immobilizing brace
  • [07:00] The Double Jeopardy of It All - Shannon reflects on the unfairness of facing another surgery so soon and her emotional journey from disbelief to acceptance
  • [11:02] Making the Decision: Now or Later? - Shannon explains why she ultimately chose to have the surgery now rather than wait and live with uncertainty
  • [14:50] The Practice of Coming Back to Now - Shannon shares how this experience is teaching her to come back to the present moment and enjoy what is
  • [15:08] Janine's Small-Scale Uncertainty - Janine shares her own uncertainty about traveling during potential flight disruptions
  • [18:30] Preparing What You Can, Then Letting Go - Both hosts discuss making contingency plans and then releasing the worry about what you can't control
  • [21:30] The Irony of Shoulder Surgeries and This Podcast - Reflecting on how shoulder surgeries have repeatedly impacted the podcast's schedule
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Uncertainty Comes in All Sizes (And It's All Valid)

  Whether you're facing major surgery or travel plans during a government shutdown, uncertainty is uncomfortable. The scale doesn't matter—what matters is acknowledging that living in the unknown is hard, and giving yourself permission to feel all the feelings that come with it.

  You Can Prepare for Multiple Futures Without Living in All of Them

  When facing different possible outcomes, it's okay to mentally prepare for each scenario. Make your contingency plans, think through the what-ifs, and then practice letting go. You don't have to live in every possible future simultaneously—just prepare what you can and stay present.

  Sometimes Facing the Unknown Is Better Than Living in Limbo

  Shannon chose to have surgery now rather than rehab longer in uncertainty. Sometimes the discomfort of not knowing is worse than facing the thing itself. If you're stuck in an extended period of "maybe," consider whether taking action—even scary action—might bring relief.

  Humor and Distraction Are Legitimate Coping Tools

  The Great British Baking Show isn't just entertainment—it's a mental health strategy. When you're dealing with heavy uncertainty, give yourself permission to find comfort in whatever brings you peace, whether that's binge-watching TV, reading, or any other form of gentle distraction.

  Staying Present Is a Practice, Not a Destination

  You won't perfectly stay in the present moment when facing uncertainty—and that's okay. The goal isn't to never worry about the future, but to gently bring yourself back to now when you notice you've drifted into anxiety about what might happen.

  The Bottom Line

  Living in the gap between hope and fear is exhausting, but you don't have to do it perfectly. Identify one area of uncertainty in your life right now. What can you actually prepare for or control? Do that. Then practice letting go of the rest, even if just for today. Come back to the present moment as many times as you need to—that's not failure, that's the practice.

  Listener Action: This week, when you catch yourself spinning out about an uncertain future, ask yourself: "What can I actually do about this right now?" If there's an action, take it. If there isn't, practice returning to this moment.

  Connect With Us

  Facing your own season of uncertainty? We'd love to hear how you're navigating it.

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it—and consider leaving a rating or review to help others find the show.

  • You Tube Link - Watch the episode on YouTube!
  
  

  Related Episodes

  Want more like this? Check out these past episodes that explore similar themes:

  • Episode 223: Jen Singer - Living with Illness - Guest Jen shares her journey of living with chronic disease and how illness taught her to let go of perfectionism. Topics include energy triage, figuring out how you want to spend your time when health is uncertain, and the importance of self-care. Jen's mission to "take the loneliness out of illness" resonates deeply with Shannon's current surgical journey.
  • Episode 132: Quieting Your Mind – When you're facing medical uncertainty, your mind can feel anything but quiet. This episode explores how to turn down the volume on anxious thoughts, why our bodies react to worry as if the thing we're worrying about is actually happening, and Shannon's practical flowchart for responding to worry. Plus visual metaphors for letting thoughts pass through your mind.
  • Episode 131: Trying Something New - When you're facing the unknown (like Shannon's surgical uncertainty), moving through fear becomes essential. This episode explores how letting go of perfectionism helps us embrace new experiences even when we don't know what to expect. "Everything you want is on the other side of fear."
  
  

  POST SURGERY UPDATE: Shannon's surgery went well and the results were the best-case scenario!

  ]]>24542123-a4b2-4eda-b3d9-c5c22e2c8d54Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -070024:32falsefull62692696When Recovery Means Redefining "Good Enough" Every Single DayWhat happens when life throws you the exact curveball you were trying to avoid? We reconnect after more than a month apart to talk about navigating shoulder surgery recovery while keeping our newly relaunched podcast thriving. This conversation is about what "good enough" really means when your expectations shift moment by moment, when celebrating progress means being excited to put your hair up, and when moving forward requires equal parts resilience, humor, and a really good pillow system.

  What We Talk About

  00:26 - Reuniting After Five and a Half Weeks Apart. We see each other for the first time since mid-September, even though listeners have been hearing new episodes every week. The secret? We batch-recorded everything before Shannon's September 23rd shoulder surgery.

  02:11 - Life in a Gunslinger Brace. Shannon shares the reality of wearing a full-arm immobilization brace 24/7 for five weeks—sleeping in it, the elaborate pillow system, and why it's called a "gunslinger" (spoiler: she thinks they could've picked a less violent name).

  07:55 - When History Repeats Itself (And You're Not Sure What It Means). The emotional weight of deciding to relaunch the podcast in April, only to discover in July that Shannon needed the same surgery that contributed to our 2023 shuttering of the podcast. Was the universe trying to tell us something? (Spoiler: No. We kept going anyway!)

  09:36 - Moving Forward With Uncertainty. Janine reflects on why she never hesitated to move forward despite the unknowns, and Shannon shares her gratitude for that unwavering support. We discuss why having something to look forward to matters during difficult times.

  13:00 - When Your Morning Routine Goes Out the Window. The irony of recording episodes about morning routines and energy management right before surgery, when all routines disappear and are replaced by "set an alarm every five hours for pain meds."

  14:42 - The Sling Has a History. Shannon reveals she's wearing the same brace from her 2023 right shoulder surgery (because medical equipment is absurdly expensive), and why she has an entire bin of orthopedic supplies. Janine asks if she's named it yet.

  17:25 - Living With a Connective Tissue Disorder. Shannon explains how her hypermobility disorder affects joint stability and recovery, and the strengthening exercises she's doing to hopefully prevent future surgeries.

  18:14 - Celebrating the Smallest Wins. Shannon shares the two things she's most excited to do again: put her hair up and wear her necklace. This is what celebrating progress looks like when you're six to twelve months away from full recovery.

  Key Takeaways

  "Good Enough" Changes Moment to Moment

  When you're in recovery—or any major life disruption—"good enough" isn't a fixed standard. It shifts with your energy, your pain level, your emotional capacity. Shannon's learning to embrace whatever good enough means in each moment, whether that's editing a podcast episode or just getting dressed for the day. This flexible approach to self-compassion can help anyone navigating unexpected challenges.

  Progress Deserves Celebration, Not Just Success

  Shannon won't be "successful" with her shoulder recovery for six to twelve months. But there are dozens of small victories along the way: weaning out of the brace, making it through physical therapy, putting her hair up for the first time. Don't wait for the finish line to celebrate—mark the milestones. This mindset shift from perfectionism to progress can transform how you experience difficult seasons.

  Having Something to Look Forward To Matters

  Even though the podcast relaunch added complexity to an already difficult recovery, it gave Shannon something positive to focus on. Sometimes the thing that feels like "one more thing" is actually the thing that keeps you going. Finding meaning and purpose during recovery can be as important as the physical healing.

  Uncertainty Doesn't Have to Stop You

  We moved forward with the podcast relaunch even though we had no idea how Shannon's recovery would go or when we'd be able to record again. We pre-recorded what we could, stayed flexible, and trusted we'd figure it out. And we did. This approach to managing uncertainty can help you move forward even when you can't see the whole path.

  Your Body Keeps the Receipts

  Shannon's connective tissue disorder means her joints don't have the same stability as is typical, making her more prone to injuries and longer recoveries. But she's learning what her body needs—strengthening exercises, better support, realistic expectations—and building a life that works with her body, not against it. This self-awareness is key for anyone managing chronic health conditions.

  Bottom Line

  Recovery isn't linear, and neither is life. Whether you're navigating a health challenge, a career setback, or just a season that feels harder than expected, "good enough" is your permission slip to meet yourself where you are—not where you think you should be. Celebrate the small wins. Adjust your expectations. Keep moving forward, even when the path looks different than you planned. And remember: sometimes the biggest victory is just showing up and putting on a necklace.

  Your move: What's one small win you can celebrate today, even if you're nowhere near the finish line?

  • YouTube link - Click if you'd like to watch us talk!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  Related Episodes

  • Episode 99: Playing the Long Game (April 16, 2020) - About tolerating the discomfort of imperfection in order to stick with something and get better at it or enjoy it more
  • Episode 48: Flexibility (April 25, 2019) - How to build flexibility into your high standards and embrace adaptability when life becomes more difficult
  • Episode 32: Self Care (January 3, 2019) - Practical self-care strategies for perfectionists, removing barriers to consistent routines, and making wellness sustainable during busy times
  
  ]]>What happens when life throws you the exact curveball you were trying to avoid? We reconnect after more than a month apart to talk about navigating shoulder surgery recovery while keeping our newly relaunched podcast thriving. This conversation is about what "good enough" really means when your expectations shift moment by moment, when celebrating progress means being excited to put your hair up, and when moving forward requires equal parts resilience, humor, and a really good pillow system.

  What We Talk About

  00:26 - Reuniting After Five and a Half Weeks Apart. We see each other for the first time since mid-September, even though listeners have been hearing new episodes every week. The secret? We batch-recorded everything before Shannon's September 23rd shoulder surgery.

  02:11 - Life in a Gunslinger Brace. Shannon shares the reality of wearing a full-arm immobilization brace 24/7 for five weeks—sleeping in it, the elaborate pillow system, and why it's called a "gunslinger" (spoiler: she thinks they could've picked a less violent name).

  07:55 - When History Repeats Itself (And You're Not Sure What It Means). The emotional weight of deciding to relaunch the podcast in April, only to discover in July that Shannon needed the same surgery that contributed to our 2023 shuttering of the podcast. Was the universe trying to tell us something? (Spoiler: No. We kept going anyway!)

  09:36 - Moving Forward With Uncertainty. Janine reflects on why she never hesitated to move forward despite the unknowns, and Shannon shares her gratitude for that unwavering support. We discuss why having something to look forward to matters during difficult times.

  13:00 - When Your Morning Routine Goes Out the Window. The irony of recording episodes about morning routines and energy management right before surgery, when all routines disappear and are replaced by "set an alarm every five hours for pain meds."

  14:42 - The Sling Has a History. Shannon reveals she's wearing the same brace from her 2023 right shoulder surgery (because medical equipment is absurdly expensive), and why she has an entire bin of orthopedic supplies. Janine asks if she's named it yet.

  17:25 - Living With a Connective Tissue Disorder. Shannon explains how her hypermobility disorder affects joint stability and recovery, and the strengthening exercises she's doing to hopefully prevent future surgeries.

  18:14 - Celebrating the Smallest Wins. Shannon shares the two things she's most excited to do again: put her hair up and wear her necklace. This is what celebrating progress looks like when you're six to twelve months away from full recovery.

  Key Takeaways

  "Good Enough" Changes Moment to Moment

  When you're in recovery—or any major life disruption—"good enough" isn't a fixed standard. It shifts with your energy, your pain level, your emotional capacity. Shannon's learning to embrace whatever good enough means in each moment, whether that's editing a podcast episode or just getting dressed for the day. This flexible approach to self-compassion can help anyone navigating unexpected challenges.

  Progress Deserves Celebration, Not Just Success

  Shannon won't be "successful" with her shoulder recovery for six to twelve months. But there are dozens of small victories along the way: weaning out of the brace, making it through physical therapy, putting her hair up for the first time. Don't wait for the finish line to celebrate—mark the milestones. This mindset shift from perfectionism to progress can transform how you experience difficult seasons.

  Having Something to Look Forward To Matters

  Even though the podcast relaunch added complexity to an already difficult recovery, it gave Shannon something positive to focus on. Sometimes the thing that feels like "one more thing" is actually the thing that keeps you going. Finding meaning and purpose during recovery can be as important as the physical healing.

  Uncertainty Doesn't Have to Stop You

  We moved forward with the podcast relaunch even though we had no idea how Shannon's recovery would go or when we'd be able to record again. We pre-recorded what we could, stayed flexible, and trusted we'd figure it out. And we did. This approach to managing uncertainty can help you move forward even when you can't see the whole path.

  Your Body Keeps the Receipts

  Shannon's connective tissue disorder means her joints don't have the same stability as is typical, making her more prone to injuries and longer recoveries. But she's learning what her body needs—strengthening exercises, better support, realistic expectations—and building a life that works with her body, not against it. This self-awareness is key for anyone managing chronic health conditions.

  Bottom Line

  Recovery isn't linear, and neither is life. Whether you're navigating a health challenge, a career setback, or just a season that feels harder than expected, "good enough" is your permission slip to meet yourself where you are—not where you think you should be. Celebrate the small wins. Adjust your expectations. Keep moving forward, even when the path looks different than you planned. And remember: sometimes the biggest victory is just showing up and putting on a necklace.

  Your move: What's one small win you can celebrate today, even if you're nowhere near the finish line?

  • YouTube link - Click if you'd like to watch us talk!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  Related Episodes

  • Episode 99: Playing the Long Game (April 16, 2020) - About tolerating the discomfort of imperfection in order to stick with something and get better at it or enjoy it more
  • Episode 48: Flexibility (April 25, 2019) - How to build flexibility into your high standards and embrace adaptability when life becomes more difficult
  • Episode 32: Self Care (January 3, 2019) - Practical self-care strategies for perfectionists, removing barriers to consistent routines, and making wellness sustainable during busy times
  
  ]]>0a08ff81-2b01-455c-ab7d-8e605878f7e6Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -070024:43falsefull62682686How to Make a Bad Day Better: 5 Self-Compassion Strategies (Best of GTGE)Originally aired: August 19, 2021

  We've all been there—when everything seems to go wrong and you're stuck in a spiral of frustration. But what if you could turn around a bad day without just waiting it out or forcing fake gratitude? In this Best Of episode, Janine shares her terrible, horrible, no good very bad day, and Shannon offers practical self-compassion strategies to shift your perspective and reset your energy. From the power of "yes, and..." to the surprising magic of moving your body, discover how to acknowledge what sucks while still finding your way back to good enough.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:56 - Janine's real-time bad day unfolds
  • 01:58 - The restaurant analogy: when things start bad, they often stay bad
  • 02:48 - Creating a mid-day reset to shift your trajectory
  • 02:58 - Janine shares her comedy of errors: the groomer mix-up and the doctor's appointment disaster
  • 05:12 - The chiropractor cancellation, the ink stain, and when everything piles on
  • 05:41 - Stepping back to recognize privilege and practice gratitude (even when you're grumpy)
  • 06:22 - Shannon's reframe: "We only have this problem because there's money"
  • 06:59 - "Why do I always have to be the grown-up in the room?"
  • 07:30 - The three-part response: wallowing, gratitude journaling, and knitting
  • 07:55 - The power of "yes, and...": acknowledging what sucks before adding gratitude
  • 08:40 - Avoiding cognitive dissonance: why gratitude alone doesn't work without acknowledgment
  • 09:50 - Learning from bad days without self-recrimination: "file this away for future reference"
  • 10:50 - Moving your body to reset your energy: the almost-magical shift
  • 11:33 - The "knocking on heaven's door" twist move for instant relief
  • 12:22 - The heated neck wrap hack for pain relief while moving
  • 13:32 - Getting in touch with what's important to you: removing the bad day filter
  • 14:40 - Removing the"bad day" filter so you can see the good stuff.
  • 16:01 - The importance of acknowledging difficulty before turning things around
  • 16:30 - The blessing of good friends and free advice
  • 16:57 - Laughter as an antidote: calling a friend or watching your go-to funny video
  • 17:24 - Damn You Autocorrect and other guaranteed laugh sources
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  1. Acknowledge First, Reframe Second

  Don't jump straight to gratitude when you're having a bad day—it creates cognitive dissonance. Instead, use "yes, and...": Yes, this really sucks, AND I'm fortunate in these ways. Acknowledging what's hard allows your unconscious mind to genuinely feel gratitude instead of pushing back with "yes, but..."

  2. Remove Your Bad Day Filter

  When things go wrong, we unconsciously start looking for evidence that proves we're having a bad day. We become "chief executive officers of proving our bad day." Combat this by intentionally getting in touch with what's important to you—it opens your perspective to all the good things you're not noticing when you're focused on what's going wrong.

  3. Move Your Body to Shift Your Energy

  Physical movement creates an almost magical reset. Try jumping up and down and shaking your hands out, or do the "knocking on heaven's door" twist (twist your upper body with limp arms so your hands slap front and back). Movement shifts your energy and helps change your day's trajectory in ways that feel surprisingly powerful.

  4. Learn Without Self-Recrimination

  When things go wrong, resist the urge to beat yourself up. Instead, think: "file this away for future reference." For example, instead of "I should have made a chiropractor appointment sooner," try "Next time I feel pain starting, I'll make an appointment right away." It's the same lesson without the guilt.

  5. Create a Mid-Day Reset

  You can't abandon a bad day like you can leave a restaurant with terrible service, but you can create a break. Do something low-stakes that gives you a little enjoyment—it creates a transition between how things were going and how you want them to go. Whether it's knitting, calling a friend for a laugh, or watching a favorite funny video, give yourself permission to reset.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: How do you make a bad day better?

  A: Start by acknowledging what's hard (don't skip to forced gratitude). Then try a physical reset like jumping and shaking for 30 seconds, and name one thing you're grateful for. The "yes, and..." technique helps you hold both truths at once.

  Q: Why doesn't gratitude work when I'm having a bad day?

  A: Jumping straight to gratitude creates cognitive dissonance—your unconscious mind pushes back because you haven't acknowledged what sucks first. Use "yes, and..." instead: "Yes, this is hard, AND I'm fortunate in these ways."

  Q: What's the fastest way to reset a bad day?

  A: Move your body. Even 30 seconds of jumping and shaking shifts your energy almost magically. Physical movement changes your day's trajectory faster than mental strategies alone.

  Bottom Line

  Bad days happen to everyone, and you can't just walk away from them. But you also don't have to let them steamroll you. The key is acknowledging what's hard (without wallowing in it) while actively shifting your perspective to what matters. Move your body, laugh with a friend, practice "yes, and..." thinking, and remember: you're not the chief executive officer of proving your bad day. Sometimes good enough means recognizing that today was rough AND you're still okay—and tomorrow gets a fresh start.

  Give it a try: Next time you're having a bad day, try this three-step reset: (1) Acknowledge out loud what sucks, (2) Do something physical to shift your energy (even just jumping and shaking for 30 seconds), and (3) Name one thing that's important to you that you're grateful for. Notice how the combination changes your perspective.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear how you turn around a bad day! Have you tried any of these strategies? What works for you when everything seems to be going wrong?

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode helped you see your bad days differently, please share it with a friend who might need the reminder that good enough is always within reach—even on the worst days.

  Related Episodes You Might Love:

  • Episode 139: Coping Imperfectly (January 21, 2021) - How to cope during difficult times by granting yourself kindness and grace
  • Episode 153: Helping Your Future Self (April 29, 2021) - Taking action in ways your future self will thank you for
  • Episode 242: It's Okay to Be Imperfect (March 16, 2023) - How your worth has nothing to do with how perfectly you do things
  
  ]]>Originally aired: August 19, 2021

  We've all been there—when everything seems to go wrong and you're stuck in a spiral of frustration. But what if you could turn around a bad day without just waiting it out or forcing fake gratitude? In this Best Of episode, Janine shares her terrible, horrible, no good very bad day, and Shannon offers practical self-compassion strategies to shift your perspective and reset your energy. From the power of "yes, and..." to the surprising magic of moving your body, discover how to acknowledge what sucks while still finding your way back to good enough.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:56 - Janine's real-time bad day unfolds
  • 01:58 - The restaurant analogy: when things start bad, they often stay bad
  • 02:48 - Creating a mid-day reset to shift your trajectory
  • 02:58 - Janine shares her comedy of errors: the groomer mix-up and the doctor's appointment disaster
  • 05:12 - The chiropractor cancellation, the ink stain, and when everything piles on
  • 05:41 - Stepping back to recognize privilege and practice gratitude (even when you're grumpy)
  • 06:22 - Shannon's reframe: "We only have this problem because there's money"
  • 06:59 - "Why do I always have to be the grown-up in the room?"
  • 07:30 - The three-part response: wallowing, gratitude journaling, and knitting
  • 07:55 - The power of "yes, and...": acknowledging what sucks before adding gratitude
  • 08:40 - Avoiding cognitive dissonance: why gratitude alone doesn't work without acknowledgment
  • 09:50 - Learning from bad days without self-recrimination: "file this away for future reference"
  • 10:50 - Moving your body to reset your energy: the almost-magical shift
  • 11:33 - The "knocking on heaven's door" twist move for instant relief
  • 12:22 - The heated neck wrap hack for pain relief while moving
  • 13:32 - Getting in touch with what's important to you: removing the bad day filter
  • 14:40 - Removing the"bad day" filter so you can see the good stuff.
  • 16:01 - The importance of acknowledging difficulty before turning things around
  • 16:30 - The blessing of good friends and free advice
  • 16:57 - Laughter as an antidote: calling a friend or watching your go-to funny video
  • 17:24 - Damn You Autocorrect and other guaranteed laugh sources
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  1. Acknowledge First, Reframe Second

  Don't jump straight to gratitude when you're having a bad day—it creates cognitive dissonance. Instead, use "yes, and...": Yes, this really sucks, AND I'm fortunate in these ways. Acknowledging what's hard allows your unconscious mind to genuinely feel gratitude instead of pushing back with "yes, but..."

  2. Remove Your Bad Day Filter

  When things go wrong, we unconsciously start looking for evidence that proves we're having a bad day. We become "chief executive officers of proving our bad day." Combat this by intentionally getting in touch with what's important to you—it opens your perspective to all the good things you're not noticing when you're focused on what's going wrong.

  3. Move Your Body to Shift Your Energy

  Physical movement creates an almost magical reset. Try jumping up and down and shaking your hands out, or do the "knocking on heaven's door" twist (twist your upper body with limp arms so your hands slap front and back). Movement shifts your energy and helps change your day's trajectory in ways that feel surprisingly powerful.

  4. Learn Without Self-Recrimination

  When things go wrong, resist the urge to beat yourself up. Instead, think: "file this away for future reference." For example, instead of "I should have made a chiropractor appointment sooner," try "Next time I feel pain starting, I'll make an appointment right away." It's the same lesson without the guilt.

  5. Create a Mid-Day Reset

  You can't abandon a bad day like you can leave a restaurant with terrible service, but you can create a break. Do something low-stakes that gives you a little enjoyment—it creates a transition between how things were going and how you want them to go. Whether it's knitting, calling a friend for a laugh, or watching a favorite funny video, give yourself permission to reset.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: How do you make a bad day better?

  A: Start by acknowledging what's hard (don't skip to forced gratitude). Then try a physical reset like jumping and shaking for 30 seconds, and name one thing you're grateful for. The "yes, and..." technique helps you hold both truths at once.

  Q: Why doesn't gratitude work when I'm having a bad day?

  A: Jumping straight to gratitude creates cognitive dissonance—your unconscious mind pushes back because you haven't acknowledged what sucks first. Use "yes, and..." instead: "Yes, this is hard, AND I'm fortunate in these ways."

  Q: What's the fastest way to reset a bad day?

  A: Move your body. Even 30 seconds of jumping and shaking shifts your energy almost magically. Physical movement changes your day's trajectory faster than mental strategies alone.

  Bottom Line

  Bad days happen to everyone, and you can't just walk away from them. But you also don't have to let them steamroll you. The key is acknowledging what's hard (without wallowing in it) while actively shifting your perspective to what matters. Move your body, laugh with a friend, practice "yes, and..." thinking, and remember: you're not the chief executive officer of proving your bad day. Sometimes good enough means recognizing that today was rough AND you're still okay—and tomorrow gets a fresh start.

  Give it a try: Next time you're having a bad day, try this three-step reset: (1) Acknowledge out loud what sucks, (2) Do something physical to shift your energy (even just jumping and shaking for 30 seconds), and (3) Name one thing that's important to you that you're grateful for. Notice how the combination changes your perspective.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear how you turn around a bad day! Have you tried any of these strategies? What works for you when everything seems to be going wrong?

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode helped you see your bad days differently, please share it with a friend who might need the reminder that good enough is always within reach—even on the worst days.

  Related Episodes You Might Love:

  • Episode 139: Coping Imperfectly (January 21, 2021) - How to cope during difficult times by granting yourself kindness and grace
  • Episode 153: Helping Your Future Self (April 29, 2021) - Taking action in ways your future self will thank you for
  • Episode 242: It's Okay to Be Imperfect (March 16, 2023) - How your worth has nothing to do with how perfectly you do things
  
  ]]>a9896258-c270-447c-a5a3-fdb7ce4b69feThu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -070019:12falsefull62672676How to Work With Your Natural Energy Rhythms (Not Against Them)What if you're not bad at productivity—you're just using the wrong system for your brain? In this episode about finding your peak productivity hours, Shannon and Janine stumble into a conversation that turns into a real-time energy audit experiment. Shannon discovers her natural energy rhythms peak at 3-6 PM—the exact opposite of what productivity gurus recommend. We commit to tracking our energy patterns. Join us as we figure out what happens when you stop fighting your natural work rhythms and start working with them instead.

  What We Talk About

  In this 26-minute conversation about work energy patterns and productivity without guilt, we cover:

  • 02:12 – The Monday morning struggle: structuring your day and setting priorities
  • 04:59 – Shannon's surprising discovery: her peak productivity hours are 3-6 PM
  • 07:05 – The second wind phenomenon and why it's hard to harness
  • 08:49 – Shannon's "weird mind game" about planning work for later in the day
  • 10:23 – The stigma of "waiting until the last minute" vs. working with your energy
  • 13:12 – Why doing the opposite of productivity gurus feels so hard
  • 14:06 – The energy you gain from letting go of fighting your natural patterns
  • 15:35 – Designing the experiment: Shannon's plan to track energy patterns
  • 16:46 – Janine's opposite challenge: can she knock out her top tasks before lunch?
  • 18:28 – How working with your rhythms could solve other challenges (like exercise)
  • 22:11 – The burning question: what bird is active in the afternoon?
  • 22:40 – Committing to the experiment and inviting listeners to join
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Understanding Your Peak Productivity Hours

  What if you're not broken—just mismatched to your system? Shannon has a breakthrough moment when she realizes her clearest, most productive hours are 3-6 PM—the exact opposite of what most productivity advice recommends. This isn't a flaw; it's just her natural rhythm. The question becomes: what happens when you stop trying to fix yourself and start designing around how you actually work?

  Why Fighting Your Natural Energy Rhythms Drains You

  Fighting your natural energy patterns is exhausting. When you constantly try to force yourself to work during times that don't align with your natural rhythms, you're spending precious energy just fighting yourself. As Shannon puts it: "I almost feel like if I let go of fighting it, II would have more energy." What if all that energy could go toward actually getting things done?

  The "Buffer" Mentality and Productivity Guilt

  The "buffer" mentality keeps you stuck. Shannon discovers she's been unconsciously keeping her peak hours as a "buffer" in case she doesn't get things done earlier—which creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where she never plans to use her best hours intentionally. It's a fascinating mind game many of us play without realizing it.

  Productivity guilt doesn't actually help you be productive. Shannon admits to feeling like she's "waiting until the last minute" when she gets things done in the afternoon, even though that's when she does her best work. This guilt doesn't serve any useful purpose—it just makes her feel bad about being productive. What would happen if we let that go?

  Morning vs Afternoon Productivity: Different Rhythms Work

  Different rhythms need different experiments. Janine thrives in the morning and designs a challenge to complete her top 1-3 tasks before lunch, freeing up her afternoons. Shannon's going to experiment with protecting her afternoon hours for her most important work. There's no one-size-fits-all approach—just curiosity about what works for you.

  How to Design Your Own Energy Audit

  An energy audit starts with simple tracking. Both hosts commit to paying attention to when they do what work and how it feels—not to judge themselves, but to gather real data about their natural patterns. Shannon plans to track this in her bullet journal during an especially intense work period, which will give her clear feedback fast.

  Working With Your Energy Solves Multiple Problems

  Working with your rhythms can solve multiple problems at once. When Janine gets her priority tasks done before lunch, she'll have guilt-free afternoon time for exercise, puzzles, or other activities she keeps putting off. When Shannon embraces her afternoon productivity, she can enjoy her mornings without the pressure of "should be working." One shift can create unexpected benefits.

  Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Energy Rhythms

  When are most people's peak productivity hours?

  While productivity advice often says mornings are best, peak productivity hours vary by person. Shannon discovered her clearest thinking happens 3-6 PM, while Janine thrives in the morning. The key is tracking your own energy patterns instead of following generic advice.

  How do I do an energy audit?

  Start simple: track when you do different types of work and how your brain feels. Notice when work feels easiest vs. hardest. Use a bullet journal, phone notes, or just mental observations. No judgment—just curiosity about your natural work rhythms. Shannon and Janine are doing this experiment too, and they'll report back on what they discover.

  What if my peak hours don't match my schedule?

  This is common! The experiment is about discovering your patterns first, then finding small ways to protect your best hours for your most important work—even if you can't restructure everything. Sometimes just knowing your rhythms helps you make better choices about when to tackle different types of tasks.

  Bottom Line

  Stop trying to force yourself into someone else's productivity pattern—let's figure out your natural energy rhythms instead. The "eat the frog" and "do your hardest work first thing in the morning" advice works great for people whose brains work that way. But if your peak energy and clearest thinking happen at different times, you're not broken or lazy. You're just different.

  Join us in the energy audit experiment: Track when you do your best work. Notice when you feel most clear-headed and energized—not when you think you should feel that way, but when you actually do. Track it simply—in a bullet journal, on your phone, or just mental notes. Then experiment with protecting that time for your most important work, even if it goes against conventional productivity wisdom. Whether you're a morning productivity person or discover afternoon energy is your secret weapon, this experiment will help you work with your energy, not against it. We'll be doing this too, and we'll report back on what we discover. Let's figure this out together.

  Connect With Us

  What are your natural energy patterns? Are you a morning lark who gets everything done before lunch, or do you hit your stride in the afternoon or evening? Have you tried working with your natural rhythms instead of fighting them?

  Join the experiment with us! Track your energy for a week and see what you discover. We'd love to hear what you find out—and seriously, if you know what bird is most active in the afternoon, please tell us. We need to know.

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review or share it with someone who's been fighting their own natural rhythms. It helps more people find their way to Good Enough.

  Want More? 

  Episode 67: Keeping Focus – Strategies for dealing with distractions and maintaining focus amid open loops and interruptions

  Episode 193: Gentle Accountability – Learn how to stay on track without beating yourself up, holding yourself accountable with kindness and effectiveness

  Episode 196: Building an Anti-Perfectionist Toolkit – Discover different techniques and tools to turn to when stuck in perfectionism, embracing that not everything works forever

  ]]>What if you're not bad at productivity—you're just using the wrong system for your brain? In this episode about finding your peak productivity hours, Shannon and Janine stumble into a conversation that turns into a real-time energy audit experiment. Shannon discovers her natural energy rhythms peak at 3-6 PM—the exact opposite of what productivity gurus recommend. We commit to tracking our energy patterns. Join us as we figure out what happens when you stop fighting your natural work rhythms and start working with them instead.

  What We Talk About

  In this 26-minute conversation about work energy patterns and productivity without guilt, we cover:

  • 02:12 – The Monday morning struggle: structuring your day and setting priorities
  • 04:59 – Shannon's surprising discovery: her peak productivity hours are 3-6 PM
  • 07:05 – The second wind phenomenon and why it's hard to harness
  • 08:49 – Shannon's "weird mind game" about planning work for later in the day
  • 10:23 – The stigma of "waiting until the last minute" vs. working with your energy
  • 13:12 – Why doing the opposite of productivity gurus feels so hard
  • 14:06 – The energy you gain from letting go of fighting your natural patterns
  • 15:35 – Designing the experiment: Shannon's plan to track energy patterns
  • 16:46 – Janine's opposite challenge: can she knock out her top tasks before lunch?
  • 18:28 – How working with your rhythms could solve other challenges (like exercise)
  • 22:11 – The burning question: what bird is active in the afternoon?
  • 22:40 – Committing to the experiment and inviting listeners to join
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Understanding Your Peak Productivity Hours

  What if you're not broken—just mismatched to your system? Shannon has a breakthrough moment when she realizes her clearest, most productive hours are 3-6 PM—the exact opposite of what most productivity advice recommends. This isn't a flaw; it's just her natural rhythm. The question becomes: what happens when you stop trying to fix yourself and start designing around how you actually work?

  Why Fighting Your Natural Energy Rhythms Drains You

  Fighting your natural energy patterns is exhausting. When you constantly try to force yourself to work during times that don't align with your natural rhythms, you're spending precious energy just fighting yourself. As Shannon puts it: "I almost feel like if I let go of fighting it, II would have more energy." What if all that energy could go toward actually getting things done?

  The "Buffer" Mentality and Productivity Guilt

  The "buffer" mentality keeps you stuck. Shannon discovers she's been unconsciously keeping her peak hours as a "buffer" in case she doesn't get things done earlier—which creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where she never plans to use her best hours intentionally. It's a fascinating mind game many of us play without realizing it.

  Productivity guilt doesn't actually help you be productive. Shannon admits to feeling like she's "waiting until the last minute" when she gets things done in the afternoon, even though that's when she does her best work. This guilt doesn't serve any useful purpose—it just makes her feel bad about being productive. What would happen if we let that go?

  Morning vs Afternoon Productivity: Different Rhythms Work

  Different rhythms need different experiments. Janine thrives in the morning and designs a challenge to complete her top 1-3 tasks before lunch, freeing up her afternoons. Shannon's going to experiment with protecting her afternoon hours for her most important work. There's no one-size-fits-all approach—just curiosity about what works for you.

  How to Design Your Own Energy Audit

  An energy audit starts with simple tracking. Both hosts commit to paying attention to when they do what work and how it feels—not to judge themselves, but to gather real data about their natural patterns. Shannon plans to track this in her bullet journal during an especially intense work period, which will give her clear feedback fast.

  Working With Your Energy Solves Multiple Problems

  Working with your rhythms can solve multiple problems at once. When Janine gets her priority tasks done before lunch, she'll have guilt-free afternoon time for exercise, puzzles, or other activities she keeps putting off. When Shannon embraces her afternoon productivity, she can enjoy her mornings without the pressure of "should be working." One shift can create unexpected benefits.

  Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Energy Rhythms

  When are most people's peak productivity hours?

  While productivity advice often says mornings are best, peak productivity hours vary by person. Shannon discovered her clearest thinking happens 3-6 PM, while Janine thrives in the morning. The key is tracking your own energy patterns instead of following generic advice.

  How do I do an energy audit?

  Start simple: track when you do different types of work and how your brain feels. Notice when work feels easiest vs. hardest. Use a bullet journal, phone notes, or just mental observations. No judgment—just curiosity about your natural work rhythms. Shannon and Janine are doing this experiment too, and they'll report back on what they discover.

  What if my peak hours don't match my schedule?

  This is common! The experiment is about discovering your patterns first, then finding small ways to protect your best hours for your most important work—even if you can't restructure everything. Sometimes just knowing your rhythms helps you make better choices about when to tackle different types of tasks.

  Bottom Line

  Stop trying to force yourself into someone else's productivity pattern—let's figure out your natural energy rhythms instead. The "eat the frog" and "do your hardest work first thing in the morning" advice works great for people whose brains work that way. But if your peak energy and clearest thinking happen at different times, you're not broken or lazy. You're just different.

  Join us in the energy audit experiment: Track when you do your best work. Notice when you feel most clear-headed and energized—not when you think you should feel that way, but when you actually do. Track it simply—in a bullet journal, on your phone, or just mental notes. Then experiment with protecting that time for your most important work, even if it goes against conventional productivity wisdom. Whether you're a morning productivity person or discover afternoon energy is your secret weapon, this experiment will help you work with your energy, not against it. We'll be doing this too, and we'll report back on what we discover. Let's figure this out together.

  Connect With Us

  What are your natural energy patterns? Are you a morning lark who gets everything done before lunch, or do you hit your stride in the afternoon or evening? Have you tried working with your natural rhythms instead of fighting them?

  Join the experiment with us! Track your energy for a week and see what you discover. We'd love to hear what you find out—and seriously, if you know what bird is most active in the afternoon, please tell us. We need to know.

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review or share it with someone who's been fighting their own natural rhythms. It helps more people find their way to Good Enough.

  Want More? 

  Episode 67: Keeping Focus – Strategies for dealing with distractions and maintaining focus amid open loops and interruptions

  Episode 193: Gentle Accountability – Learn how to stay on track without beating yourself up, holding yourself accountable with kindness and effectiveness

  Episode 196: Building an Anti-Perfectionist Toolkit – Discover different techniques and tools to turn to when stuck in perfectionism, embracing that not everything works forever

  ]]>34cd95ea-7bf5-44dc-9e77-d9c9de7a086bThu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -070026:32falsefull62662666The Good Enough Host - Hosting Without the StressHow to Host Guests Without Perfectionism Taking Over

  What if the secret to being a great host has nothing to do with having a perfect home? Join Shannon and Janine as they share personal stories about stress-free hosting, from spontaneous game nights to weekend visits with college friends. Discover why your guests care more about connection than your baseboards, and learn practical strategies to welcome people into your home without losing your mind in the process. If hosting anxiety has been keeping you from inviting people over, this episode is your permission slip to embrace good enough hosting.

  What We Talk About

  00:00 - Welcome and introduction to good enough hosting

  01:17 - Janine's unprecedented summer: hosting three houseguests in July

  02:14 - Shannon's LA weekend: Bridget Everett, great food, and not over-scheduling

  04:55 - The hosting truth bomb: everyone's more comfortable when the host is comfortable

  06:25 - Game night wisdom: cocktails, takeout, and setting expectations

  07:52 - The unvacuumed floor story (and why it didn't matter)

  10:16 - CHAOS: Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome and the 15-minute tidy

  11:37 - Resurrecting the Quick Clutter Fix resource

  14:26 - Shannon's goal achieved: the guest-ready home

  15:20 - "The job isn't done until the tools are put away" - a great habit that makes keeping a guest ready home easier

  19:14 - The real point: connection matters more than perfection

  20:23 - Permission to go the extra mile (or not)

  Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Entertaining

  Your Relaxed Energy Matters More Than Your Décor

  When the host is stressed, guests feel it. When you're comfortable and at ease, everyone has a better time. Your emotional state sets the tone for the entire visit. Hosting without stress starts with giving yourself permission to be relaxed.

  Most Guests Just Want to Spend Time With You

  They're not coming to judge your baseboards or inspect your guest room. Shannon's LA trip was perfect because it focused on connection—binge-watching TV, eating good food, and just being together. No elaborate itinerary required. Connection over perfection is the real secret to memorable gatherings.

  The 15-Minute Tidy Beats the 3-Hour Deep Clean

  You don't need to pull everything out of your closet and completely reorganize when someone's coming over. A quick declutter of visible spaces is usually enough. The Quick Clutter Fix approach helps you avoid the trap of making things worse by over-preparing. If you struggle with CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome), this strategy is a game-changer.

  "The Job Isn't Done Until the Tools Are Put Away"

  Creating systems where everything has a place makes hosting guests infinitely easier. Shannon keeps guest room sheets in a drawer under the guest bed, making changeovers simple. Her "putting the house to bed" evening routine means her home is guest-ready without last-minute panic. Small organizing wins create big stress reductions.

  Set Expectations Early and Often

  Janine's game night invitation was clear: "cocktails, games, and takeout." When the food arrived late, it didn't matter because expectations were already set. Be upfront about what kind of gathering you're hosting to reduce hosting anxiety for everyone.

  Bottom Line

  Good enough hosting isn't about lowering your standards—it's about raising your priorities. When you focus on connection over perfection, you create space for authentic hospitality that feels good for everyone. Your guests will remember the laughter, the conversations, and how welcome they felt, not whether your house was Instagram-ready.

  Try this: Next time you're tempted to stress about hosting, ask yourself: "What would make this easier for me while still making my guest feel welcome?" Then do that thing. Your relaxed presence is the best gift you can offer.

  Resources & Links

  • Quick Clutter Fix one-pager
  • Flylady and CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome)
  • Somebody Somewhere starring Bridget Everett
  
  
  • YouTube link - Here's the link if you'd like to watch the conversation!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Do you enjoy hosting, or does it stress you out? What's your biggest hosting challenge? Share your thoughts:

  • Social: Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  • Voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (413-424-4843)
  • Website: gettingtogoodenough.com
  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review or share it with someone who needs permission to host imperfectly. Every share helps us reach more people looking for their own version of good enough.

  Want More?

  Episode 3: Backsliding - If you've ever had your guest-ready routine fall apart, this episode is for you. Learn why setbacks are normal and how to plan your comeback before you need it.

  Episode 14: Evening Routines - This is where Shannon first introduced the concept of "putting the house to bed"—the exact routine that makes her home guest-ready at a moment's notice. Learn how an evening routine can be a favor to your future self.

  Episode 74: Be Kind to Yourself - Perfectionists can be really hard on themselves about hosting. This episode explores why self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism when things don't go perfectly.

  ]]>How to Host Guests Without Perfectionism Taking Over

  What if the secret to being a great host has nothing to do with having a perfect home? Join Shannon and Janine as they share personal stories about stress-free hosting, from spontaneous game nights to weekend visits with college friends. Discover why your guests care more about connection than your baseboards, and learn practical strategies to welcome people into your home without losing your mind in the process. If hosting anxiety has been keeping you from inviting people over, this episode is your permission slip to embrace good enough hosting.

  What We Talk About

  00:00 - Welcome and introduction to good enough hosting

  01:17 - Janine's unprecedented summer: hosting three houseguests in July

  02:14 - Shannon's LA weekend: Bridget Everett, great food, and not over-scheduling

  04:55 - The hosting truth bomb: everyone's more comfortable when the host is comfortable

  06:25 - Game night wisdom: cocktails, takeout, and setting expectations

  07:52 - The unvacuumed floor story (and why it didn't matter)

  10:16 - CHAOS: Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome and the 15-minute tidy

  11:37 - Resurrecting the Quick Clutter Fix resource

  14:26 - Shannon's goal achieved: the guest-ready home

  15:20 - "The job isn't done until the tools are put away" - a great habit that makes keeping a guest ready home easier

  19:14 - The real point: connection matters more than perfection

  20:23 - Permission to go the extra mile (or not)

  Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Entertaining

  Your Relaxed Energy Matters More Than Your Décor

  When the host is stressed, guests feel it. When you're comfortable and at ease, everyone has a better time. Your emotional state sets the tone for the entire visit. Hosting without stress starts with giving yourself permission to be relaxed.

  Most Guests Just Want to Spend Time With You

  They're not coming to judge your baseboards or inspect your guest room. Shannon's LA trip was perfect because it focused on connection—binge-watching TV, eating good food, and just being together. No elaborate itinerary required. Connection over perfection is the real secret to memorable gatherings.

  The 15-Minute Tidy Beats the 3-Hour Deep Clean

  You don't need to pull everything out of your closet and completely reorganize when someone's coming over. A quick declutter of visible spaces is usually enough. The Quick Clutter Fix approach helps you avoid the trap of making things worse by over-preparing. If you struggle with CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome), this strategy is a game-changer.

  "The Job Isn't Done Until the Tools Are Put Away"

  Creating systems where everything has a place makes hosting guests infinitely easier. Shannon keeps guest room sheets in a drawer under the guest bed, making changeovers simple. Her "putting the house to bed" evening routine means her home is guest-ready without last-minute panic. Small organizing wins create big stress reductions.

  Set Expectations Early and Often

  Janine's game night invitation was clear: "cocktails, games, and takeout." When the food arrived late, it didn't matter because expectations were already set. Be upfront about what kind of gathering you're hosting to reduce hosting anxiety for everyone.

  Bottom Line

  Good enough hosting isn't about lowering your standards—it's about raising your priorities. When you focus on connection over perfection, you create space for authentic hospitality that feels good for everyone. Your guests will remember the laughter, the conversations, and how welcome they felt, not whether your house was Instagram-ready.

  Try this: Next time you're tempted to stress about hosting, ask yourself: "What would make this easier for me while still making my guest feel welcome?" Then do that thing. Your relaxed presence is the best gift you can offer.

  Resources & Links

  • Quick Clutter Fix one-pager
  • Flylady and CHAOS (Can't Have Anybody Over Syndrome)
  • Somebody Somewhere starring Bridget Everett
  
  
  • YouTube link - Here's the link if you'd like to watch the conversation!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Do you enjoy hosting, or does it stress you out? What's your biggest hosting challenge? Share your thoughts:

  • Social: Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  • Voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (413-424-4843)
  • Website: gettingtogoodenough.com
  
  

  If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review or share it with someone who needs permission to host imperfectly. Every share helps us reach more people looking for their own version of good enough.

  Want More?

  Episode 3: Backsliding - If you've ever had your guest-ready routine fall apart, this episode is for you. Learn why setbacks are normal and how to plan your comeback before you need it.

  Episode 14: Evening Routines - This is where Shannon first introduced the concept of "putting the house to bed"—the exact routine that makes her home guest-ready at a moment's notice. Learn how an evening routine can be a favor to your future self.

  Episode 74: Be Kind to Yourself - Perfectionists can be really hard on themselves about hosting. This episode explores why self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism when things don't go perfectly.

  ]]>b9eb8079-cc23-4e53-8e2d-be5465486443Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -070023:28falsefull62652656How to Enjoy Social Media AgainRemember when you used to post everything on social media? The ER visit at 3am, the sunrise photos, even that video of swifts swirling into a church chimney? We sure do—and we're noticing how much our relationship with social media has changed.

  From Shannon's former habit of doom-scrolling first thing in the morning to Janine's carefully curated Instagram-viewing strategy (spoiler: it involves search, dogs and zero feed-scrolling), this conversation gets real about the comparison trap, the algorithm rabbit hole, and why Shannon's 96-year-old aunt might have the best social media strategy of all. 

  If you've ever felt that familiar pang of "comparisonitis" while scrolling, or wondered why we keep watching police chase videos that stress us out, this episode is your permission slip to make social media work for you—not the other way around.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:30 - Janine's gorgeous sunrise photos and Shannon's hesitation to post the amazing swift video 

  • 03:27 - The ER incident from 2013: when Shannon posted from the CT scan (and stopped for a photo op under a "bump" sign) 

  • 06:30 - How taking a break from social media changed Shannon's relationship with posting and scrolling 

  • 07:08 - The real problem with social media: comparisonitis and comparing your insides to everyone else's outsides 

  • 08:21 - The dirty Kleenex revelation: even Janine tidies up before posting 

  • 10:04 - Janine's Instagram happiness strategy: four accounts, zero feed scrolling 

  • 13:24 - The relentless ads and why Shannon keeps seeing garden hoses after she already bought one 

  • 14:27 - Getting sucked into the video tunnel: Shannon's improv swing dancing obsession and Janine's police chase confession 

  • 18:16 - Shannon's 96-year-old aunt's perfectly curated Facebook feed (Van Gogh, Oregon history, and baby animals) 

  • 21:07 - The algorithm responds to what you linger on—so choose carefully 

  • 25:21 - Being careful who you follow when you're prone to comparison

  • 26:25 - Shannon's muting strategy during political seasons and the 30-day test 

  • 28:12 - The two-profile solution: one for happiness, one for news 

  • 28:51 - Shannon's game-changer: keeping her phone across the room to stop morning doom-scrolling 

  • 30:15 - The big question: Why are you on social media? Make sure your feed reflects your purpose

  Key Takeaways for Happier and Healthier Social Media Habits

  1. Your Feed Should Reflect Your Purpose, Not Their Algorithm

  Social media platforms want to keep you scrolling with ads and sponsored content, but you get to decide what you see. Start by asking yourself: Why am I on social media? Are you looking for connection? Inspiration? Entertainment? Once you're clear on your purpose, curate your feed to match. Follow people you actually want to connect with, accounts that genuinely inspire you, and content that makes you smile. There are no "shoulds"—you don't have to follow news sites, political accounts, or even relatives if their posts stress you out. Your feed, your rules.

  2. The Unfollow/Mute Button Is Self-Care, Not Rejection

  If someone's posts consistently make you feel bad—whether it's comparison, stress, or just annoyance—you have permission to unfollow or mute them. This isn't mean or petty; it's setting healthy social media boundaries. Shannon shares her strategy of muting people during political seasons with a 30-day reminder to reassess. Janine avoids her Instagram feed entirely, using search instead to find exactly what brings her joy. The goal isn't to cut people out of your life—it's to protect your peace while scrolling.

  3. Comparisonitis Is Real—And You Can Cure It

  As Shannon reminds us, social media shows everyone's highlight reel. You're comparing your messy insides to their carefully curated outsides. Even Janine admits she tidies up the dirty Kleenex before posting a photo! The cure? Be intentional about who you follow. If you're prone to comparison (and most of us are), follow accounts that inspire rather than deflate you. Shannon's 96-year-old aunt has it figured out—her feed is full of Van Gogh paintings, Oregon history, and cute animals. Zero stress, all joy.

  4. Physical Distance From Your Phone Changes Everything

  Shannon's biggest game-changer for breaking the doom-scrolling habit? Keeping her phone across the room at night. No more grabbing it first thing in the morning and falling into the scroll hole. This simple physical barrier helps her stick to her morning routine and start the day on her own terms, not the algorithm's. If you find yourself reaching for your phone without thinking, try adding some distance—literally.

  5. Consider the Two-Profile Solution

  Want to stay informed without the stress? We discuss having separate social media profiles: one curated for happiness (friends, hobbies, inspiration) and one for news and current events. This way, you can choose your mindset before you scroll. Feeling good? Stick to the happy feed. Ready to engage with the news? Switch profiles intentionally. It's all about intentional social media use instead of passive consumption.

  The Bottom Line

  Social media doesn't have to be a source of stress, comparison, or wasted time. You have way more control than you think. Start by getting clear on why you're there, then ruthlessly curate your feed to match that purpose. Unfollow and mute without guilt. Put some physical distance between you and your phone. And remember: we're all tidying up the Kleenex before we post.

  Listener Action: This week, do a quick audit of your social media feed. Unfollow or mute three accounts that don't make you feel good, and follow three new accounts that genuinely spark joy or inspiration. Your feed, your rules.

  • Swing dance improv - Here's an example of the swing dance improv that captivates Shannon. Amazing stuff!
  • YouTube link - If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, click here!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  Feeling inspired to take back control of your feed? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough.

  If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend, and rate or review us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

  Want more like this?

  Episode 69: Social Media Our original social media episode covering how social media triggers perfectionism and strategies for making your feed a source of happiness instead of stress.

  Episode 120: Sneaky Perfectionism Explores how perfectionism hides behind reluctance to take action—like Shannon's hesitation to post on social media in Episode 264.

  Episode 70: Personal Progress Update We check in on commitments made during previous episodes, including morning routine struggles, like Shannon’s fix of moving the phone across the room to stop doom-scrolling.

  ]]>Remember when you used to post everything on social media? The ER visit at 3am, the sunrise photos, even that video of swifts swirling into a church chimney? We sure do—and we're noticing how much our relationship with social media has changed.

  From Shannon's former habit of doom-scrolling first thing in the morning to Janine's carefully curated Instagram-viewing strategy (spoiler: it involves search, dogs and zero feed-scrolling), this conversation gets real about the comparison trap, the algorithm rabbit hole, and why Shannon's 96-year-old aunt might have the best social media strategy of all. 

  If you've ever felt that familiar pang of "comparisonitis" while scrolling, or wondered why we keep watching police chase videos that stress us out, this episode is your permission slip to make social media work for you—not the other way around.

  What We Talk About

  • 00:30 - Janine's gorgeous sunrise photos and Shannon's hesitation to post the amazing swift video 

  • 03:27 - The ER incident from 2013: when Shannon posted from the CT scan (and stopped for a photo op under a "bump" sign) 

  • 06:30 - How taking a break from social media changed Shannon's relationship with posting and scrolling 

  • 07:08 - The real problem with social media: comparisonitis and comparing your insides to everyone else's outsides 

  • 08:21 - The dirty Kleenex revelation: even Janine tidies up before posting 

  • 10:04 - Janine's Instagram happiness strategy: four accounts, zero feed scrolling 

  • 13:24 - The relentless ads and why Shannon keeps seeing garden hoses after she already bought one 

  • 14:27 - Getting sucked into the video tunnel: Shannon's improv swing dancing obsession and Janine's police chase confession 

  • 18:16 - Shannon's 96-year-old aunt's perfectly curated Facebook feed (Van Gogh, Oregon history, and baby animals) 

  • 21:07 - The algorithm responds to what you linger on—so choose carefully 

  • 25:21 - Being careful who you follow when you're prone to comparison

  • 26:25 - Shannon's muting strategy during political seasons and the 30-day test 

  • 28:12 - The two-profile solution: one for happiness, one for news 

  • 28:51 - Shannon's game-changer: keeping her phone across the room to stop morning doom-scrolling 

  • 30:15 - The big question: Why are you on social media? Make sure your feed reflects your purpose

  Key Takeaways for Happier and Healthier Social Media Habits

  1. Your Feed Should Reflect Your Purpose, Not Their Algorithm

  Social media platforms want to keep you scrolling with ads and sponsored content, but you get to decide what you see. Start by asking yourself: Why am I on social media? Are you looking for connection? Inspiration? Entertainment? Once you're clear on your purpose, curate your feed to match. Follow people you actually want to connect with, accounts that genuinely inspire you, and content that makes you smile. There are no "shoulds"—you don't have to follow news sites, political accounts, or even relatives if their posts stress you out. Your feed, your rules.

  2. The Unfollow/Mute Button Is Self-Care, Not Rejection

  If someone's posts consistently make you feel bad—whether it's comparison, stress, or just annoyance—you have permission to unfollow or mute them. This isn't mean or petty; it's setting healthy social media boundaries. Shannon shares her strategy of muting people during political seasons with a 30-day reminder to reassess. Janine avoids her Instagram feed entirely, using search instead to find exactly what brings her joy. The goal isn't to cut people out of your life—it's to protect your peace while scrolling.

  3. Comparisonitis Is Real—And You Can Cure It

  As Shannon reminds us, social media shows everyone's highlight reel. You're comparing your messy insides to their carefully curated outsides. Even Janine admits she tidies up the dirty Kleenex before posting a photo! The cure? Be intentional about who you follow. If you're prone to comparison (and most of us are), follow accounts that inspire rather than deflate you. Shannon's 96-year-old aunt has it figured out—her feed is full of Van Gogh paintings, Oregon history, and cute animals. Zero stress, all joy.

  4. Physical Distance From Your Phone Changes Everything

  Shannon's biggest game-changer for breaking the doom-scrolling habit? Keeping her phone across the room at night. No more grabbing it first thing in the morning and falling into the scroll hole. This simple physical barrier helps her stick to her morning routine and start the day on her own terms, not the algorithm's. If you find yourself reaching for your phone without thinking, try adding some distance—literally.

  5. Consider the Two-Profile Solution

  Want to stay informed without the stress? We discuss having separate social media profiles: one curated for happiness (friends, hobbies, inspiration) and one for news and current events. This way, you can choose your mindset before you scroll. Feeling good? Stick to the happy feed. Ready to engage with the news? Switch profiles intentionally. It's all about intentional social media use instead of passive consumption.

  The Bottom Line

  Social media doesn't have to be a source of stress, comparison, or wasted time. You have way more control than you think. Start by getting clear on why you're there, then ruthlessly curate your feed to match that purpose. Unfollow and mute without guilt. Put some physical distance between you and your phone. And remember: we're all tidying up the Kleenex before we post.

  Listener Action: This week, do a quick audit of your social media feed. Unfollow or mute three accounts that don't make you feel good, and follow three new accounts that genuinely spark joy or inspiration. Your feed, your rules.

  • Swing dance improv - Here's an example of the swing dance improv that captivates Shannon. Amazing stuff!
  • YouTube link - If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, click here!
  
  

  Connect With Us

  Feeling inspired to take back control of your feed? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough.

  If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend, and rate or review us on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

  Want more like this?

  Episode 69: Social Media Our original social media episode covering how social media triggers perfectionism and strategies for making your feed a source of happiness instead of stress.

  Episode 120: Sneaky Perfectionism Explores how perfectionism hides behind reluctance to take action—like Shannon's hesitation to post on social media in Episode 264.

  Episode 70: Personal Progress Update We check in on commitments made during previous episodes, including morning routine struggles, like Shannon’s fix of moving the phone across the room to stop doom-scrolling.

  ]]>09a820da-90b9-4724-82e1-f667106b9a68Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -070033:24falsefull62642646Creative Freedom and Structure: Finding Your FlowIs your creative space too messy to work in, or are you spending so much time organizing that you never actually create anything? Today we're diving into that tricky balance between creative freedom and helpful structure. Whether you're drowning in craft supplies or afraid to make your first mark on a blank page, we've got strategies to help you find your creative flow and actually do the thing you love.

  What We Talk About

  • [2:00] Janine's coffee filter flower project and the joy of following templates
  • [4:30] The challenge of storing creative supplies in small spaces
  • [6:00] How perfectionism derails creativity before you even start
  • [8:00] The craft room phenomenon: buying everything, creating nothing
  • [10:30] Creating portable creative kits with bags you already own
  • [12:30] Why quilters laughed at Janine's organizing advice
  • [17:00] Applying the "clear your space" principle to work desks
  • [19:00] The challenge of ending your workday when you're self-employed
  • [23:00] Finding your creative flow type: freedom or structure?
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Overcoming Creative Perfectionism: The Supply Trap vs. The Template Solution

  Perfectionism often shows up in the supply-buying phase, where we convince ourselves we need every perfect tool before we can start creating. Janine's coffee filter flowers worked because she had a clear list and concrete steps—no endless research required. The key is knowing when you have "enough" to begin.

  Portable Creative Kit Ideas: Use What You Already Have

  Shannon's visible mending bag (that adorable polka dot Knit Pickers bag from Janine!) solves multiple problems: everything stays contained, it's easy to put away, and it's portable. Use bags you already love but rarely use to create dedicated kits for different creative projects. This beats leaving supplies scattered or forgetting about hidden projects.

  Creative Workspace Setup for Small Spaces

  Not everyone can have a dedicated craft room, and that's okay. Whether you're working at your dining table or desk, the principle remains: clear your space at the end of each session so you're not facing yesterday's mess when inspiration strikes. Even quilters might disagree with this advice, but for most of us, a fresh start beats creative paralysis.

  Workspace Decluttering: The End-of-Day Reset Ritual

  Just like putting your house to bed, putting your workspace to bed creates a natural boundary. For the self-employed especially, this ritual can signal the end of the workday and prevent that endless drift between work and life. Even if you haven't done it in weeks, a desk is a finite space—it won't take as long as you think.

  Creative Block Solutions: Permission to Have Your Kind of Creative Flow

  Some people thrive with papers everywhere as long as they know where things are. Others get paralyzed by any clutter. The goal isn't perfect organization—it's knowing which type of environment helps your creativity flow and which type blocks it. Give yourself permission to work in whatever way actually works for you.

  Bottom Line

  Creativity doesn't require perfect conditions or perfect supplies—it requires showing up and starting somewhere. Whether that's with a template like Janine's flowers or a "good enough" workspace that's clear enough to think, the goal is progress over perfection. Stop organizing your way out of creating, and start creating your way into the flow that actually serves your creative spirit.

  Your action step: Look at one creative project you've been avoiding. Is it because you don't have the "right" supplies, or because your space feels too chaotic to start? Pick the smallest possible step—clearing one surface, gathering supplies in a bag, or just making the first mark—and do that today.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Do you thrive in creative freedom or need helpful structure? Are you spending more time buying supplies than actually creating? Tell us all about it:

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  If this episode helped you think differently about your creative space, please share it with someone who might need permission to embrace their own version of "good enough" creativity. And if you haven't already, leave us a review—it helps other people find us!

  • YouTube video - The video version of the episode!
  
  

  Want More Like This?

  If you enjoyed this episode about creativity and organization, here are some related episodes you might love:

  • Episode 172: "Happy Creativity" - Shannon and Janine dive deep into how to maintain joy in your creative projects, including turning off your inner critic, creating organizational infrastructure for creativity, and how perfectionism can derail happy creativity.
  • Episode 95: "Letting Go of Stuff" - Perfect for anyone drowning in supplies! Learn strategies for releasing items you don't need, avoiding perfectionism when decluttering, and the up-and-down cycle of clearing spaces.
  • Episode 171: "Next Steps" - Great for when you're feeling overwhelmed about getting started on projects. Covers breaking goals into tiny steps and mindfully creating habits to move forward.
  • Episode 14: "Evening Routines" - In case you want to learn more about this whole "putting your house to bed" thing that Shannon does each evening.
  
  ]]>Is your creative space too messy to work in, or are you spending so much time organizing that you never actually create anything? Today we're diving into that tricky balance between creative freedom and helpful structure. Whether you're drowning in craft supplies or afraid to make your first mark on a blank page, we've got strategies to help you find your creative flow and actually do the thing you love.

  What We Talk About

  • [2:00] Janine's coffee filter flower project and the joy of following templates
  • [4:30] The challenge of storing creative supplies in small spaces
  • [6:00] How perfectionism derails creativity before you even start
  • [8:00] The craft room phenomenon: buying everything, creating nothing
  • [10:30] Creating portable creative kits with bags you already own
  • [12:30] Why quilters laughed at Janine's organizing advice
  • [17:00] Applying the "clear your space" principle to work desks
  • [19:00] The challenge of ending your workday when you're self-employed
  • [23:00] Finding your creative flow type: freedom or structure?
  
  

  Key Takeaways

  Overcoming Creative Perfectionism: The Supply Trap vs. The Template Solution

  Perfectionism often shows up in the supply-buying phase, where we convince ourselves we need every perfect tool before we can start creating. Janine's coffee filter flowers worked because she had a clear list and concrete steps—no endless research required. The key is knowing when you have "enough" to begin.

  Portable Creative Kit Ideas: Use What You Already Have

  Shannon's visible mending bag (that adorable polka dot Knit Pickers bag from Janine!) solves multiple problems: everything stays contained, it's easy to put away, and it's portable. Use bags you already love but rarely use to create dedicated kits for different creative projects. This beats leaving supplies scattered or forgetting about hidden projects.

  Creative Workspace Setup for Small Spaces

  Not everyone can have a dedicated craft room, and that's okay. Whether you're working at your dining table or desk, the principle remains: clear your space at the end of each session so you're not facing yesterday's mess when inspiration strikes. Even quilters might disagree with this advice, but for most of us, a fresh start beats creative paralysis.

  Workspace Decluttering: The End-of-Day Reset Ritual

  Just like putting your house to bed, putting your workspace to bed creates a natural boundary. For the self-employed especially, this ritual can signal the end of the workday and prevent that endless drift between work and life. Even if you haven't done it in weeks, a desk is a finite space—it won't take as long as you think.

  Creative Block Solutions: Permission to Have Your Kind of Creative Flow

  Some people thrive with papers everywhere as long as they know where things are. Others get paralyzed by any clutter. The goal isn't perfect organization—it's knowing which type of environment helps your creativity flow and which type blocks it. Give yourself permission to work in whatever way actually works for you.

  Bottom Line

  Creativity doesn't require perfect conditions or perfect supplies—it requires showing up and starting somewhere. Whether that's with a template like Janine's flowers or a "good enough" workspace that's clear enough to think, the goal is progress over perfection. Stop organizing your way out of creating, and start creating your way into the flow that actually serves your creative spirit.

  Your action step: Look at one creative project you've been avoiding. Is it because you don't have the "right" supplies, or because your space feels too chaotic to start? Pick the smallest possible step—clearing one surface, gathering supplies in a bag, or just making the first mark—and do that today.

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear from you! Do you thrive in creative freedom or need helpful structure? Are you spending more time buying supplies than actually creating? Tell us all about it:

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Comment on social media: @gettingtogoodenough on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
  • Email: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  If this episode helped you think differently about your creative space, please share it with someone who might need permission to embrace their own version of "good enough" creativity. And if you haven't already, leave us a review—it helps other people find us!

  • YouTube video - The video version of the episode!
  
  

  Want More Like This?

  If you enjoyed this episode about creativity and organization, here are some related episodes you might love:

  • Episode 172: "Happy Creativity" - Shannon and Janine dive deep into how to maintain joy in your creative projects, including turning off your inner critic, creating organizational infrastructure for creativity, and how perfectionism can derail happy creativity.
  • Episode 95: "Letting Go of Stuff" - Perfect for anyone drowning in supplies! Learn strategies for releasing items you don't need, avoiding perfectionism when decluttering, and the up-and-down cycle of clearing spaces.
  • Episode 171: "Next Steps" - Great for when you're feeling overwhelmed about getting started on projects. Covers breaking goals into tiny steps and mindfully creating habits to move forward.
  • Episode 14: "Evening Routines" - In case you want to learn more about this whole "putting your house to bed" thing that Shannon does each evening.
  
  ]]>2f0633f7-7fd4-486c-8de4-4c56019c4400Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -070024:50falsefull62632636Backsliding Happens (And That's Totally Okay)Ever find yourself sitting in workout clothes for three hours without actually working out? Or maybe you've had a perfect streak going and then... life happened? We're talking about those inevitable moments when we slip off the rails and why that doesn't mean you've failed. Spoiler alert: backsliding is totally normal, and we've got strategies to help you bounce back with more ease and way less stress.

  Key Moments: Overcoming Perfectionism and Building Better Habits

  00:52 - Morning Routine Success Story: Shannon shares how their morning routine finally clicked after realizing she needs to work out first thing - no exceptions, no rabbit holes allowed.

  02:47 - The Perfectionist's Backsliding Problem: Why perfectionists struggle more with getting back on track: "If you failed, then there's no point in trying anymore."

  04:18 - Building in the Expectation of Setbacks: Shannon's coaching approach: "One of the things that I do with my clients is try to build in the knowledge that you are going to get derailed... and that doesn't mean you failed."

  04:51 - The Power of Pre-Planning Your Comeback: Janine's insight from Shannon’s coaching: "You can brainstorm that before you're feeling the emotions of it and then have that in your pocket for if it happens."

  07:32 - The Tiny Action Strategy for Habit Formation: Shannon's streak-saving secret: Set goals so small you can maintain them even on your worst days (like Duolingo's 10-point minimum).

  11:40 - Normalizing the Process: The key mindset shift: "This is part of the process. It's not like a failure of the process."

  13:08 - Identifying Your Likely Obstacles: Getting ahead of problems: "Help them figure out what's most likely to cause them to backslide... so that either we can clear that obstacle or we can know that that's going to happen."

  14:27 - Permission to Give Yourself a Pass: Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is allow yourself grace when life gets overwhelming.

  15:39 - Why Being Hard on Yourself Backfires: Shannon explains: "We feel like we have to beat ourselves up... that actually works against you being successful."

  5 Practical Strategies for Getting Back on Track

  1. Expect the Inevitable: Build setbacks into your planning from the start. When you know backsliding will happen, it becomes part of the process rather than a failure.
  2. Create Tiny Minimums: Set your daily goals so small that you can maintain them even on your worst days. Think 10 points on Duolingo or a 5-minute walk.
  3. Plan Your Comeback Strategy: Before emotions run high, decide what you'll do when things go off track. Having a plan makes it easier to restart without shame.
  4. Identify Your Triggers: Know what's most likely to derail you - whether it's getting sick, traveling, or stress - so you can prepare or give yourself permission to pause.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: Being hard on yourself actually makes it harder to get back on track. Kindness is more motivating than criticism.
  
  

  The Bottom Line: Progress Over Perfection

  Here's the truth: you're going to get derailed sometimes, and that's completely normal. The secret isn't avoiding backslides - it's knowing how to bounce back without the drama. This week, pick one habit you're working on and create your "comeback plan." What's the smallest possible action you could take to restart? Write it down now, before you need it. And let us know how it goes!

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear about your backsliding stories and comeback strategies! How do you handle those moments when life gets in the way of your best-laid plans?

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Find us on social: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @GettingToGoodEnough
  • Email us: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  Please share this with anyone who’d benefit from hearing that getting derailed is totally normal. 

  Want more?

  • Episode 104: Try Compassion - Perfect connection for the self-compassion themes discussed, including "how easy it is to be hard on yourself" and "techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves"
  • Episode 105: Enjoying Imperfection - Links to the broader theme of embracing imperfection and "Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough"
  
  ]]>Ever find yourself sitting in workout clothes for three hours without actually working out? Or maybe you've had a perfect streak going and then... life happened? We're talking about those inevitable moments when we slip off the rails and why that doesn't mean you've failed. Spoiler alert: backsliding is totally normal, and we've got strategies to help you bounce back with more ease and way less stress.

  Key Moments: Overcoming Perfectionism and Building Better Habits

  00:52 - Morning Routine Success Story: Shannon shares how their morning routine finally clicked after realizing she needs to work out first thing - no exceptions, no rabbit holes allowed.

  02:47 - The Perfectionist's Backsliding Problem: Why perfectionists struggle more with getting back on track: "If you failed, then there's no point in trying anymore."

  04:18 - Building in the Expectation of Setbacks: Shannon's coaching approach: "One of the things that I do with my clients is try to build in the knowledge that you are going to get derailed... and that doesn't mean you failed."

  04:51 - The Power of Pre-Planning Your Comeback: Janine's insight from Shannon’s coaching: "You can brainstorm that before you're feeling the emotions of it and then have that in your pocket for if it happens."

  07:32 - The Tiny Action Strategy for Habit Formation: Shannon's streak-saving secret: Set goals so small you can maintain them even on your worst days (like Duolingo's 10-point minimum).

  11:40 - Normalizing the Process: The key mindset shift: "This is part of the process. It's not like a failure of the process."

  13:08 - Identifying Your Likely Obstacles: Getting ahead of problems: "Help them figure out what's most likely to cause them to backslide... so that either we can clear that obstacle or we can know that that's going to happen."

  14:27 - Permission to Give Yourself a Pass: Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is allow yourself grace when life gets overwhelming.

  15:39 - Why Being Hard on Yourself Backfires: Shannon explains: "We feel like we have to beat ourselves up... that actually works against you being successful."

  5 Practical Strategies for Getting Back on Track

  1. Expect the Inevitable: Build setbacks into your planning from the start. When you know backsliding will happen, it becomes part of the process rather than a failure.
  2. Create Tiny Minimums: Set your daily goals so small that you can maintain them even on your worst days. Think 10 points on Duolingo or a 5-minute walk.
  3. Plan Your Comeback Strategy: Before emotions run high, decide what you'll do when things go off track. Having a plan makes it easier to restart without shame.
  4. Identify Your Triggers: Know what's most likely to derail you - whether it's getting sick, traveling, or stress - so you can prepare or give yourself permission to pause.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: Being hard on yourself actually makes it harder to get back on track. Kindness is more motivating than criticism.
  
  

  The Bottom Line: Progress Over Perfection

  Here's the truth: you're going to get derailed sometimes, and that's completely normal. The secret isn't avoiding backslides - it's knowing how to bounce back without the drama. This week, pick one habit you're working on and create your "comeback plan." What's the smallest possible action you could take to restart? Write it down now, before you need it. And let us know how it goes!

  Connect With Us

  We'd love to hear about your backsliding stories and comeback strategies! How do you handle those moments when life gets in the way of your best-laid plans?

  • Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
  • Find us on social: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @GettingToGoodEnough
  • Email us: gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com
  
  

  Please share this with anyone who’d benefit from hearing that getting derailed is totally normal. 

  Want more?

  • Episode 104: Try Compassion - Perfect connection for the self-compassion themes discussed, including "how easy it is to be hard on yourself" and "techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves"
  • Episode 105: Enjoying Imperfection - Links to the broader theme of embracing imperfection and "Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough"
  
  ]]>0b6ac24b-65bb-4b7e-abfd-f423002f739bThu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -070019:15falsefull62622626Morning Routines That Actually Stick (Even When They Don't)We're diving into the messy world of morning routines—those perfectly planned sequences that work great until life happens and you're three hours into your day still wearing workout clothes you never worked out in. If you're tired of striving for Instagram-perfect mornings that have nothing to do with real life, this conversation is for you.

  What We Talk About:

  • How Shannon's podcast excitement derailed her workout routine (01:21)
  • Why "trying" to do something usually means you won't (02:27)
  • Janine's rock-solid morning routine and adding new things (03:15)
  • Morning people vs. slow-to-wake-up people (04:13)
  • Shannon's phone-free bedroom strategy (06:15)
  • Why morning routines start the night before (15:37)
  • Anchoring new habits to existing ones (14:49)
  • Building flexibility so broken streaks don't derail everything (12:58)
  
  

  Building Flexible Morning Frameworks

  Ditch the "Perfect Morning" Myth: Those elaborate Instagram morning routines often fail because of cognitive load and all-or-nothing thinking. We're giving you permission to have "survival mornings"—because real life doesn't cooperate with Pinterest boards.

  Start Ridiculously Small: Shannon's client wanted to walk daily but started by just putting on tennis shoes and stepping onto the front porch. That counted as success and removed the perfectionism that kills good intentions.

  Create High vs. Low Energy Options: Build a menu instead of one rigid routine. High energy mornings might include workouts and journaling; low energy mornings might just be coffee and getting dressed. Both count as wins.

  Why Mondays Need Different Rules: The weekend-to-weekday transition deserves special consideration. Maybe that's extra prep Sunday night or a simplified Monday morning focused on just getting started.

  The Bottom Line

  Your morning routine doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. Perfectionism tells us broken streaks mean failure, but every morning is a fresh start. Survival mornings are still successful mornings. Listener Action: Pick one tiny thing to add to your morning and anchor it to something you already do consistently. Create both a high-energy and low-energy version.

  Connect With Us

  Whether your morning routine is humming along or you're still in yesterday's workout clothes, we'd love to hear all about it! Call or text 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough.

  If this helped you think differently about mornings, please share, rate and review!

  Want more like this?

  Check out Episode 11: Morning Routines (our original deep dive into this topic) and Episode 45: Getting Back on Track (perfect for when life derails your best intentions).

  ]]>We're diving into the messy world of morning routines—those perfectly planned sequences that work great until life happens and you're three hours into your day still wearing workout clothes you never worked out in. If you're tired of striving for Instagram-perfect mornings that have nothing to do with real life, this conversation is for you.

  What We Talk About:

  • How Shannon's podcast excitement derailed her workout routine (01:21)
  • Why "trying" to do something usually means you won't (02:27)
  • Janine's rock-solid morning routine and adding new things (03:15)
  • Morning people vs. slow-to-wake-up people (04:13)
  • Shannon's phone-free bedroom strategy (06:15)
  • Why morning routines start the night before (15:37)
  • Anchoring new habits to existing ones (14:49)
  • Building flexibility so broken streaks don't derail everything (12:58)
  
  

  Building Flexible Morning Frameworks

  Ditch the "Perfect Morning" Myth: Those elaborate Instagram morning routines often fail because of cognitive load and all-or-nothing thinking. We're giving you permission to have "survival mornings"—because real life doesn't cooperate with Pinterest boards.

  Start Ridiculously Small: Shannon's client wanted to walk daily but started by just putting on tennis shoes and stepping onto the front porch. That counted as success and removed the perfectionism that kills good intentions.

  Create High vs. Low Energy Options: Build a menu instead of one rigid routine. High energy mornings might include workouts and journaling; low energy mornings might just be coffee and getting dressed. Both count as wins.

  Why Mondays Need Different Rules: The weekend-to-weekday transition deserves special consideration. Maybe that's extra prep Sunday night or a simplified Monday morning focused on just getting started.

  The Bottom Line

  Your morning routine doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. Perfectionism tells us broken streaks mean failure, but every morning is a fresh start. Survival mornings are still successful mornings. Listener Action: Pick one tiny thing to add to your morning and anchor it to something you already do consistently. Create both a high-energy and low-energy version.

  Connect With Us

  Whether your morning routine is humming along or you're still in yesterday's workout clothes, we'd love to hear all about it! Call or text 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough.

  If this helped you think differently about mornings, please share, rate and review!

  Want more like this?

  Check out Episode 11: Morning Routines (our original deep dive into this topic) and Episode 45: Getting Back on Track (perfect for when life derails your best intentions).

  ]]>e6fb9692-e185-456b-874d-68b7e1b7f6b8Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -070021:53falsefull62612616Behind the Mic - Our Journey to Good Enough TogetherAfter a two-year hiatus, Shannon and Janine realized their new listeners might not know who they are! In this fun episode, we share the friendship origin story that began with dogs with Addison's disease, and blossomed into a 24-year friendship built on different personalities that complement each other.

  What You’ll Learn:

  • How we met through a listserv for dogs with Addison's disease in 2001 (02:50)

  • The canceled conference and Shannon's flight on one of the first planes after 9/11 (05:25)

  • Why Janine's friends thought they'd known each other for 15 years when they had just met (07:45)

  • Their different approaches to challenges: Shannon's mountain climbing vs. Janine's cozy preferences (18:50)

  • Shannon's solo 200+ mile Camino de Santiago walk through Portugal and Spain (23:40)

  Key Takeaways for Building Authentic Relationships

  Friendship doesn't require similarity: Shannon and Janine's 24-year bond proves that different personalities can create beautiful balance. While Shannon loves an outdoor adventure like walking the Camino, mountain climbing and marathons, Janine's more of an “indoor cat" preferring knitting and more cozy challenges.

  Trust creates transformation: Janine has a policy of trying anything Shannon suggests because she's learned to trust her friend's judgment completely. This has led to life-changing discoveries like YNAB and wool clothing.

  Embrace your natural preferences: Whether you're drawn to physical challenges like Shannon or mental challenges like Janine, honoring your authentic self leads to better relationships and decisions.

  Good partnerships complement each other: Their different strengths—Shannon's coaching expertise and Janine's organizing skills—create a richer experience for everyone around them.

  The Bottom Line

  True friendship isn't about being identical—it's about finding someone whose differences complement your strengths and whose trust allows you both to grow. Whether you're naturally "good enough" like Janine or working toward it like Shannon, the key is embracing your authentic self while staying open to gentle pushes from people who truly know and care about you.

  Listener Action: Think of one person in your life whose suggestions you trust. What's one thing they've recommended that you've been hesitant to try? Consider giving it a shot this week—you might discover something wonderful about yourself.

  Connect With Us

  Have questions about our friendship or want to know more about our individual journeys? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough. 

  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing it on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

  Want more like this?

  Episode 70: {GEIP} Personal Progress Update - Listen to Shannon and Janine check in on their various commitments and goals, showing how they practice what they preach about progress over perfection

  Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet? - Hear Shannon and Janine's laughter-infused discussion about prioritizing fun and how their different personalities approach having a good time

  Financial Peace: How Smart Money Strategies and YNAB End Financial Stress (Best of GTGE) - Discover the financial tool that Shannon introduced to Janine and that she now loves "to the universe and back"

  ]]>After a two-year hiatus, Shannon and Janine realized their new listeners might not know who they are! In this fun episode, we share the friendship origin story that began with dogs with Addison's disease, and blossomed into a 24-year friendship built on different personalities that complement each other.

  What You’ll Learn:

  • How we met through a listserv for dogs with Addison's disease in 2001 (02:50)

  • The canceled conference and Shannon's flight on one of the first planes after 9/11 (05:25)

  • Why Janine's friends thought they'd known each other for 15 years when they had just met (07:45)

  • Their different approaches to challenges: Shannon's mountain climbing vs. Janine's cozy preferences (18:50)

  • Shannon's solo 200+ mile Camino de Santiago walk through Portugal and Spain (23:40)

  Key Takeaways for Building Authentic Relationships

  Friendship doesn't require similarity: Shannon and Janine's 24-year bond proves that different personalities can create beautiful balance. While Shannon loves an outdoor adventure like walking the Camino, mountain climbing and marathons, Janine's more of an “indoor cat" preferring knitting and more cozy challenges.

  Trust creates transformation: Janine has a policy of trying anything Shannon suggests because she's learned to trust her friend's judgment completely. This has led to life-changing discoveries like YNAB and wool clothing.

  Embrace your natural preferences: Whether you're drawn to physical challenges like Shannon or mental challenges like Janine, honoring your authentic self leads to better relationships and decisions.

  Good partnerships complement each other: Their different strengths—Shannon's coaching expertise and Janine's organizing skills—create a richer experience for everyone around them.

  The Bottom Line

  True friendship isn't about being identical—it's about finding someone whose differences complement your strengths and whose trust allows you both to grow. Whether you're naturally "good enough" like Janine or working toward it like Shannon, the key is embracing your authentic self while staying open to gentle pushes from people who truly know and care about you.

  Listener Action: Think of one person in your life whose suggestions you trust. What's one thing they've recommended that you've been hesitant to try? Consider giving it a shot this week—you might discover something wonderful about yourself.

  Connect With Us

  Have questions about our friendship or want to know more about our individual journeys? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843) or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @gettingtogoodenough. 

  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing the podcast with a friend, and rating or reviewing it on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps others discover the show and means so much to us!

  Want more like this?

  Episode 70: {GEIP} Personal Progress Update - Listen to Shannon and Janine check in on their various commitments and goals, showing how they practice what they preach about progress over perfection

  Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet? - Hear Shannon and Janine's laughter-infused discussion about prioritizing fun and how their different personalities approach having a good time

  Financial Peace: How Smart Money Strategies and YNAB End Financial Stress (Best of GTGE) - Discover the financial tool that Shannon introduced to Janine and that she now loves "to the universe and back"

  ]]>93cd7469-6829-4195-9af6-8ef41e5e7df4Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -070033:16falsefull62602606Two Friends, One Podcast, Zero Pressure - Getting to Good Enough is Back!Welcome (back) to Getting to Good Enough! After two years away, Shannon and Janine are reconnecting and beginning the podcast again. In this podcast relaunch episode, they share why they stepped away, what they learned during their hiatus, and how they're returning with fresh eyes and zero pressure for perfection.

  What You'll Learn About Starting Over

  • Why taking breaks can be the reset you need - sometimes stepping away is the best growth strategy
  • How life challenges shaped their perspective - Shannon's surgery recovery, Janine's move, and her husband's heart transplant journey
  • The power of 20+ year friendship in keeping doors open for new beginnings
  • How new podcasting technology is making content creation enjoyable again
  • Permission to grow beyond perfectionism into bigger life conversations about wellness and daily living
  
  

  Key Takeaways for Recovering Perfectionists

  • Starting over isn't starting from scratch - you bring all your personal growth with you
  • "We can always change our mind" - flexibility beats perfectionism every time
  • Small steps create big life changes - progress over perfection wins
  • Embrace uncertainty - perfect plans are overrated anyway
  • Low expectations work - if one person benefits from your work, that's success
  
  

  What's Different About The Podcast this Time

  New Technology Stack:

  • Captivate hosting platform for better distribution
  • Riverside recording for crystal-clear audio quality
  • Video episodes now on YouTube for visual learners
  • AI assistance streamlining modern podcasting workflows
  • Improved documentation and content planning systems
  
  

  Same Authentic Approach:

  • Two genuine hosts + one engaged listener = podcast success
  • Real conversations about imperfection and self-compassion
  • Weekly episodes focused on doing more of what you love
  
  

  The Bottom Line on Starting Over

  Sometimes the best way forward is to embrace a "good enough" mindset and just start. Shannon and Janine are living proof you can take a break, let life happen, and come back when ready - no shame, just fresh beginnings and authentic conversations.

  Ready to start something over in your own life? Hit subscribe for weekly conversations about embracing imperfection, overcoming perfectionism paralysis, and doing more of what you love.

  Connect With Getting to Good Enough

  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and episode highlights. Leave a voice note at 413-424-GTGE (4843) with topics you'd love us to explore in future episodes!

  ]]>Welcome (back) to Getting to Good Enough! After two years away, Shannon and Janine are reconnecting and beginning the podcast again. In this podcast relaunch episode, they share why they stepped away, what they learned during their hiatus, and how they're returning with fresh eyes and zero pressure for perfection.

  What You'll Learn About Starting Over

  • Why taking breaks can be the reset you need - sometimes stepping away is the best growth strategy
  • How life challenges shaped their perspective - Shannon's surgery recovery, Janine's move, and her husband's heart transplant journey
  • The power of 20+ year friendship in keeping doors open for new beginnings
  • How new podcasting technology is making content creation enjoyable again
  • Permission to grow beyond perfectionism into bigger life conversations about wellness and daily living
  
  

  Key Takeaways for Recovering Perfectionists

  • Starting over isn't starting from scratch - you bring all your personal growth with you
  • "We can always change our mind" - flexibility beats perfectionism every time
  • Small steps create big life changes - progress over perfection wins
  • Embrace uncertainty - perfect plans are overrated anyway
  • Low expectations work - if one person benefits from your work, that's success
  
  

  What's Different About The Podcast this Time

  New Technology Stack:

  • Captivate hosting platform for better distribution
  • Riverside recording for crystal-clear audio quality
  • Video episodes now on YouTube for visual learners
  • AI assistance streamlining modern podcasting workflows
  • Improved documentation and content planning systems
  
  

  Same Authentic Approach:

  • Two genuine hosts + one engaged listener = podcast success
  • Real conversations about imperfection and self-compassion
  • Weekly episodes focused on doing more of what you love
  
  

  The Bottom Line on Starting Over

  Sometimes the best way forward is to embrace a "good enough" mindset and just start. Shannon and Janine are living proof you can take a break, let life happen, and come back when ready - no shame, just fresh beginnings and authentic conversations.

  Ready to start something over in your own life? Hit subscribe for weekly conversations about embracing imperfection, overcoming perfectionism paralysis, and doing more of what you love.

  Connect With Getting to Good Enough

  Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and episode highlights. Leave a voice note at 413-424-GTGE (4843) with topics you'd love us to explore in future episodes!

  ]]>0cf0e2f9-a835-482c-bd3c-914bea1c028dThu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -070033:34falsefull62592596Financial Peace: How Smart Money Strategies and YNAB End Financial Stress (Best of GTGE)Money stress affects so many of us, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this Best of episode from our archives, Janine and Shannon dive deep into the budgeting tools and money management strategies that have brought them genuine financial peace. Shannon shares her expertise with YNAB (formerly You Need a Budget) software, while Janine discusses her journey from financial stress to feeling "in the driver's seat" with her money.

  Fun Fact

  Since recording this episode, both Shannon and Janine became Certified YNAB Coaches! (links below)

  What You'll Learn

  • How YNAB's "give every dollar a job" approach revolutionizes budgeting [4:12]
  • The game-changing concept of paying next month's expenses with this month's income [5:56]
  • Why checking your budget daily takes less than 15 minutes and creates lasting financial peace [7:22]
  • How to budget for annual expenses monthly to eliminate financial surprises [10:08]
  • Strategies for couples to manage money peacefully with separate fun budgets [12:47]
  • The brilliant pairing of YNAB with QuickBooks for business owners [18:29]
  • How to create a financial buffer using "magical paychecks" [27:31]
  
  

  Key Takeaways for Recovering Perfectionists

  Start imperfectly, but start: Janine's experience shows that you don't need to master YNAB immediately. Begin using it, then learn more to deepen your understanding.

  Daily habits beat perfect systems: Shannon manages three budgets and 15+ accounts in under 15 minutes each morning. Consistency trumps perfection.

  Roll with the punches: YNAB's "whack-a-mole" feature lets you move money between categories when life happens. Your budget can be flexible, not rigid.

  Progress over perfection: Janine went from being perpetually behind on QuickBooks to staying current by pairing it with her established YNAB habit.

  Links

  • Want to give YNAB a try? Use our referral link to get an extra month free and support the podcast at the same time.
  • Shannon's YNAB & Money Coaching
  • Janine's YNAB Coaching
  
  

  The Bottom Line

  Financial peace isn't about having tons of money—it's about knowing where your money is and feeling in control. Whether you try YNAB or create your own budget and buffer system, the goal is making money feel supportive rather than stressful.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Is YNAB worth the monthly cost? Shannon and Janine both say absolutely yes—the peace of mind and financial control are worth far more than the subscription fee.

  How long does it take to see results with YNAB? Most users feel more in control within the first month, with significant stress reduction after 2-3 months of consistent use.

  Can YNAB work for irregular income? Yes! Shannon explains how to handle variable income by building buffers and prioritizing essential expenses first.

  Connect With Us

  Have questions about YNAB or financial peace strategies? Find us on social media @gettingtogoodenough or leave a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843).

  ]]>Money stress affects so many of us, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this Best of episode from our archives, Janine and Shannon dive deep into the budgeting tools and money management strategies that have brought them genuine financial peace. Shannon shares her expertise with YNAB (formerly You Need a Budget) software, while Janine discusses her journey from financial stress to feeling "in the driver's seat" with her money.

  Fun Fact

  Since recording this episode, both Shannon and Janine became Certified YNAB Coaches! (links below)

  What You'll Learn

  • How YNAB's "give every dollar a job" approach revolutionizes budgeting [4:12]
  • The game-changing concept of paying next month's expenses with this month's income [5:56]
  • Why checking your budget daily takes less than 15 minutes and creates lasting financial peace [7:22]
  • How to budget for annual expenses monthly to eliminate financial surprises [10:08]
  • Strategies for couples to manage money peacefully with separate fun budgets [12:47]
  • The brilliant pairing of YNAB with QuickBooks for business owners [18:29]
  • How to create a financial buffer using "magical paychecks" [27:31]
  
  

  Key Takeaways for Recovering Perfectionists

  Start imperfectly, but start: Janine's experience shows that you don't need to master YNAB immediately. Begin using it, then learn more to deepen your understanding.

  Daily habits beat perfect systems: Shannon manages three budgets and 15+ accounts in under 15 minutes each morning. Consistency trumps perfection.

  Roll with the punches: YNAB's "whack-a-mole" feature lets you move money between categories when life happens. Your budget can be flexible, not rigid.

  Progress over perfection: Janine went from being perpetually behind on QuickBooks to staying current by pairing it with her established YNAB habit.

  Links

  • Want to give YNAB a try? Use our referral link to get an extra month free and support the podcast at the same time.
  • Shannon's YNAB & Money Coaching
  • Janine's YNAB Coaching
  
  

  The Bottom Line

  Financial peace isn't about having tons of money—it's about knowing where your money is and feeling in control. Whether you try YNAB or create your own budget and buffer system, the goal is making money feel supportive rather than stressful.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Is YNAB worth the monthly cost? Shannon and Janine both say absolutely yes—the peace of mind and financial control are worth far more than the subscription fee.

  How long does it take to see results with YNAB? Most users feel more in control within the first month, with significant stress reduction after 2-3 months of consistent use.

  Can YNAB work for irregular income? Yes! Shannon explains how to handle variable income by building buffers and prioritizing essential expenses first.

  Connect With Us

  Have questions about YNAB or financial peace strategies? Find us on social media @gettingtogoodenough or leave a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843).

  ]]>639722f2-50b8-4207-898d-ea9120398b63Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -070032:40falsefull52582585Closet Curation - How to Build a Wardrobe You Actually Love (Best of GTGE)Learn how to curate a closet you love with practical decluttering tips, Project 333 insights, and strategies to end decision fatigue when getting dressed.

  Transform Your Overwhelming Closet Into a Curated Wardrobe You Love

  Most of us have way more clothes than we actually wear. When our closets become museums of "maybe someday" pieces and impulse purchases, the simple act of getting dressed transforms from a daily pleasure into a source of stress and decision fatigue.

  In this comprehensive 50-minute deep-dive episode (our longest—we had SO much to say!), Shannon and Janine explore the art of closet curation: creating a minimalist wardrobe that serves your real life and contains only pieces you genuinely love wearing.

  What You'll Learn About Closet Organization and Wardrobe Curation:

  The Closet Struggle is Real

  • Why most people battle some form of clothing overwhelm and closet clutter

  • The domino effect of a crowded, chaotic closet on your daily routine and mental energy

  • How "just in case" thinking keeps us trapped in closet organization paralysis

  The Magic of Curation Over Perfection

  • The life-changing benefits of an uncrowded, intentional closet

  • Implementing a sustainable "one in, one out" policy for wardrobe maintenance

  • How frequent travel accidentally becomes the best capsule wardrobe teacher

  Practical Closet Decluttering Strategies That Actually Work

  • Project 333: The minimalist clothing challenge that's surprisingly doable

  • Shannon's brilliant DIY closet-clearing method (seriously, try this!)

  • Organizing clothes by color vs. other systems that might work better for you

  • Marie Kondo-style folding techniques (Janine's been doing this for years!)

  Real Stories, Real Solutions for Wardrobe Overwhelm

  • How Janine embraces wearing the same beloved pieces repeatedly without guilt

  • Shannon's uniform evolution—from uninspired to intentional with professional style guidance through a clas

  • Our recent (surprisingly painless!) closet cleanouts and breakthrough moments

  The Psychology Behind Closet Clutter

  • How perfectionism sneaks into our wardrobes and sabotages getting dressed

  • Why closet curation matters beyond just having fewer clothes

  • Creating space for joy in your daily routine through intentional choices

  Featured Resources for Closet Organization:

  • Marie Kondo folding techniques - The one t-shirt folding video that actually makes sense
  • Stasia Savasuk's transformative TEDx Talk about discovering your personal style
  • Project 333 minimalist fashion challenge - The game-changing approach to capsule wardrobes
  
  

  Perfect for Listeners Who Want To:

  ✓ End decision fatigue when getting dressed each morning

  ✓ Create a capsule wardrobe that actually works for their lifestyle

  ✓ Learn proven closet decluttering methods without overwhelm

  ✓ Transform their relationship with clothes and personal style

  ✓ Implement minimalist wardrobe principles without extreme measures

  This isn't about creating a perfect, Pinterest-worthy closet—it's about curating a wardrobe that makes getting dressed a pleasure instead of a chore. Whether you're drowning in clothing choices or just ready to love what you wear, this conversation offers practical wisdom without the pressure.

  Ready to transform your closet chaos into curated calm? Listen now and discover why sometimes less really is more when it comes to the clothes we love.

  ]]>Learn how to curate a closet you love with practical decluttering tips, Project 333 insights, and strategies to end decision fatigue when getting dressed.

  Transform Your Overwhelming Closet Into a Curated Wardrobe You Love

  Most of us have way more clothes than we actually wear. When our closets become museums of "maybe someday" pieces and impulse purchases, the simple act of getting dressed transforms from a daily pleasure into a source of stress and decision fatigue.

  In this comprehensive 50-minute deep-dive episode (our longest—we had SO much to say!), Shannon and Janine explore the art of closet curation: creating a minimalist wardrobe that serves your real life and contains only pieces you genuinely love wearing.

  What You'll Learn About Closet Organization and Wardrobe Curation:

  The Closet Struggle is Real

  • Why most people battle some form of clothing overwhelm and closet clutter

  • The domino effect of a crowded, chaotic closet on your daily routine and mental energy

  • How "just in case" thinking keeps us trapped in closet organization paralysis

  The Magic of Curation Over Perfection

  • The life-changing benefits of an uncrowded, intentional closet

  • Implementing a sustainable "one in, one out" policy for wardrobe maintenance

  • How frequent travel accidentally becomes the best capsule wardrobe teacher

  Practical Closet Decluttering Strategies That Actually Work

  • Project 333: The minimalist clothing challenge that's surprisingly doable

  • Shannon's brilliant DIY closet-clearing method (seriously, try this!)

  • Organizing clothes by color vs. other systems that might work better for you

  • Marie Kondo-style folding techniques (Janine's been doing this for years!)

  Real Stories, Real Solutions for Wardrobe Overwhelm

  • How Janine embraces wearing the same beloved pieces repeatedly without guilt

  • Shannon's uniform evolution—from uninspired to intentional with professional style guidance through a clas

  • Our recent (surprisingly painless!) closet cleanouts and breakthrough moments

  The Psychology Behind Closet Clutter

  • How perfectionism sneaks into our wardrobes and sabotages getting dressed

  • Why closet curation matters beyond just having fewer clothes

  • Creating space for joy in your daily routine through intentional choices

  Featured Resources for Closet Organization:

  • Marie Kondo folding techniques - The one t-shirt folding video that actually makes sense
  • Stasia Savasuk's transformative TEDx Talk about discovering your personal style
  • Project 333 minimalist fashion challenge - The game-changing approach to capsule wardrobes
  
  

  Perfect for Listeners Who Want To:

  ✓ End decision fatigue when getting dressed each morning

  ✓ Create a capsule wardrobe that actually works for their lifestyle

  ✓ Learn proven closet decluttering methods without overwhelm

  ✓ Transform their relationship with clothes and personal style

  ✓ Implement minimalist wardrobe principles without extreme measures

  This isn't about creating a perfect, Pinterest-worthy closet—it's about curating a wardrobe that makes getting dressed a pleasure instead of a chore. Whether you're drowning in clothing choices or just ready to love what you wear, this conversation offers practical wisdom without the pressure.

  Ready to transform your closet chaos into curated calm? Listen now and discover why sometimes less really is more when it comes to the clothes we love.

  ]]>099f2582-3b2c-4d74-b7e6-9e4447dcc9d9Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -070050:19falsefull52572575Best of GTGE: Self-CareSelf-Care Without Perfectionism: Key Takeaways

  Struggling with self-care because it never feels "perfect enough"? This episode from our Getting to Good Enough archives offers practical self-care strategies for perfectionists and busy people. Originally published January 3, 2019, this honest conversation between life coach Shannon Wilkinson and professional organizer Janine Adams explores realistic ways to prioritize your well-being without the pressure of doing it perfectly.

  This episode is part of our "Best of Getting to Good Enough" series, featuring favorite conversations from our archives as we prepare to relaunch the podcast September 4, 2025. Whether you're a longtime listener revisiting this episode or discovering us for the first time, this conversation captures what Getting to Good Enough is all about: practical discussions on letting go of perfectionism to make room for what really matters in daily life.

  (Originally aired January 3, 2019) Now that the holidays are over, it's the perfect time to focus on realistic self-care for perfectionists. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self-care without guilt and what sustainable wellness looks like for busy people.

  What You'll Learn About Self-Care

  • Why self-care looks different for everyone (and that's okay)

  • Shannon and Janine's favorite realistic self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank for stress relief

  • How to create time for self-care without perfectionist pressure

  • Shannon's breakthrough idea for making exercise feel like self-care instead of punishment

  • Removing barriers to consistent self-care routines

  • How to ensure your treats (like shopping) are actually good self-care

  • Simple self-care ideas: quiet reading and nice walks (Shannon's favorites)

  • Social self-care: crafting with friends (Janine's go-to)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced joyful self-care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Why belly laughs are essential self-care

  Featured Self-Care Ideas from This Episode

  For Introverts: Quiet reading, peaceful walks, flotation tank therapy

  For Social People: Crafting with friends, shared meals, belly laughs with loved ones

  For Exercise Skeptics: Reframing movement as self-care rather than obligation

  For Busy Schedules: Simple treats that truly nurture (not just distract)

  Resources Mentioned

  • Another favorite of both Shannon and Janine: More Cowbell
  • Shannon’s F-bomb-laden-but-hilarious cat video weird-looking stray cat – NSFW!
  • Another favorite from Janine: cats playing patty cake
  • Janine’s go-to belly laugh video: BBC interview is interrupted
  • A wonderful round up in the New York Times about what self care means for different people
  • A New York Times article about journaling as self care
  
  

  Ready for more practical tips on letting go of perfectionism? Subscribe to Getting to Good Enough as we relaunch September 4, 2025, with fresh episodes on embracing "good enough" in daily life, realistic wellness strategies, and permission to be perfectly imperfect.

  ]]>Self-Care Without Perfectionism: Key Takeaways

  Struggling with self-care because it never feels "perfect enough"? This episode from our Getting to Good Enough archives offers practical self-care strategies for perfectionists and busy people. Originally published January 3, 2019, this honest conversation between life coach Shannon Wilkinson and professional organizer Janine Adams explores realistic ways to prioritize your well-being without the pressure of doing it perfectly.

  This episode is part of our "Best of Getting to Good Enough" series, featuring favorite conversations from our archives as we prepare to relaunch the podcast September 4, 2025. Whether you're a longtime listener revisiting this episode or discovering us for the first time, this conversation captures what Getting to Good Enough is all about: practical discussions on letting go of perfectionism to make room for what really matters in daily life.

  (Originally aired January 3, 2019) Now that the holidays are over, it's the perfect time to focus on realistic self-care for perfectionists. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self-care without guilt and what sustainable wellness looks like for busy people.

  What You'll Learn About Self-Care

  • Why self-care looks different for everyone (and that's okay)

  • Shannon and Janine's favorite realistic self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank for stress relief

  • How to create time for self-care without perfectionist pressure

  • Shannon's breakthrough idea for making exercise feel like self-care instead of punishment

  • Removing barriers to consistent self-care routines

  • How to ensure your treats (like shopping) are actually good self-care

  • Simple self-care ideas: quiet reading and nice walks (Shannon's favorites)

  • Social self-care: crafting with friends (Janine's go-to)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced joyful self-care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Why belly laughs are essential self-care

  Featured Self-Care Ideas from This Episode

  For Introverts: Quiet reading, peaceful walks, flotation tank therapy

  For Social People: Crafting with friends, shared meals, belly laughs with loved ones

  For Exercise Skeptics: Reframing movement as self-care rather than obligation

  For Busy Schedules: Simple treats that truly nurture (not just distract)

  Resources Mentioned

  • Another favorite of both Shannon and Janine: More Cowbell
  • Shannon’s F-bomb-laden-but-hilarious cat video weird-looking stray cat – NSFW!
  • Another favorite from Janine: cats playing patty cake
  • Janine’s go-to belly laugh video: BBC interview is interrupted
  • A wonderful round up in the New York Times about what self care means for different people
  • A New York Times article about journaling as self care
  
  

  Ready for more practical tips on letting go of perfectionism? Subscribe to Getting to Good Enough as we relaunch September 4, 2025, with fresh episodes on embracing "good enough" in daily life, realistic wellness strategies, and permission to be perfectly imperfect.

  ]]>b7cfc449-23f9-4bd8-b8ec-2e80c63c2848Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -070035:11falsefull52562565Best of GTGE: Less is MoreThis episode is part of our "Best of Getting to Good Enough" series, featuring favorite conversations from our archives as we prepare to relaunch the podcast September 4, 2025. Whether you're a longtime listener revisiting this episode or discovering us for the first time, this conversation captures what Getting to Good Enough is all about: practical discussions on letting go of perfectionism to make room for what really matters in daily life.

  This episode was originally published January 30, 2020. We had such a great discussion about how less stuff can actually add up to more freedom and happiness. It sounds counterintuitive, but when you're not managing, organizing, and stressing about all the things you own, you have so much more mental and physical space for what actually matters. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The keys to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>This episode is part of our "Best of Getting to Good Enough" series, featuring favorite conversations from our archives as we prepare to relaunch the podcast September 4, 2025. Whether you're a longtime listener revisiting this episode or discovering us for the first time, this conversation captures what Getting to Good Enough is all about: practical discussions on letting go of perfectionism to make room for what really matters in daily life.

  This episode was originally published January 30, 2020. We had such a great discussion about how less stuff can actually add up to more freedom and happiness. It sounds counterintuitive, but when you're not managing, organizing, and stressing about all the things you own, you have so much more mental and physical space for what actually matters. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The keys to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>2a509816-3fdf-4d8d-bb62-475c5df218eaThu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -070032:50falsefull52552555Getting to Good Enough Podcast Returns September 4th | Perfectionism HelpWe're BACK! After thinking we were done forever, Getting to Good Enough returns September 4, 2025 with new episodes every week.

  What Makes Us Different:

  Unlike other perfectionism content that focuses on "overcoming" perfectionism, we celebrate "good enough" as the goal. You get real conversations between someone who's naturally good at "good enough" (Janine) and a recovering perfectionist still learning (Shannon) – so whether you relate to the struggle or need to learn the mindset, we've got you covered.

  What You'll Get:

  • Weekly episodes packed with perfectionism-busting tips from 20+ years of professional experience

  • Real stories from our organizing and coaching practices (not just theory!)

  • Permission to be human instead of perfect

  • The same warmth, wisdom, and laughter you've loved for 5+ years

  • 20-25 minute conversations that feel like chatting with supportive friends

  Meet Your Hosts:

  Janine Adams - Certified Professional Organizer who's naturally good at "good enough"

  Shannon Wilkinson - Life Coach and recovering perfectionist still learning to embrace "good enough"

  From everyday wins and hilarious fails to those moments when "good enough" saves the day, we're covering it all. This podcast is your safe space for perfectionism help, personal development, and life coaching with real heart. If you struggle with perfectionism paralysis, negative self-talk, or just need your permission slip to do more of what you love – we're here for you.

  Subscribe now so you don't miss our return on September 4th!

  Visit gettingtogoodenough.com for all episodes and updates.

  ]]>We're BACK! After thinking we were done forever, Getting to Good Enough returns September 4, 2025 with new episodes every week.

  What Makes Us Different:

  Unlike other perfectionism content that focuses on "overcoming" perfectionism, we celebrate "good enough" as the goal. You get real conversations between someone who's naturally good at "good enough" (Janine) and a recovering perfectionist still learning (Shannon) – so whether you relate to the struggle or need to learn the mindset, we've got you covered.

  What You'll Get:

  • Weekly episodes packed with perfectionism-busting tips from 20+ years of professional experience

  • Real stories from our organizing and coaching practices (not just theory!)

  • Permission to be human instead of perfect

  • The same warmth, wisdom, and laughter you've loved for 5+ years

  • 20-25 minute conversations that feel like chatting with supportive friends

  Meet Your Hosts:

  Janine Adams - Certified Professional Organizer who's naturally good at "good enough"

  Shannon Wilkinson - Life Coach and recovering perfectionist still learning to embrace "good enough"

  From everyday wins and hilarious fails to those moments when "good enough" saves the day, we're covering it all. This podcast is your safe space for perfectionism help, personal development, and life coaching with real heart. If you struggle with perfectionism paralysis, negative self-talk, or just need your permission slip to do more of what you love – we're here for you.

  Subscribe now so you don't miss our return on September 4th!

  Visit gettingtogoodenough.com for all episodes and updates.

  ]]>c9a23c77-7438-4679-a733-b77f6f483542Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:15:00 -070001:18falsetrailerEpisode 254: A Good Enough GoodbyeJanine and Shannon have made the difficult decision to stop recording the podcast. In this episode, we discuss how we came to that decision and how life-changing the podcast has been for us.

  We are so grateful to our listeners for their attention and support over the five years of this podcast. We hope that you've benefited from listening. Our plan is to keep past episodes of the podcast available indefinitely, so you can listen to any of the other 253(!) episodes whenever you want.

  ]]>Janine and Shannon have made the difficult decision to stop recording the podcast. In this episode, we discuss how we came to that decision and how life-changing the podcast has been for us.

  We are so grateful to our listeners for their attention and support over the five years of this podcast. We hope that you've benefited from listening. Our plan is to keep past episodes of the podcast available indefinitely, so you can listen to any of the other 253(!) episodes whenever you want.

  ]]>FX4LTNXT-DSRA4IThu, 24 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -070014:41falsefull52542545Janine and Shannon have made the difficult decision to stop recording the podcast. In this episode, we discuss how we came to that decision and how life-changing the podcast has been for us. We are so grateful to our listeners for their attention and support over the five years of this podcast. We hope that you've benefited from listening. Our plan is to keep past episodes of the podcast available indefinitely, so you can listen to any of the other 253(!) episodes whenever you want. If you're so inclined, please leave a comment on the show notes of this episode and let us know how Getting to Good Enough has made a difference in your life! Or feel free to leave us a voicemail at 314-413-GTGE.Episode 253: Better SleepGetting a great night's sleep can be elusive, especially as we get older. Shannon and Janine have tried a lot of things to improve the quality of their sleep and we're excited to discuss them in this episode. We provide lots of great links with this one!

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The good old days when we could get a good night's sleep and not even notice

  • The app Shannon uses to check her sleep: AutoSleep

  • The sleep app Janine uses: Sleep Cycle

  • Shannon's sleep-talking habit (she runs meetings in her sleep!)

  • The double-edged sword of electronically monitoring your sleep

  • Adjusting your sleep goals so you can achieve them more often

  • Shannon's current sleep solution: Drinking four ounces of tart cherry juice

  • Janine's current sleep solution: Dream Powder

  • The challenge of varying temperature preferences when you're sharing a bed

  • Shannon's eucalyptus weighted blanket

  • Listening to sleep stories to get to sleep

  • Shannon's sleep mask with embedded bluetooth speakers!

  • Practicing good sleep hygiene

  
  

  Be sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to everything we talked about.

  ]]>Getting a great night's sleep can be elusive, especially as we get older. Shannon and Janine have tried a lot of things to improve the quality of their sleep and we're excited to discuss them in this episode. We provide lots of great links with this one!

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The good old days when we could get a good night's sleep and not even notice

  • The app Shannon uses to check her sleep: AutoSleep

  • The sleep app Janine uses: Sleep Cycle

  • Shannon's sleep-talking habit (she runs meetings in her sleep!)

  • The double-edged sword of electronically monitoring your sleep

  • Adjusting your sleep goals so you can achieve them more often

  • Shannon's current sleep solution: Drinking four ounces of tart cherry juice

  • Janine's current sleep solution: Dream Powder

  • The challenge of varying temperature preferences when you're sharing a bed

  • Shannon's eucalyptus weighted blanket

  • Listening to sleep stories to get to sleep

  • Shannon's sleep mask with embedded bluetooth speakers!

  • Practicing good sleep hygiene

  
  

  Be sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to everything we talked about.

  ]]>A6XZSJKK-GZAORThu, 01 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -070031:29falsefull52532535Getting a great night's sleep can be elusive, especially as we get older. Shannon and Janine have tried a lot of things to improve the quality of their sleep and we're excited to discuss them in this episode. We provide lots of great links with this one! Discussion topics include: • The good old days when we could get a good night's sleep and not even notice • The app Shannon uses to check her sleep: AutoSleep • The sleep app Janine uses: Sleep Cycle • Shannon's sleep-talking habit (she runs meetings in her sleep!) • The double-edged sword of electronically monitoring your sleep • Adjusting your sleep goals so you can achieve them more often • Shannon's current sleep solution: Drinking four ounces of tart cherry juice • Janine's current sleep solution: Dream Powder • The challenge of varying temperature preferences when you're sharing a bed • Shannon's eucalyptus weighted blanket • Listening to sleep stories to get to sleep • Shannon's sleep mask with embedded bluetooth speakers! • Practicing good sleep hygiene Be sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to everything we talked about.Episode 252: Taking the WinWhy is it so hard to acknowledge our small victories? In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss taking the win and how it's good for our productivity (and our health!).

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard to accept that what you've done is valuable and counts even if it's not perfect

  • The (erroneous) idea that if you feel good about what you've done you might slack off

  • Would you play a game on your phone if all it did was buzz you when you got something wrong?

  • How the things that are most addictive are the things that are rewarding you constantly for doing something

  • If we talk to our friends the way we tend to talk to ourselves, we wouldn't have a lot of friends

  • Remember: Everything counts (even the easy stuff)! You can still take the win.

  • A good companion to your to-do list: A "Done" list

  • Paying attention to the areas where you could be kinder to yourself and feel good about what you've done

  • How taking the win can help you get more done

  • Accepting compliments (and taking them in)

  • The person who gave us the idea for this topic: Shannon's husband, Mike!

  ]]>Why is it so hard to acknowledge our small victories? In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss taking the win and how it's good for our productivity (and our health!).

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard to accept that what you've done is valuable and counts even if it's not perfect

  • The (erroneous) idea that if you feel good about what you've done you might slack off

  • Would you play a game on your phone if all it did was buzz you when you got something wrong?

  • How the things that are most addictive are the things that are rewarding you constantly for doing something

  • If we talk to our friends the way we tend to talk to ourselves, we wouldn't have a lot of friends

  • Remember: Everything counts (even the easy stuff)! You can still take the win.

  • A good companion to your to-do list: A "Done" list

  • Paying attention to the areas where you could be kinder to yourself and feel good about what you've done

  • How taking the win can help you get more done

  • Accepting compliments (and taking them in)

  • The person who gave us the idea for this topic: Shannon's husband, Mike!

  ]]>50QANCFP-NX9A4IThu, 25 May 2023 14:00:00 -070014:45falsefull52522525Why is it so hard to acknowledge our small victories? In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss taking the win and how it's good for our productivity (and our health!). Discussion topics include: • How it can be hard to accept that what you've done is valuable and counts even if it's not perfect • The (erroneous) idea that if you feel good about what you've done you might slack off • Would you play a game on your phone if all it did was buzz you when you got something wrong? • How the things that are most addictive are the things that are rewarding you constantly for doing something • If we talk to our friends the way we tend to talk to ourselves, we wouldn't have a lot of friends • Remember: Everything counts (even the easy stuff)! You can still take the win. • A good companion to your to-do list: A "Done" list • Paying attention to the areas where you could be kinder to yourself and feel good about what you've done • How taking the win can help you get more done • Accepting compliments (and taking them in) • The person who gave us the idea for this topic: Shannon's husband, Mike! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 251: Start SimpleShannon's back from Italy and we're running some episodes we recorded before she left. This week, Shannon and Janine are talking about the beauty of taking a simple approach to starting something and how that can be challenging for perfectionists.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our virtual retreat to plan our YNAB coaching practices (simpler than trying to figure out how to work together in person)

  • How starting simple can help you actually get started on a project

  • Leaving open the possibility for change when you're starting something

  • Applying this concept to decluttering your closet

  • How Janine made starting her car-buying process very simple by buying what Shannon had

  • The beauty of narrowing down your options (and how Shannon accomplished that when she built her most recent house)

  • How starting simple can make a project feel less overwhelming

  • Remember: it's not necessary to plan every single step of a project before you start it (something that perfectionists tend to want to do)

  • How you can get more information with each step of a project (after you get started)

  • Starting simple by guessing

  • Figuring out what barriers need to be taken away to allow you to get started

  • Getting past the "What If?"

  • Recognizing that what feels simple to one person may not feel simple to someone else

  ]]>Shannon's back from Italy and we're running some episodes we recorded before she left. This week, Shannon and Janine are talking about the beauty of taking a simple approach to starting something and how that can be challenging for perfectionists.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our virtual retreat to plan our YNAB coaching practices (simpler than trying to figure out how to work together in person)

  • How starting simple can help you actually get started on a project

  • Leaving open the possibility for change when you're starting something

  • Applying this concept to decluttering your closet

  • How Janine made starting her car-buying process very simple by buying what Shannon had

  • The beauty of narrowing down your options (and how Shannon accomplished that when she built her most recent house)

  • How starting simple can make a project feel less overwhelming

  • Remember: it's not necessary to plan every single step of a project before you start it (something that perfectionists tend to want to do)

  • How you can get more information with each step of a project (after you get started)

  • Starting simple by guessing

  • Figuring out what barriers need to be taken away to allow you to get started

  • Getting past the "What If?"

  • Recognizing that what feels simple to one person may not feel simple to someone else

  ]]>8DOEPX8M-JZCL3DIThu, 18 May 2023 14:00:00 -070017:13falsefull52512515Shannon's back from Italy and we're running some episodes we recorded before she left. This week, Shannon and Janine are talking about the beauty of taking a simple approach to starting something and how that can be challenging for perfectionists. Discussion topics include: • Our virtual retreat to plan our YNAB coaching practices (simpler than trying to figure out how to work together in person) • How starting simple can help you actually get started on a project • Leaving open the possibility for change when you're starting something • Applying this concept to decluttering your closet • How Janine made starting her car-buying process very simple by buying what Shannon had • The beauty of narrowing down your options (and how Shannon accomplished that when she built her most recent house) • How starting simple can make a project feel less overwhelming • Remember: it's not necessary to plan every single step of a project before you start it (something that perfectionists tend to want to do) • How you can get more information with each step of a project (after you get started) • Starting simple by guessing • Figuring out what barriers need to be taken away to allow you to get started • Getting past the "What If?" • Recognizing that what feels simple to one person may not feel simple to someone else Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 250: Feeling Good About Good Enough (Redux)It's our 250th episode! This week we're re-running an episode from May 2021, almost exactly two years ago. Next week, keep an eye out for a new episode.

  Getting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Embracing the goodness of "good enough"

  • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out"

  • The journey of getting comfortable with good enough

  • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time

  • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough

  • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly

  • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection

  • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life

  • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts

  • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice

  • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect)

  • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough

  • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memory

  ]]>It's our 250th episode! This week we're re-running an episode from May 2021, almost exactly two years ago. Next week, keep an eye out for a new episode.

  Getting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Embracing the goodness of "good enough"

  • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out"

  • The journey of getting comfortable with good enough

  • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time

  • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough

  • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly

  • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection

  • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life

  • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts

  • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice

  • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect)

  • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough

  • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memory

  ]]>2XK5ZPC9-U9JM7VIThu, 11 May 2023 14:00:00 -070019:52falsefull52502505It's our 250th episode! This week we're re-running an episode from May 2021, almost exactly two years ago. Next week, keep an eye out for a new episode. Getting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough. Discussion topics include: • Embracing the goodness of "good enough" • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out" • The journey of getting comfortable with good enough • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect) • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memoryEpisode 249: Less Is More (Redux)This week we're offering a repeat from January 2020.

  Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The key to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>This week we're offering a repeat from January 2020.

  Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The key to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>9C0PQQKF-RJATT9Thu, 04 May 2023 14:00:00 -070032:50falsefull52492495This week we're offering a repeat from January 2020. Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness. Discussion topics include: • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff” • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it • The natural tendency to fill up empty space • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep • Storing items according to frequency of use • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast • The key to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 248: Personal Capacity (Redux)We first published this episode back in February 2019. It feels more relevant than ever in our post-pandemic world.

  If you feel you should be running at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down

  The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity

  • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity

  • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things

  • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take

  • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time

  • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list

  • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops)

  • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brain

  ]]>We first published this episode back in February 2019. It feels more relevant than ever in our post-pandemic world.

  If you feel you should be running at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down

  The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity

  • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity

  • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things

  • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take

  • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time

  • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list

  • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops)

  • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brain

  ]]>1D40PB91-NXYWRK9Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -070033:47falsefull52482485We first published this episode back in February 2019. It feels more relevant than ever in our post-pandemic world. If you feel you should be running at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed. Discussion topics include: How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops) • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brain Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 247: Make A Bad Day Better (Redux)Shannon's on vacation, so we're rerunning some favorite episodes for the next month or so. This week, we're revisiting Janine's bad day in 2021 and how Shannon helped her (and, we hope, you) turn it around.

  Everyone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How it's possible to reset bad day

  • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

  • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side

  • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it

  • "Yes, and..."

  • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude

  • Learning from our bad days

  • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day

  • The value of a good laugh on a bad day

  ]]>Shannon's on vacation, so we're rerunning some favorite episodes for the next month or so. This week, we're revisiting Janine's bad day in 2021 and how Shannon helped her (and, we hope, you) turn it around.

  Everyone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How it's possible to reset bad day

  • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

  • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side

  • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it

  • "Yes, and..."

  • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude

  • Learning from our bad days

  • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day

  • The value of a good laugh on a bad day

  ]]>IFLTHWSF-8LG14IThu, 20 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -070019:12falsefull52472475Shannon's on vacation, so we're rerunning some favorite episodes for the next month or so. This week, we're revisiting Janine's bad day in 2021 and how Shannon helped her (and, we hope, you) turn it around. Everyone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better. Discussion topics include: • How it's possible to reset bad day • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it • "Yes, and..." • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude • Learning from our bad days • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day • The value of a good laugh on a bad day Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 246: Preventing Pileups (Redux)Bothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions

  • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes

  • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go

  • Creating systems for email

  • Automating systems as much as possible

  • Unsubscribing from email lists

  • The value of daily attention to email

  • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time

  • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life

  • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life

  • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketch notebooks

  • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems

  ]]>Bothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions

  • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes

  • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go

  • Creating systems for email

  • Automating systems as much as possible

  • Unsubscribing from email lists

  • The value of daily attention to email

  • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time

  • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life

  • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life

  • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketch notebooks

  • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems

  ]]>GFA50U9M-F647VIThu, 13 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -070033:35falsefull52462465Bothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general. Discussion topics include: • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go • Creating systems for email • Automating systems as much as possible • Unsubscribing from email lists • The value of daily attention to email • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketch notebooks • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 245: Working Through a Backlog (Redux)We published this episode back in February 2020 and unfortunately backlogs are not a thing of the past! We thought we'd rerun it for those who are still dealing with this challenge.

  When stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The satisfaction of working through a backlog

  • Our own current backlogs

  • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog

  • Picking the low-hanging fruit first

  • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff

  • An easier way of dealing with filing: Keep less paper!

  • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing

  • How a timer can help you get through your backlog

  • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible

  • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it

  • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail

  • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put away

  ]]>We published this episode back in February 2020 and unfortunately backlogs are not a thing of the past! We thought we'd rerun it for those who are still dealing with this challenge.

  When stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The satisfaction of working through a backlog

  • Our own current backlogs

  • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog

  • Picking the low-hanging fruit first

  • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff

  • An easier way of dealing with filing: Keep less paper!

  • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing

  • How a timer can help you get through your backlog

  • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible

  • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it

  • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail

  • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put away

  ]]>FIS18QI9-Y06BT9Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -070030:14falsefull52452455We published this episode back in February 2020 and unfortunately backlogs are not a thing of the past! We thought we'd rerun it for those who are still dealing with this challenge. When stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back. Discussion topics include: • The satisfaction of working through a backlog • Our own current backlogs • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog • Picking the low-hanging fruit first • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff • An easier way of dealing with filing: Keep less paper! • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing • How a timer can help you get through your backlog • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put away See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a link and an update!Episode 244: We're YNAB Budgeting CoachesSquee! Janine and Shannon have exciting news to share: We've both completed a training program to earn the certification YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches. We're very excited to coach people so they can benefit from this unique budgeting methodology and software as we have. This week we talk all about why we love YNAB (You Need a Budget).

  Discussion topics include:

  • We've finished our certification program and are now YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches

  • We learned so much!

  • What's YNAB? It's You Need A Budget, a methodology and software for budgeting. We love it.

  • How the training program gave us a deeper knowledge of both the methodology and software

  • How YNAB's Rule Three: Roll with the Punches appeals to the "good enough" in us!

  • The baked-in expectation that you will change things in your YNAB budget

  • A key component of YNAB: You budget only money that you have

  • The similarities between YNAB and an envelope system of spending

  • A major YNAB goal: Get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle

  • The peace of mind YNAB has given Janine while she and her husband plan the financial implications of his retirement

  • How YNAB is helpful for people with lower and higher incomes (and everyone in between)

  • How YNAB is useful for both getting out of debt and saving money

  • The two-person virtual YNAB retreat that Shannon and Janine are planning

  • The joy of having a new focus

  • Shannon's 20th anniversary as a life coach!

  • Our plan to talk about YNAB monthly in this podcast

  • The freedom of having clarity around your finances

  ]]>Squee! Janine and Shannon have exciting news to share: We've both completed a training program to earn the certification YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches. We're very excited to coach people so they can benefit from this unique budgeting methodology and software as we have. This week we talk all about why we love YNAB (You Need a Budget).

  Discussion topics include:

  • We've finished our certification program and are now YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches

  • We learned so much!

  • What's YNAB? It's You Need A Budget, a methodology and software for budgeting. We love it.

  • How the training program gave us a deeper knowledge of both the methodology and software

  • How YNAB's Rule Three: Roll with the Punches appeals to the "good enough" in us!

  • The baked-in expectation that you will change things in your YNAB budget

  • A key component of YNAB: You budget only money that you have

  • The similarities between YNAB and an envelope system of spending

  • A major YNAB goal: Get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle

  • The peace of mind YNAB has given Janine while she and her husband plan the financial implications of his retirement

  • How YNAB is helpful for people with lower and higher incomes (and everyone in between)

  • How YNAB is useful for both getting out of debt and saving money

  • The two-person virtual YNAB retreat that Shannon and Janine are planning

  • The joy of having a new focus

  • Shannon's 20th anniversary as a life coach!

  • Our plan to talk about YNAB monthly in this podcast

  • The freedom of having clarity around your finances

  ]]>HIPXKK3A-AFW29Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -070018:22falsefull52442445Squee! Janine and Shannon have exciting news to share: We've both completed a training program to earn the certification YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches. We're very excited to coach people so they can benefit from this unique budgeting methodology and software as we have. This week we talk all about why we love YNAB (You Need a Budget). Discussion topics include: • We've finished our certification program and are now YNAB Certified Budgeting Coaches • We learned so much! • What's YNAB? It's You Need A Budget, a methodology and software for budgeting. We love it. • How the training program gave us a deeper knowledge of both the methodology and software • How YNAB's Rule Three: Roll with the Punches appeals to the "good enough" in us! • The baked-in expectation that you will change things in your YNAB budget • A key component of YNAB: You budget only money that you have • The similarities between YNAB and an envelope system of spending • A major YNAB goal: Get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle • The peace of mind YNAB has given Janine while she and her husband plan the financial implications of his retirement • How YNAB is helpful for people with lower and higher incomes (and everyone in between) • How YNAB is useful for both getting out of debt and saving money • The two-person virtual YNAB retreat that Shannon and Janine are planning • The joy of having a new focus • Shannon's 20th anniversary as a life coach! • Our plan to talk about YNAB monthly in this podcast • The freedom of having clarity around your finances Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 243: Are We Having Fun Yet?Having fun is important! In this laughter-infused episode, Shannon and Janine have fun discussing how to prioritize fun and adding fun to every day life.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our criterion for continuing with our podcast: We'll keep doing it as long as we're having fun

  • How fun is different for different people

  • We agree: Things are fun when laughter is involved

  • Things can be fun without laughter too!

  • Fun with jigsaw puzzles

  • Janine's upcoming trip to Australia to attend a super-fun live-music-centric wedding party

  • All the fun dancing at Shannon's wedding

  • How your attitude can affect how much fun you have

  • Understanding what fun is for you and incorporating it into your life

  • Making day-to-day stuff more fun

  • Janine's dog Bix, the Fun Enforcer (and how perhaps she should change her attitude about it)

  • Letting things be fun

  • Shannon's cat, Cleo, who thinks being chased is very fun

  • The psychological and physical benefits of having fun

  • Prioritizing fun

  • Janine and Shannon's obsession with the TV show Station 19

  • How things are more fun when you share them

  • How YNAB has made budgeting fun

  • Finding fun ways to do the things you need to do (Zumba class vs step aerobics, for example)

  • Gamification

  • The fun reward of gold stars

  ]]>Having fun is important! In this laughter-infused episode, Shannon and Janine have fun discussing how to prioritize fun and adding fun to every day life.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our criterion for continuing with our podcast: We'll keep doing it as long as we're having fun

  • How fun is different for different people

  • We agree: Things are fun when laughter is involved

  • Things can be fun without laughter too!

  • Fun with jigsaw puzzles

  • Janine's upcoming trip to Australia to attend a super-fun live-music-centric wedding party

  • All the fun dancing at Shannon's wedding

  • How your attitude can affect how much fun you have

  • Understanding what fun is for you and incorporating it into your life

  • Making day-to-day stuff more fun

  • Janine's dog Bix, the Fun Enforcer (and how perhaps she should change her attitude about it)

  • Letting things be fun

  • Shannon's cat, Cleo, who thinks being chased is very fun

  • The psychological and physical benefits of having fun

  • Prioritizing fun

  • Janine and Shannon's obsession with the TV show Station 19

  • How things are more fun when you share them

  • How YNAB has made budgeting fun

  • Finding fun ways to do the things you need to do (Zumba class vs step aerobics, for example)

  • Gamification

  • The fun reward of gold stars

  ]]>SYDFDOB-I2S0V0A4Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -070019:15falsefull52432435Having fun is important! In this laughter-infused episode, Shannon and Janine have fun discussing how to prioritize fun and adding fun to every day life. Discussion topics include: • Our criterion for continuing with our podcast: We'll keep doing it as long as we're having fun • How fun is different for different people • We agree: Things are fun when laughter is involved • Things can be fun without laughter too! • Fun with jigsaw puzzles • Janine's upcoming trip to Australia to attend a super-fun live-music-centric wedding party • All the fun dancing at Shannon's wedding • How your attitude can affect how much fun you have • Understanding what fun is for you and incorporating it into your life • Making day-to-day stuff more fun • Janine's dog Bix, the Fun Enforcer (and how perhaps she should change her attitude about it) • Letting things be fun • Shannon's cat, Cleo, who thinks being chased is very fun • The psychological and physical benefits of having fun • Prioritizing fun • Janine and Shannon's obsession with the TV show Station 19 • How things are more fun when you share them • How YNAB has made budgeting fun • Finding fun ways to do the things you need to do (Zumba class vs step aerobics, for example) • Gamification • The fun reward of gold stars Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a linkEpisode 242: It's Okay to Be ImperfectOne of the hardest parts about perfectionism is that it can mess with your feelings of self worth. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how your value as a person has nothing to do with how perfectly you do things.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Early spring in Portland and St. Louis!

  • One of the difficult things about perfectionism: Feeling bad about not being able to be perfect

  • How some people can really beat themselves up over imperfection

  • How hard it is to get over this when you're caught up in it

  • The valuable message from KC Davis of Struggle Care

  • How a messy house is value neutral

  • Starting to consider the possibility that your struggles don't make you a bad person

  • How your worth doesn't change based on how perfectly you do things

  • How recognizing that your actions don't define you can calm down your nervous system

  • The debilitating effect of letting perfectionism dictate your self worth

  • How things can be organized and still a little messy

  • Thinking of yourself as a good person independent of the state of things around you or your unfinished task list

  • Entertaining the idea that it's okay to be imperfect

  • The heart of our podcast: We want people to feel good about themselves and be okay with however they are

  ]]>One of the hardest parts about perfectionism is that it can mess with your feelings of self worth. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how your value as a person has nothing to do with how perfectly you do things.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Early spring in Portland and St. Louis!

  • One of the difficult things about perfectionism: Feeling bad about not being able to be perfect

  • How some people can really beat themselves up over imperfection

  • How hard it is to get over this when you're caught up in it

  • The valuable message from KC Davis of Struggle Care

  • How a messy house is value neutral

  • Starting to consider the possibility that your struggles don't make you a bad person

  • How your worth doesn't change based on how perfectly you do things

  • How recognizing that your actions don't define you can calm down your nervous system

  • The debilitating effect of letting perfectionism dictate your self worth

  • How things can be organized and still a little messy

  • Thinking of yourself as a good person independent of the state of things around you or your unfinished task list

  • Entertaining the idea that it's okay to be imperfect

  • The heart of our podcast: We want people to feel good about themselves and be okay with however they are

  ]]>3TJWKWV4-3HDJ9K9Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -070017:02falsefull52422425One of the hardest parts about perfectionism is that it can mess with your feelings of self worth. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how your value as a person has nothing to do with how perfectly you do things. Discussion topics include: • Early spring in Portland and St. Louis! • One of the difficult things about perfectionism: Feeling bad about not being able to be perfect • How some people can really beat themselves up over imperfection • How hard it is to get over this when you're caught up in it • The valuable message from KC Davis of Struggle Care • How a messy house is value neutral • Starting to consider the possibility that your struggles don't make you a bad person • How your worth doesn't change based on how perfectly you do things • How recognizing that your actions don't define you can calm down your nervous system • The debilitating effect of letting perfectionism dictate your self worth • How things can be organized and still a little messy • Thinking of yourself as a good person independent of the state of things around you or your unfinished task list • Entertaining the idea that it's okay to be imperfect • The heart of our podcast: We want people to feel good about themselves and be okay with however they are Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a photo of the card Shannon painted and for links!Episode 241: Building a BufferLife can get so frazzled when you don't build in buffers. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss the value of buffers and some different ways you can build them into your life.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's current frustrations about her busy schedule

  • The culprit: She's not scheduling the desk time she needs

  • How Janine gets cranky when her schedule is too full

  • Being realistic about what you can do in a day without feeling tired and cranky

  • How we are able do fewer things in a day as we get older

  • The importance of being aware that things needs to change

  • Different ways to build buffers in your life

  • The demoralizing effect of having things undone on your task list day after day

  • How arriving somewhere early is creating valuable time, not wasting time

  • Making a buffer non-negotiable

  • Shannon's three-thing limit in her calendar and how she builds a buffer around that limit

  • Building a buffer when you don't have complete control over your time

  • Delegation as a tool for building a buffer

  • Building a financial buffer (hooray for YNAB!)

  • Allowing a buffer of white space in your physical surroundings

  ]]>Life can get so frazzled when you don't build in buffers. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss the value of buffers and some different ways you can build them into your life.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's current frustrations about her busy schedule

  • The culprit: She's not scheduling the desk time she needs

  • How Janine gets cranky when her schedule is too full

  • Being realistic about what you can do in a day without feeling tired and cranky

  • How we are able do fewer things in a day as we get older

  • The importance of being aware that things needs to change

  • Different ways to build buffers in your life

  • The demoralizing effect of having things undone on your task list day after day

  • How arriving somewhere early is creating valuable time, not wasting time

  • Making a buffer non-negotiable

  • Shannon's three-thing limit in her calendar and how she builds a buffer around that limit

  • Building a buffer when you don't have complete control over your time

  • Delegation as a tool for building a buffer

  • Building a financial buffer (hooray for YNAB!)

  • Allowing a buffer of white space in your physical surroundings

  ]]>89EY4GI-JOXL2FBTThu, 09 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -070020:49falsefull52412415Life can get so frazzled when you don't build in buffers. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss the value of buffers and some different ways you can build them into your life. Discussion topics include: • Janine's current frustrations about her busy schedule • The culprit: She's not scheduling the desk time she needs • How Janine gets cranky when her schedule is too full • Being realistic about what you can do in a day without feeling tired and cranky • How we are able do fewer things in a day as we get older • The importance of being aware that things needs to change • Different ways to build buffers in your life • The demoralizing effect of having things undone on your task list day after day • How arriving somewhere early is creating valuable time, not wasting time • Making a buffer non-negotiable • Shannon's three-thing limit in her calendar and how she builds a buffer around that limit • Building a buffer when you don't have complete control over your time • Delegation as a tool for building a buffer • Building a financial buffer (hooray for YNAB!) • Allowing a buffer of white space in your physical surroundingsEpisode 240: Low-Hanging FruitDoing the easiest thing first (the low-hanging fruit) gets a bad rap. But it can actually make everything easier. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss strategies around using low-hanging fruit to get stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Low-hanging fruit counts!

  • How allowing yourself to address low-hanging fruit first can help you get started

  • Starting with something easy and stopping when it stops being easy

  • Shannon's ingenious closet-cleaning method

  • How there's always the lowest hanging fruit

  • Addressing low-hanging fruit in any situation

  • Low-hanging fruit in task management

  • Remembering that you don't have to do everything at once

  • Counting every step (even the easiest step!)

  • Magical words: "Done for now"

  • Giving yourself credit for what you're doing

  • Making sure your next action feels really doable (and if it doesn't, scale it back or move on to something else)

  ]]>Doing the easiest thing first (the low-hanging fruit) gets a bad rap. But it can actually make everything easier. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss strategies around using low-hanging fruit to get stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Low-hanging fruit counts!

  • How allowing yourself to address low-hanging fruit first can help you get started

  • Starting with something easy and stopping when it stops being easy

  • Shannon's ingenious closet-cleaning method

  • How there's always the lowest hanging fruit

  • Addressing low-hanging fruit in any situation

  • Low-hanging fruit in task management

  • Remembering that you don't have to do everything at once

  • Counting every step (even the easiest step!)

  • Magical words: "Done for now"

  • Giving yourself credit for what you're doing

  • Making sure your next action feels really doable (and if it doesn't, scale it back or move on to something else)

  ]]>AP6W9Q3B-QOLXRThu, 02 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -070014:55falsefull52402405Doing the easiest thing first (the low-hanging fruit) gets a bad rap. But it can actually make everything easier. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss strategies around using low-hanging fruit to get stuff done. Discussion topics include: • Low-hanging fruit counts! • How allowing yourself to address low-hanging fruit first can help you get started • Starting with something easy and stopping when it stops being easy • Shannon's ingenious closet-cleaning method • How there's always the lowest hanging fruit • Addressing low-hanging fruit in any situation • Low-hanging fruit in task management • Remembering that you don't have to do everything at once • Counting every step (even the easiest step!) • Magical words: "Done for now" • Giving yourself credit for what you're doing • Making sure your next action feels really doable (and if it doesn't, scale it back or move on to something else) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 239: Genealogy ReduxIn honor of next week's big in-person and virtual genealogy conference, RootsTech, we are re-running a 2018 episode about applying a good-enough mentality to genealogy research. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy

  • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating

  • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing

  • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family to care for these documents correctly and share them

  • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you

  • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist)

  • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier

  • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research

  • Janine’s “good enough” research log

  
  

  Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine.

  ]]>In honor of next week's big in-person and virtual genealogy conference, RootsTech, we are re-running a 2018 episode about applying a good-enough mentality to genealogy research. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy

  • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating

  • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing

  • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family to care for these documents correctly and share them

  • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you

  • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist)

  • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier

  • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research

  • Janine’s “good enough” research log

  
  

  Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine.

  ]]>GN0U3LAM-D42T9Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -070039:40falsefull52392395In honor of next week's big in-person and virtual genealogy conference, RootsTech, we are re-running a 2018 episode about applying a good-enough mentality to genealogy research. Enjoy! Shannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research. Discussion topics include: • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family to care for these documents correctly and share them • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist) • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research • Janine’s “good enough” research log Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine. Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and an update from Shannon.Episode 238: Be Your Own BFFWhy are we so hard on ourselves? It's not a rhetorical question. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss self-compassion and treating ourselves as nicely as we treat our besties.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The folly of harping on your past mistakes in an attempt to avoid those mistakes again

  • How constantly reminding yourself of your mistakes makes it hard to do the thing you're trying to do

  • A technique for letting go of past mistakes

  • Acknowledging a past struggle before asking yourself to do the thing again

  • Shannon's Boring Change technique that helps you understand the deeper need behind your behaviors (and can help you modify your behavior)

  • Understanding when you're struggling and being kind to yourself

  • Channeling your own BFF and thinking about what they'd say to you

  • Ask yourself, "What would I say to a friend with this challenge?"

  • Recognizing that you're not the only person struggling with something

  • Nobody  is flawless!

  • Setting realistic expectations so you don't beat yourself up

  • How it's helpful to put a positive spin on things

  • An important reminder: How you choose to perceive things makes a big difference in how you experience them because it has a bearing on what you notice

  • The value of a gratitude journal to help you look for the good things in your life

  • A recipe for being your own BFF: Acknowledge the issues, looking for the good, and let the feelings that the good inspire in you help you move forward

  ]]>Why are we so hard on ourselves? It's not a rhetorical question. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss self-compassion and treating ourselves as nicely as we treat our besties.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The folly of harping on your past mistakes in an attempt to avoid those mistakes again

  • How constantly reminding yourself of your mistakes makes it hard to do the thing you're trying to do

  • A technique for letting go of past mistakes

  • Acknowledging a past struggle before asking yourself to do the thing again

  • Shannon's Boring Change technique that helps you understand the deeper need behind your behaviors (and can help you modify your behavior)

  • Understanding when you're struggling and being kind to yourself

  • Channeling your own BFF and thinking about what they'd say to you

  • Ask yourself, "What would I say to a friend with this challenge?"

  • Recognizing that you're not the only person struggling with something

  • Nobody  is flawless!

  • Setting realistic expectations so you don't beat yourself up

  • How it's helpful to put a positive spin on things

  • An important reminder: How you choose to perceive things makes a big difference in how you experience them because it has a bearing on what you notice

  • The value of a gratitude journal to help you look for the good things in your life

  • A recipe for being your own BFF: Acknowledge the issues, looking for the good, and let the feelings that the good inspire in you help you move forward

  ]]>7NH8O0Z7-K2ZKT9Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -070017:18falsefull52382385Why are we so hard on ourselves? It's not a rhetorical question. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss self-compassion and treating ourselves as nicely as we treat our besties. Discussion topics include: • The folly of harping on your past mistakes in an attempt to avoid those mistakes again • How constantly reminding yourself of your mistakes makes it hard to do the thing you're trying to do • A technique for letting go of past mistakes • Acknowledging a past struggle before asking yourself to do the thing again • Shannon's Boring Change technique that helps you understand the deeper need behind your behaviors (and can help you modify your behavior) • Understanding when you're struggling and being kind to yourself • Channeling your own BFF and thinking about what they'd say to you • Ask yourself, "What would I say to a friend with this challenge?" • Recognizing that you're not the only person struggling with something • Nobody is flawless! • Setting realistic expectations so you don't beat yourself up • How it's helpful to put a positive spin on things • An important reminder: How you choose to perceive things makes a big difference in how you experience them because it has a bearing on what you notice • The value of a gratitude journal to help you look for the good things in your life • A recipe for being your own BFF: Acknowledge the issues, looking for the good, and let the feelings that the good inspire in you help you move forward Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for some great links!Episode 237: Flawless vs IdealPrior to recording this episode, Shannon and Janine listened to a podcast discussing the new book "The Perfectionist's Guide To Losing Control: A Path To Peace And Power." The podcast sparked this week's discussion of aiming for ideal rather than flawless, the more commonly used definition of perfectionism. To us, ideal feels much more attainable and healthy than flawless.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inspiration for this topic: a Life Kit podcast episode called "What Kind of Perfectionist Are You?" featuring Katherine Morgan Schafler, the author of the new book, "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path To Peace and Power."

  • The Latin root of the word perfect: "Completely done" not "flawless"

  • Shifting away from thinking that perfect means flawless

  • The author's take that perfectionism can be powerful if it is approached in a healthy way

  • The interesting idea that there is a constructive, rather than destructive, side to perfectionism

  • According to the author, people who are perfectionists are people who see the gap between reality and the ideal and want to bridge that gap

  • The problem becomes when the reasons behind bridging the gap are unhealthy

  • How Janine's husband is happy to be a perfectionist and uses his drive in a way that serves him (and her)

  • How the word "ideal" is more subjective and therefore more attainable than "flawless"

  • The relief in pursuing an ideal rather than striving for perfection

  • How this is one of the least flawless recordings we've done, but we're embracing it!

  • Thinking about what parts of perfectionism can be useful

  • Letting go of the idea that perfectionists are striving for flawless

  • Getting in touch with your why to identify whether your perfectionistic drive is healthy or not

  ]]>Prior to recording this episode, Shannon and Janine listened to a podcast discussing the new book "The Perfectionist's Guide To Losing Control: A Path To Peace And Power." The podcast sparked this week's discussion of aiming for ideal rather than flawless, the more commonly used definition of perfectionism. To us, ideal feels much more attainable and healthy than flawless.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inspiration for this topic: a Life Kit podcast episode called "What Kind of Perfectionist Are You?" featuring Katherine Morgan Schafler, the author of the new book, "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path To Peace and Power."

  • The Latin root of the word perfect: "Completely done" not "flawless"

  • Shifting away from thinking that perfect means flawless

  • The author's take that perfectionism can be powerful if it is approached in a healthy way

  • The interesting idea that there is a constructive, rather than destructive, side to perfectionism

  • According to the author, people who are perfectionists are people who see the gap between reality and the ideal and want to bridge that gap

  • The problem becomes when the reasons behind bridging the gap are unhealthy

  • How Janine's husband is happy to be a perfectionist and uses his drive in a way that serves him (and her)

  • How the word "ideal" is more subjective and therefore more attainable than "flawless"

  • The relief in pursuing an ideal rather than striving for perfection

  • How this is one of the least flawless recordings we've done, but we're embracing it!

  • Thinking about what parts of perfectionism can be useful

  • Letting go of the idea that perfectionists are striving for flawless

  • Getting in touch with your why to identify whether your perfectionistic drive is healthy or not

  ]]>7Z07GMJ3-8RARA4IThu, 09 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -070015:57falsefull52372375Prior to recording this episode, Shannon and Janine listened to a podcast discussing the new book "The Perfectionist's Guide To Losing Control: A Path To Peace And Power." The podcast sparked this week's discussion of aiming for ideal rather than flawless, the more commonly used definition of perfectionism. To us, ideal feels much more attainable and healthy than flawless. Discussion topics include: • The inspiration for this topic: a Life Kit podcast episode called "What Kind of Perfectionist Are You?" featuring Katherine Morgan Schafler, the author of the new book, "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path To Peace and Power." • The Latin root of the word perfect: "Completely done" not "flawless" • Shifting away from thinking that perfect means flawless • The author's take that perfectionism can be powerful if it is approached in a healthy way • The interesting idea that there is a constructive, rather than destructive, side to perfectionism • According to the author, people who are perfectionists are people who see the gap between reality and the ideal and want to bridge that gap • The problem becomes when the reasons behind bridging the gap are unhealthy • How Janine's husband is happy to be a perfectionist and uses his drive in a way that serves him (and her) • How the word "ideal" is more subjective and therefore more attainable than "flawless" • The relief in pursuing an ideal rather than striving for perfection • How this is one of the least flawless recordings we've done, but we're embracing it! • Thinking about what parts of perfectionism can be useful • Letting go of the idea that perfectionists are striving for flawless • Getting in touch with your why to identify whether your perfectionistic drive is healthy or not Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to the book and the podcast that inspired this episode!Episode 236: How to Start a New AdventureThe anticipation and anxiety around starting a new adventure can be even more intense when you're dealing with perfectionism. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a new adventure they're both embarking on and how they're preparing for it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon is feeling good (not just better) at good enough!

  • Janine and Shannon's excitement to be starting the YNAB (You Need A Budget) Certified Coaching program together

  • How there are some nerves mixed in with the excitement

  • Easing our nervousness and setting ourselves up for success

  • Our different approaches to getting ready for this course

  • Electronic vs paper note taking

  • The value of staying flexible when you're starting something new, because you don't know until you know

  • How our plans for structure around Getting to Good Enough fell by the wayside very quickly

  • Thinking about whether a project needs to be structured or not when you're starting out

  • How building in some structure can make a new adventure feel doable

  • Getting in touch with why starting a particular new adventure is important to you

  • Putting your why into a few words to help you stay on track in your new adventure

  • Acknowledging that things probably aren't going to go perfectly so that you're not derailed by problems

  ]]>The anticipation and anxiety around starting a new adventure can be even more intense when you're dealing with perfectionism. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a new adventure they're both embarking on and how they're preparing for it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon is feeling good (not just better) at good enough!

  • Janine and Shannon's excitement to be starting the YNAB (You Need A Budget) Certified Coaching program together

  • How there are some nerves mixed in with the excitement

  • Easing our nervousness and setting ourselves up for success

  • Our different approaches to getting ready for this course

  • Electronic vs paper note taking

  • The value of staying flexible when you're starting something new, because you don't know until you know

  • How our plans for structure around Getting to Good Enough fell by the wayside very quickly

  • Thinking about whether a project needs to be structured or not when you're starting out

  • How building in some structure can make a new adventure feel doable

  • Getting in touch with why starting a particular new adventure is important to you

  • Putting your why into a few words to help you stay on track in your new adventure

  • Acknowledging that things probably aren't going to go perfectly so that you're not derailed by problems

  ]]>H4EU84PU-96N7B9Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -070021:32falsefull52362365The anticipation and anxiety around starting a new adventure can be even more intense when you're dealing with perfectionism. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a new adventure they're both embarking on and how they're preparing for it. • How Shannon is feeling good (not just better) at good enough! • Janine and Shannon's excitement to be starting the YNAB (You Need A Budget) Certified Coaching program together • How there are some nerves mixed in with the excitement • Easing our nervousness and setting ourselves up for success • Our different approaches to getting ready for this course • Electronic vs paper note taking • The value of staying flexible when you're starting something new, because you don't know until you know • How our plans for structure around Getting to Good Enough fell by the wayside very quickly • Thinking about whether a project needs to be structured or not when you're starting out • How building in some structure can make a new adventure feel doable • Getting in touch with why starting a particular new adventure is important to you • Putting your why into a few words to help you stay on track in your new adventure • Acknowledging that things probably aren't going to go perfectly so that you're not derailed by problems Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for some YNAB-related links!Episode 235: Hobbies (2023 Rerun)In what appears to be a new tradition, every other January we run this episode on Hobbies, one of our favorites. It first appeared in January 2019. Enjoy!

  Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>In what appears to be a new tradition, every other January we run this episode on Hobbies, one of our favorites. It first appeared in January 2019. Enjoy!

  Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>CFLX6Y0H-Z41JORThu, 26 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -070041:46falsefull52352355In what appears to be a new tradition, every other January we run this episode on Hobbies, one of our favorites. It first appeared in January 2019. Enjoy! Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies. Discussion topics include: • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting) • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting) • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenogh.com for loads of links and some pictures!Episode 234: How to Start FinishingSometimes finishing up a project that you've put down can feel daunting, especially if you're concerned about doing it perfectly. But finishing can be so rewarding! In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to start finishing--and how to decide something is finished.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's concern that she'll find it hard to remember that it's 2023

  • The four-decades-long project that Shannon finished over the holidays

  • Her project: a crewel embroidery project she started when she was 11

  • The ideal environment that allowed her to finish: She was trapped inside with crafty friends during a blizzard.

  • How she'll use the pillow cover she embroidered

  • Crewel embroidery vs other embroidery

  • Letting go of perfection with this project

  • The value of having other people on board when you're trying to finish

  • How things look less imperfect with time (but you don't have to wait 44 years!)

  • Another finished project: Multiple unfinished crossword puzzles that Shannon had been saving up

  • The feeling you get when you finish something you've put aside

  • Calling something done even if it's not completely finished

  • The Loose Ends project where crafters help finish craft projects started by people who have died

  • How perfectionism can make the decision to finish something difficult

  ]]>Sometimes finishing up a project that you've put down can feel daunting, especially if you're concerned about doing it perfectly. But finishing can be so rewarding! In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to start finishing--and how to decide something is finished.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's concern that she'll find it hard to remember that it's 2023

  • The four-decades-long project that Shannon finished over the holidays

  • Her project: a crewel embroidery project she started when she was 11

  • The ideal environment that allowed her to finish: She was trapped inside with crafty friends during a blizzard.

  • How she'll use the pillow cover she embroidered

  • Crewel embroidery vs other embroidery

  • Letting go of perfection with this project

  • The value of having other people on board when you're trying to finish

  • How things look less imperfect with time (but you don't have to wait 44 years!)

  • Another finished project: Multiple unfinished crossword puzzles that Shannon had been saving up

  • The feeling you get when you finish something you've put aside

  • Calling something done even if it's not completely finished

  • The Loose Ends project where crafters help finish craft projects started by people who have died

  • How perfectionism can make the decision to finish something difficult

  ]]>3T6AMUR1-W3WSTT9Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -070021:34falsefull52342345Sometimes finishing up a project that you've put down can feel daunting, especially if you're concerned about doing it perfectly. But finishing can be so rewarding! In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to start finishing--and how to decide something is finished. Discussion topics include: • Shannon's concern that she'll find it hard to remember that it's 2023 • The four-decades-long project that Shannon finished over the holidays • Her project: a crewel embroidery project she started when she was 11 • The ideal environment that allowed her to finish: She was trapped inside with crafty friends during a blizzard. • How she'll use the pillow cover she embroidered • Crewel embroidery vs other embroidery • Letting go of perfection with this project • The value of having other people on board when you're trying to finish • How things look less imperfect with time (but you don't have to wait 44 years!) • Another finished project: Multiple unfinished crossword puzzles that Shannon had been saving up • The feeling you get when you finish something you've put aside • Calling something done even if it's not completely finished • The Loose Ends project where crafters help finish craft projects started by people who have died • How perfectionism can make the decision to finish something difficult Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and for a picture of Shannon's finished crewel project!Episode 233: Embracing an Effortless WardrobeGetting dressed doesn't have to be hard. Embracing an effortless wardrobe can make everything easier. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about the benefits of simplified dressing and how they go about making their wardrobe more effortless.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Is it a flock or herd of sheep?

  • Janine's recent closet clearing (including stats!)

  • Shannon's unhappiness with the lack of ease in her closet

  • Shannon's unwritten (and perhaps ill-conceived) rule about "wasting" clothing

  • How Shannon handled the logistics of a capsule wardrobe

  • Janine's experience with Project 333

  • How focusing on a single fabric makes it easy for Janine to keep her wardrobe lean

  • The magical odor-resistant properties of merino wool

  • Strategies for doing less laundry

  • Letting go of the idea you have to wear something different every day

  • The beauty of having a wardrobe that you don't feel the need to update

  • Shopping for recreation (we don't recommend it)

  • The environmental impact of creating and maintaining a wardrobe

  
  

  ]]>Getting dressed doesn't have to be hard. Embracing an effortless wardrobe can make everything easier. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about the benefits of simplified dressing and how they go about making their wardrobe more effortless.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Is it a flock or herd of sheep?

  • Janine's recent closet clearing (including stats!)

  • Shannon's unhappiness with the lack of ease in her closet

  • Shannon's unwritten (and perhaps ill-conceived) rule about "wasting" clothing

  • How Shannon handled the logistics of a capsule wardrobe

  • Janine's experience with Project 333

  • How focusing on a single fabric makes it easy for Janine to keep her wardrobe lean

  • The magical odor-resistant properties of merino wool

  • Strategies for doing less laundry

  • Letting go of the idea you have to wear something different every day

  • The beauty of having a wardrobe that you don't feel the need to update

  • Shopping for recreation (we don't recommend it)

  • The environmental impact of creating and maintaining a wardrobe

  
  

  ]]>JGY7QR05-K6GVIThu, 12 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -070024:03falsefull52332335Getting dressed doesn't have to be hard. Embracing an effortless wardrobe can make everything easier. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about the benefits of simplified dressing and how they go about making their wardrobe more effortless. Discussion topics include: • Is it a flock or herd of sheep? • Janine's recent closet clearing (including stats!) • Shannon's unhappiness with the lack of ease in her closet • Shannon's unwritten (and perhaps ill-conceived) rule about "wasting" clothing • How Shannon handled the logistics of a capsule wardrobe • Janine's experience with Project 333 • How focusing on a single fabric makes it easy for Janine to keep her wardrobe lean • The magical odor-resistant properties of merino wool • Strategies for doing less laundry • Letting go of the idea you have to wear something different every day • The beauty of having a wardrobe that you don't feel the need to update • Shopping for recreation (we don't recommend it) • The environmental impact of creating and maintaining a wardrobe Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update from Shannon + loads of links!Episode 232: Overcoming Bad Habits (Redux)Just in time for the new year, we're re-running the second part of our 2018 short series on habits. We hope you find it helpful!

  Last week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The inherent value of bad habits

  • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills

  • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way

  • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits

  • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit

  • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic

  • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell

  • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit

  • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define you

  ]]>Just in time for the new year, we're re-running the second part of our 2018 short series on habits. We hope you find it helpful!

  Last week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • The inherent value of bad habits

  • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills

  • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way

  • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits

  • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit

  • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic

  • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell

  • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit

  • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define you

  ]]>HS9LAAEL-8A1YVIThu, 05 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -070034:08falsefull52322325Just in time for the new year, we're re-running the second part of our 2018 short series on habits. We hope you find it helpful! Last week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits. Discussion topics include: • The inherent value of bad habits • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define youEpisode 231: Creating Helpful Habits (Redux)The new year is a great time to think about creating habits that will make your life easier. Shannon and Janine discussed habits early on in the podcast--way back in October 2018. We thought now would be great time to re-run this episode. 

  When it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things

  • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits

  • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month

  • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits

  • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!)

  • Some strategies for remembering new habits

  • The power of chaining habits together into a routine

  • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits

  • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids!

  Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits!

  ]]>The new year is a great time to think about creating habits that will make your life easier. Shannon and Janine discussed habits early on in the podcast--way back in October 2018. We thought now would be great time to re-run this episode. 

  When it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things

  • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits

  • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month

  • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits

  • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!)

  • Some strategies for remembering new habits

  • The power of chaining habits together into a routine

  • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits

  • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids!

  Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits!

  ]]>JAGLJWNM-AKMX6RThu, 29 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -070039:34falsefull52312315The new year is a great time to think about creating habits that will make your life easier. Shannon and Janine discussed habits early on in the podcast--way back in October 2018. We thought now would be great time to re-run this episode. When it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them. Discussion topics include: • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!) • Some strategies for remembering new habits • The power of chaining habits together into a routine • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids! Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 230: Creating a Vision BoardA vision board is a great way to get clear on what's important to you and keep it in sight year-round. The good news is that it doesn't have to be difficult! Janine and Shannon got together on Zoom to create digital vision boards and recorded this episode right after we finished. We had so much fun!

  Discussion topics include:

  • We created vision boards together!

  • How Shannon used magazines to hone in on her theme for the year prior to creating her board

  • Combining personal and work aspirations in a single vision board

  • What is a vision board?

  • Keeping your vision board in front of you

  • The traditional way to create a vision board: cutting out pictures from magazine to make a collage

  • Janine's interim digital vision board tool: Comic Lite

  • The digital tools Janine and Shannon used: Canva + Pinterest

  • Figuring out when to call a vision board done

  • The beauty of being able to change a digital vision board

  • The time Janine's vision board came true in spades

  • The two-pronged value of a vision board: getting you clear on your goals + keeping it in front of you

  • Integrating a word of the year into a vision board

  • Creating goals or guidelines that support the vision board

  ]]>A vision board is a great way to get clear on what's important to you and keep it in sight year-round. The good news is that it doesn't have to be difficult! Janine and Shannon got together on Zoom to create digital vision boards and recorded this episode right after we finished. We had so much fun!

  Discussion topics include:

  • We created vision boards together!

  • How Shannon used magazines to hone in on her theme for the year prior to creating her board

  • Combining personal and work aspirations in a single vision board

  • What is a vision board?

  • Keeping your vision board in front of you

  • The traditional way to create a vision board: cutting out pictures from magazine to make a collage

  • Janine's interim digital vision board tool: Comic Lite

  • The digital tools Janine and Shannon used: Canva + Pinterest

  • Figuring out when to call a vision board done

  • The beauty of being able to change a digital vision board

  • The time Janine's vision board came true in spades

  • The two-pronged value of a vision board: getting you clear on your goals + keeping it in front of you

  • Integrating a word of the year into a vision board

  • Creating goals or guidelines that support the vision board

  ]]>6PFO728T-5PFD2T9Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -070018:52falsefull52302305A vision board is a great way to get clear on what's important to you and keep it in sight year-round. The good news is that it doesn't have to be difficult! Janine and Shannon got together on Zoom to create digital vision boards and recorded this episode right after we finished. We had so much fun! Discussion topics include: • We created vision boards together! • How Shannon used magazines to hone in on her theme for the year prior to creating her board • Combining personal and work aspirations in a single vision board • What is a vision board? • Keeping your vision board in front of you • The traditional way to create a vision board: cutting out pictures from magazine to make a collage • Janine's interim digital vision board tool: Comic Lite • The digital tools Janine and Shannon used: Canva + Pinterest • Figuring out when to call a vision board done • The beauty of being able to change a digital vision board • The time Janine's vision board came true in spades • The two-pronged value of a vision board: getting you clear on your goals + keeping it in front of you • Integrating a word of the year into a vision board • Creating goals or guidelines that support the vision board Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see our vision boards and get the link to the video we used on creating one.Episode 229: Self Care (Redux)Self care never goes out of style. When we originally recorded this episode in January of 2019, we had no idea how important self care was going to become during the pandemic. This holiday season, we thought we'd share this important message again.

  Now that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what that means for them. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self care means something different to everyone

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank

  • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you)

  • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care when it usually doesn’t

  • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself

  • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care

  • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon)

  • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Belly laughs as self care

  ]]>Self care never goes out of style. When we originally recorded this episode in January of 2019, we had no idea how important self care was going to become during the pandemic. This holiday season, we thought we'd share this important message again.

  Now that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what that means for them. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self care means something different to everyone

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank

  • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you)

  • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care when it usually doesn’t

  • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself

  • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care

  • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon)

  • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Belly laughs as self care

  ]]>EPFPIAN-4AQWLJTTThu, 15 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -070035:11falsefull52292295Self care never goes out of style. When we originally recorded this episode in January of 2019, we had no idea how important self care was going to become during the pandemic. This holiday season, we thought we'd share this important message again. Now that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what that means for them. Discussion topics include: • The fact that self care means something different to everyone • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities • The joy of floating in a flotation tank • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you) • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care when it usually doesn’t • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon) • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine) • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla • Belly laughs as self care Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links and a photo of Janine, her adorable father, and pot stickers!Episode 228: Managing MistakesWe all make mistakes. And sometimes it can be hard to figure out how to mitigate those mistake, especially if you let perfectionism get in the way. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss a Big Mistake Janine made and how she dealt with it, extracting some lessons for us all.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The mistake Janine made in buying discounted postage stamps and recommending them to her newsletter readers

  • How she tried to rectify the mistake by sending another email to her newsletter readers warning them about the potential for counterfeit stamps

  • One lesson: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is

  • Minimizing the amount of time spent dealing with mistakes

  • Apologizing and moving on

  • Rectifying mistakes without causing any harm (even to yourself)

  • Letting mistakes be a learning opportunity

  • Trying to avoid making the mistake again without creating convoluted systems

  • How beating yourself up over a mistake doesn't help

  • Resisting the temptation to fix inconsequential mistakes

  • People appreciate when you admit mistakes!

  • Being gracious when other people make mistakes

  • Assuming good intentions

  • Being kind to yourself and others when it comes to mistakes

  ]]>We all make mistakes. And sometimes it can be hard to figure out how to mitigate those mistake, especially if you let perfectionism get in the way. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss a Big Mistake Janine made and how she dealt with it, extracting some lessons for us all.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The mistake Janine made in buying discounted postage stamps and recommending them to her newsletter readers

  • How she tried to rectify the mistake by sending another email to her newsletter readers warning them about the potential for counterfeit stamps

  • One lesson: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is

  • Minimizing the amount of time spent dealing with mistakes

  • Apologizing and moving on

  • Rectifying mistakes without causing any harm (even to yourself)

  • Letting mistakes be a learning opportunity

  • Trying to avoid making the mistake again without creating convoluted systems

  • How beating yourself up over a mistake doesn't help

  • Resisting the temptation to fix inconsequential mistakes

  • People appreciate when you admit mistakes!

  • Being gracious when other people make mistakes

  • Assuming good intentions

  • Being kind to yourself and others when it comes to mistakes

  ]]>F5G9ZM4H-Z85MIThu, 08 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -070018:03falsefull52282285We all make mistakes. And sometimes it can be hard to figure out how to mitigate those mistake, especially if you let perfectionism get in the way. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss a Big Mistake Janine made and how she dealt with it, extracting some lessons for us all. Discussion topics include: * The mistake Janine made in buying discounted postage stamps and recommending them to her newsletter readers * How she tried to rectify the mistake by sending another email to her newsletter readers warning them about the potential for counterfeit stamps *One lesson: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is * Minimizing the amount of time spent dealing with mistakes * Apologizing and moving on * Rectifying mistakes without causing any harm (even to yourself) * Letting mistakes be a learning opportunity * Trying to avoid making the mistake again without creating convoluted systems * How beating yourself up over a mistake doesn't help * Resisting the temptation to fix inconsequential mistakes * People appreciate when you admit mistakes! * Being gracious when other people make mistakes * Assuming good intentions * Being kind to yourself and others when it comes to mistakes Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 227: Making Tough Choices EasierWe make so many choices each and every day and some are way more important than others. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss saving your brain power for the tougher choices and some strategies for making those choices easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The executive functioning drain of having so many choices to make

  • Letting as many decisions as possible being easy

  • Saving your executive function for the critical decisions

  • Making easy choices in advance

  • Janine's recent 30-day dress challenge (she wore two striped dresses at the same time!)

  • Limiting choices to make decisions easier

  • Shannon's no-brainer breakfast

  • The benefit of daily habits

  • A deep dive into overnight oats

  • Saving your brain power for consequential decisions (like health insurance)

  • Breaking down big decisions into smaller bites

  • Figuring out what aspects of an important decision are most important to you to narrow down the options

  • Optimizers vs satisficers

  • Letting go of the idea that you have to make the best choice

  • The article on overcoming choice overload that inspired this episode (thank you, Elise!)

  ]]>We make so many choices each and every day and some are way more important than others. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss saving your brain power for the tougher choices and some strategies for making those choices easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The executive functioning drain of having so many choices to make

  • Letting as many decisions as possible being easy

  • Saving your executive function for the critical decisions

  • Making easy choices in advance

  • Janine's recent 30-day dress challenge (she wore two striped dresses at the same time!)

  • Limiting choices to make decisions easier

  • Shannon's no-brainer breakfast

  • The benefit of daily habits

  • A deep dive into overnight oats

  • Saving your brain power for consequential decisions (like health insurance)

  • Breaking down big decisions into smaller bites

  • Figuring out what aspects of an important decision are most important to you to narrow down the options

  • Optimizers vs satisficers

  • Letting go of the idea that you have to make the best choice

  • The article on overcoming choice overload that inspired this episode (thank you, Elise!)

  ]]>EO6GFLN5-6647VIThu, 01 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -070017:54falsefull52272275We make so many choices each and every day and some are way more important than others. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss saving your brain power for the tougher choices and some strategies for making those choices easier. Discussion topics include: • The executive functioning drain of having so many choices to make • Letting as many decisions as possible being easy • Saving your executive function for the critical decisions • Making easy choices in advance • Janine's recent 30-day dress challenge (she wore two striped dresses at the same time!) • Limiting choices to make decisions easier • Shannon's no-brainer breakfast • The benefit of daily habits • A deep dive into overnight oats • Saving your brain power for consequential decisions (like health insurance) • Breaking down big decisions into smaller bites • Figuring out what aspects of an important decision are most important to you to narrow down the options • Optimizers vs satisficers • Letting go of the idea that you have to make the best choice • The article on overcoming choice overload that inspired this episode (thank you, Elise!) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a link to the article that inspired this episode and for a picture of Janine wearing two striped dressesEpisode 226: Letting the Holidays Be Easy (Redux)It's officially winter holiday season, which can be stressful for many people. We want to help our listeners let it be easy! This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. Our wish for you for this holiday season is less stress and more joy.

  The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>It's officially winter holiday season, which can be stressful for many people. We want to help our listeners let it be easy! This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. Our wish for you for this holiday season is less stress and more joy.

  The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>F1ZAS7XZ-DEU3DIThu, 24 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -070040:47falsefull52262265It's officially winter holiday season, which can be stressful for many people. We want to help our listeners let it be easy! This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. Our wish for you for this holiday season is less stress and more joy. The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy. Discussion topics include: • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving) • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 225: Cultivating ContentmentBeing content with your life is something most of us strive for. And it's so within our reach. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to be cultivate contentment while still being open to change.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's unremarkable but happy-making dog walk

  • Noticing the things that are enjoyable and going well

  • Paying attention to problems vs consciously focusing on the things that are okay

  • Feeling gratitude even during adversity

  • The value of a gratitude practice

  • Shannon's happiness-inducing hummingbird feeder

  • Asking yourself "What else could this mean?" when something goes awry

  • How Janine and Shannon feel fortunate to be glass-half-full people

  • Aspiring for better while also feeling content

  • Remember: Feeling content doesn't mean you're giving up

  • Allowing yourself to be content where you are while you consider how you might like things to be different

  ]]>Being content with your life is something most of us strive for. And it's so within our reach. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to be cultivate contentment while still being open to change.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's unremarkable but happy-making dog walk

  • Noticing the things that are enjoyable and going well

  • Paying attention to problems vs consciously focusing on the things that are okay

  • Feeling gratitude even during adversity

  • The value of a gratitude practice

  • Shannon's happiness-inducing hummingbird feeder

  • Asking yourself "What else could this mean?" when something goes awry

  • How Janine and Shannon feel fortunate to be glass-half-full people

  • Aspiring for better while also feeling content

  • Remember: Feeling content doesn't mean you're giving up

  • Allowing yourself to be content where you are while you consider how you might like things to be different

  ]]>E1BWDK39-YC766RThu, 17 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -070015:13falsefull52252255Being content with your life is something most of us strive for. And it's so within our reach. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to be cultivate contentment while still being open to change. Discussion topics include: • Janine's unremarkable but happy-making dog walk • Noticing the things that are enjoyable and going well • Paying attention to problems vs consciously focusing on the things that are okay • Feeling gratitude even during adversity • The value of a gratitude practice • Shannon's happiness-inducing hummingbird feeder • Asking yourself "What else could this mean?" when something goes awry • How Janine and Shannon feel fortunate to be glass-half-full people • Aspiring for better while also feeling content • Remember: Feeling content doesn't mean you're giving up • Allowing yourself to be content where you are while you consider how you might like things to be different Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see a beautiful photo of Shannon's cat!Episode 224: Reinvigorating HabitsIt is so easy for even the most ingrained habits to go by the wayside when you have a change in routine or other disruption. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss taking baby steps to reinvigorate your beneficial habits.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's good-enough pre-Halloween raking of leaves

  • How disruption of routine can affect habits

  • Looking forward to the habits you need now, rather than blindly trying to recreate past habits

  • Janine's daily yoga practice that she's trying to rejuvenate

  • Allowing small efforts to count when you're building or rebuilding habits

  • Shannon's end of-the-day-yoga practice with her husband

  • Another beneficial habit: Making the bed

  • Shannon and Janine's favorite habit: Working on YNAB (You Need A Budget) every morning

  • Another habit Shannon is reinvigorating, using her Bullet Journal (in concert with Todoist)

  • Janine's enthusiastic use of her Bullet Journal

  • The value of the Bullet Journal index

  • Pairing new habits with existing ones

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!

  ]]>It is so easy for even the most ingrained habits to go by the wayside when you have a change in routine or other disruption. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss taking baby steps to reinvigorate your beneficial habits.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's good-enough pre-Halloween raking of leaves

  • How disruption of routine can affect habits

  • Looking forward to the habits you need now, rather than blindly trying to recreate past habits

  • Janine's daily yoga practice that she's trying to rejuvenate

  • Allowing small efforts to count when you're building or rebuilding habits

  • Shannon's end of-the-day-yoga practice with her husband

  • Another beneficial habit: Making the bed

  • Shannon and Janine's favorite habit: Working on YNAB (You Need A Budget) every morning

  • Another habit Shannon is reinvigorating, using her Bullet Journal (in concert with Todoist)

  • Janine's enthusiastic use of her Bullet Journal

  • The value of the Bullet Journal index

  • Pairing new habits with existing ones

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!

  ]]>544SR9NV-A3GZAORThu, 10 Nov 2022 18:00:00 -070019:21falsefull52242245It is so easy for even the most ingrained habits to go by the wayside when you have a change in routine or other disruption. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss taking baby steps to reinvigorate your beneficial habits. Discussion topics include: • Janine's good-enough pre-Halloween raking of leaves • How disruption of routine can affect habits • Looking forward to the habits you need now, rather than blindly trying to recreate past habits • Janine's daily yoga practice that she's trying to rejuvenate • Allowing small efforts to count when you're building or rebuilding habits • Shannon's end of-the-day-yoga practice with her husband • Another beneficial habit: Making the bed • Shannon and Janine's favorite habit: Working on YNAB (You Need A Budget) every morning • Another habit Shannon is reinvigorating, using her Bullet Journal (in concert with Todoist) • Janine's enthusiastic use of her Bullet Journal • The value of the Bullet Journal index • Pairing new habits with existing ones Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!Episode 223: Jen SingerBeing sick is hard. And perfectionism can make it even harder. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk with Jen Singer medical writer and author of the Just Diagnosed Guides. Jen has had her share of illnesses and she has used her extensive experience as a medical writer and a sick person to help other people diagnosed with illness, as well the people who care about them. Jen also shares how being ill helped cure her perfectionism!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The journey that led Jen to helping people who are sick and those who care for them

  Jen's Just Diagnosed Guides

  • Jen's mission to take the loneliness out of illness

  • Janine's experience as the caregiver to a heart patient

  • Why googling your medical condition isn't a great idea

  • How Jen learned the hard way to let go of perfectionism when she was ill the first time

  • Energy triage

  • Living with a chronic disease

  • Jen's advice on figuring out how you want to spend your time

  • The importance of self care and how the pandemic might have made it easier

  • Supporting someone with an acute illness vs a chronic one

  • The thing to say to a sick person: "How is it for you today?" (And then listen)

  • What NOT to say to a sick person

  • "It's not enough to mean well. Do better."

  • More about how being sick cured Jen of perfectionism

  • The physical consequences of perfectionism

  • Resisting googling a diagnosis

  • Letting go of perfectionism if you're a caregiver

  • The Circles of Grief

  ]]>Being sick is hard. And perfectionism can make it even harder. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk with Jen Singer medical writer and author of the Just Diagnosed Guides. Jen has had her share of illnesses and she has used her extensive experience as a medical writer and a sick person to help other people diagnosed with illness, as well the people who care about them. Jen also shares how being ill helped cure her perfectionism!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The journey that led Jen to helping people who are sick and those who care for them

  Jen's Just Diagnosed Guides

  • Jen's mission to take the loneliness out of illness

  • Janine's experience as the caregiver to a heart patient

  • Why googling your medical condition isn't a great idea

  • How Jen learned the hard way to let go of perfectionism when she was ill the first time

  • Energy triage

  • Living with a chronic disease

  • Jen's advice on figuring out how you want to spend your time

  • The importance of self care and how the pandemic might have made it easier

  • Supporting someone with an acute illness vs a chronic one

  • The thing to say to a sick person: "How is it for you today?" (And then listen)

  • What NOT to say to a sick person

  • "It's not enough to mean well. Do better."

  • More about how being sick cured Jen of perfectionism

  • The physical consequences of perfectionism

  • Resisting googling a diagnosis

  • Letting go of perfectionism if you're a caregiver

  • The Circles of Grief

  ]]>EGPROPBV-1ORThu, 03 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -070032:38falsefull52232235Being sick is hard. And perfectionism can make it even harder. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk with Jen Singer medical writer and author of the Just Diagnosed Guides. Jen has had her share of illnesses and she has used her extensive experience as a medical writer and a sick person to help other people diagnosed with illness, as well the people who care about them. Jen also shares how being ill helped cure her perfectionism! Discussion topics include: • The journey that led Jen to helping people who are sick and those who care for them Jen's Just Diagnosed Guides • Jen's mission to take the loneliness out of illness • Janine's experience as the caregiver to a heart patient • Why googling your medical condition isn't a great idea • How Jen learned the hard way to let go of perfectionism when she was ill the first time • Energy triage • Living with a chronic disease • Jen's advice on figuring out how you want to spend your time • The importance of self care and how the pandemic might have made it easier • Supporting someone with an acute illness vs a chronic one • The thing to say to a sick person: "How is it for you today?" (And then listen) • What NOT to say to a sick person • "It's not enough to mean well. Do better." • More about how being sick cured Jen of perfectionism • The physical consequences of perfectionism • Resisting googling a diagnosis • Letting go of perfectionism if you're a caregiver • The Circles of Grief Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 222: Charitable ActionsIt can be so rewarding to volunteer for a deserving organization. But it can difficult to find the right place. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some considerations and strategies for finding an organization to donate your time or money.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Avoiding perfectionism in finding a place to volunteer

  • How Shannon found her volunteer gig at a pediatric ICU

  • Ways to let it be easier to find volunteer opportunities

  • How it's hard to take action when you don't what you want to do

  • Considerations for selecting a charitable action

  • Some different ways to volunteer

  • Trying out some places before making a long-term volunteer commitment

  • Some of the benefits to volunteering

  • How perfectionism can also get in the way of donating goods

  • Some of the perils to wanting to donate to the perfect charity

  • Oregon's Cultural Trust that can help make it easy to donate

  ]]>It can be so rewarding to volunteer for a deserving organization. But it can difficult to find the right place. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some considerations and strategies for finding an organization to donate your time or money.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Avoiding perfectionism in finding a place to volunteer

  • How Shannon found her volunteer gig at a pediatric ICU

  • Ways to let it be easier to find volunteer opportunities

  • How it's hard to take action when you don't what you want to do

  • Considerations for selecting a charitable action

  • Some different ways to volunteer

  • Trying out some places before making a long-term volunteer commitment

  • Some of the benefits to volunteering

  • How perfectionism can also get in the way of donating goods

  • Some of the perils to wanting to donate to the perfect charity

  • Oregon's Cultural Trust that can help make it easy to donate

  ]]>ITOZL8TI-WPNWMIThu, 27 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -070016:45falsefull52222225It can be so rewarding to volunteer for a deserving organization. But it can difficult to find the right place. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some considerations and strategies for finding an organization to donate your time or money. Discussion topics include: • Avoiding perfectionism in finding a place to volunteer • How Shannon found her volunteer gig at a pediatric ICU • Ways to let it be easier to find volunteer opportunities • How it's hard to take action when you don't what you want to do • Considerations for selecting a charitable action • Some different ways to volunteer • Trying out some places before making a long-term volunteer commitment • Some of the benefits to volunteering • How perfectionism can also get in the way of donating goods • Some of the perils to wanting to donate to the perfect charity • Oregon's Cultural Trust that can help make it easy to donate Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links!Episode 221: Navigating LossJanine's father, Gene, passed away in August and she was the beneficiary of much help and kindness from her friends, including Shannon. This week, we discuss her experience and some of the things that have made navigating loss a little easier for Janine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The beautiful fall weather that Shannon and Janine are enjoying this year

  • The passing of Janine's father, Gene Adams, on August 20, 2022

  • The extra difficulty of losing a second parent

  • The intense feeling of being alone that Janine experienced after his passing

  • Janine's great relief when Shannon offered to drop everything and drive 4.5 hours to be with her that day

  • How another friend, Denise, flew cross-country to support Janine and help her navigate all the tasks that needed to be done

  • The somewhat bizarre visit the three of us made to the funeral home

  • The unique burial approach we took with Gene's ashes (it involves a basketball)

  • How Janine (with Denise's encouragement and help) let it be easy to create a slide show for the memorial service

  • The preparations Gene and Janine had made in advance that made the week after his death easier

  • The help Janine received from family caregivers to clear out Gene's apartment in a week

  • The value of seeking and accepting help during difficult times

  • The wonderful restaurant, Kinglet, that served up great food and kindness to Janine throughout her stay in Walla Walla

  • Recognizing that there is no right way to navigate loss

  • Giving yourself grace

  • How Janine got the date wrong in her father's obituary

  • The value of getting help from someone who is a step removed emotionally

  • The toll that grief can take on your brain power

  ]]>Janine's father, Gene, passed away in August and she was the beneficiary of much help and kindness from her friends, including Shannon. This week, we discuss her experience and some of the things that have made navigating loss a little easier for Janine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The beautiful fall weather that Shannon and Janine are enjoying this year

  • The passing of Janine's father, Gene Adams, on August 20, 2022

  • The extra difficulty of losing a second parent

  • The intense feeling of being alone that Janine experienced after his passing

  • Janine's great relief when Shannon offered to drop everything and drive 4.5 hours to be with her that day

  • How another friend, Denise, flew cross-country to support Janine and help her navigate all the tasks that needed to be done

  • The somewhat bizarre visit the three of us made to the funeral home

  • The unique burial approach we took with Gene's ashes (it involves a basketball)

  • How Janine (with Denise's encouragement and help) let it be easy to create a slide show for the memorial service

  • The preparations Gene and Janine had made in advance that made the week after his death easier

  • The help Janine received from family caregivers to clear out Gene's apartment in a week

  • The value of seeking and accepting help during difficult times

  • The wonderful restaurant, Kinglet, that served up great food and kindness to Janine throughout her stay in Walla Walla

  • Recognizing that there is no right way to navigate loss

  • Giving yourself grace

  • How Janine got the date wrong in her father's obituary

  • The value of getting help from someone who is a step removed emotionally

  • The toll that grief can take on your brain power

  ]]>AZ8TV4PY-S1YVIThu, 20 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -070021:20falsefull52212215Janine's father, Gene, passed away in August and she was the beneficiary of much help and kindness from her friends, including Shannon. This week, we discuss her experience and some of the things that have made navigating loss a little easier for Janine. Discussion topics include: • The beautiful fall weather that Shannon and Janine are enjoying this year • The passing of Janine's father, Gene Adams, on August 20, 2022 • The extra difficulty of losing a second parent • The intense feeling of being alone that Janine experienced after his passing • Janine's great relief when Shannon offered to drop everything and drive 4.5 hours to be with her that day • How another friend, Denise, flew cross-country to support Janine and help her navigate all the tasks that needed to be done • The somewhat bizarre visit the three of us made to the funeral home • The unique burial approach we took with Gene's ashes (it involves a basketball) • How Janine (with Denise's encouragement and help) let it be easy to create a slide show for the memorial service • The preparations Gene and Janine had made in advance that made the week after his death easier • The help Janine received from family caregivers to clear out Gene's apartment in a week • The value of seeking and accepting help during difficult times • The wonderful restaurant, Kinglet, that served up great food and kindness to Janine throughout her stay in Walla Walla • Recognizing that there is no right way to navigate loss • Giving yourself grace • How Janine got the date wrong in her father's obituary • The value of getting help from someone who is a step removed emotionally • The toll that grief can take on your brain power Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see a picture of the basketball urn and for a link to a special restaurant.Episode 220: A Trip of a LifetimeWe're back! After an absence of six weeks, Janine and Shannon are happy to be back at our microphones! This week we're discussing Shannon's trip of a lifetime, her 217-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago. In the episode we learn all about her amazing trip, including how perfectionism sometimes reared its head.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's daily routine while she was walking the Camino

  • The details of Shannon's solo trip (she walked 217 miles in 18 days!)

  • How Shannon shared the images and memories of the trip each day

  • How perfectionism got in the way of her keeping a sketch journal of the trip

  • The after-the-fact sketch journal she's now creating

  • How this really was a "trip of a lifetime"

  • Finding accommodations the night before vs planning multiple days at once

  • How it can feel like more pressure to get it right when you're traveling alone

  • Shannon's "finish line" experience at the end of the walk

  ]]>We're back! After an absence of six weeks, Janine and Shannon are happy to be back at our microphones! This week we're discussing Shannon's trip of a lifetime, her 217-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago. In the episode we learn all about her amazing trip, including how perfectionism sometimes reared its head.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's daily routine while she was walking the Camino

  • The details of Shannon's solo trip (she walked 217 miles in 18 days!)

  • How Shannon shared the images and memories of the trip each day

  • How perfectionism got in the way of her keeping a sketch journal of the trip

  • The after-the-fact sketch journal she's now creating

  • How this really was a "trip of a lifetime"

  • Finding accommodations the night before vs planning multiple days at once

  • How it can feel like more pressure to get it right when you're traveling alone

  • Shannon's "finish line" experience at the end of the walk

  ]]>3NMRNHSF-MRT3XRThu, 13 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -070026:39falsefull52202205We're back! After an absence of six weeks, Janine and Shannon are happy to be back at our microphones! This week we're discussing Shannon's trip of a lifetime, her 217-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago. In the episode we learn all about her amazing trip, including how perfectionism sometimes reared its head. Discussion topics include: • Shannon's daily routine while she was walking the Camino • The details of Shannon's solo trip (she walked 217 miles in 18 days!) • How Shannon shared the images and memories of the trip each day • How perfectionism got in the way of her keeping a sketch journal of the trip • The after-the-fact sketch journal she's now creating • How this really was a "trip of a lifetime" • Finding accommodations the night before vs planning multiple days at once • How it can feel like more pressure to get it right when you're traveling alone • Shannon's "finish line" experience at the end of the walk Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for some great links!Episode 219: Preparing ImperfectlyIt can be really helpful to let go of perfectionism when preparing for big things. Shannon is embracing imperfection in her preparations for her much-anticipated trip to Portugal. This episode Shannon and Janine discuss preparing imperfectly as a way to free yourself from stress.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's (imperfect) preparation for her month-long trip to Portugal

  • Shannon's itinerary

  • The 175-mile solo walking part of her trip

  • Janine's over preparation for her 4,000-mile solo driving trip in 2020

  • Asking for help in finding the right backpack

  • The kindness of Shannon's naturopath in lending her a backpack

  • Shannon's walking footwear

  • How Shannon is figuring out what clothing to take on the trip

  • Shrugging off the stress of potentially making the wrong decision

  • Shannon's mantra: "It will be fine. I can always make a different choice."

  Note: We'll be taking a few weeks off while Shannon is in Portugal. See you back on October 13!

  ]]>It can be really helpful to let go of perfectionism when preparing for big things. Shannon is embracing imperfection in her preparations for her much-anticipated trip to Portugal. This episode Shannon and Janine discuss preparing imperfectly as a way to free yourself from stress.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's (imperfect) preparation for her month-long trip to Portugal

  • Shannon's itinerary

  • The 175-mile solo walking part of her trip

  • Janine's over preparation for her 4,000-mile solo driving trip in 2020

  • Asking for help in finding the right backpack

  • The kindness of Shannon's naturopath in lending her a backpack

  • Shannon's walking footwear

  • How Shannon is figuring out what clothing to take on the trip

  • Shrugging off the stress of potentially making the wrong decision

  • Shannon's mantra: "It will be fine. I can always make a different choice."

  Note: We'll be taking a few weeks off while Shannon is in Portugal. See you back on October 13!

  ]]>2A1424IC-3E0ICNMThu, 01 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -070020:06falsefull52192195It can be really helpful to let go of perfectionism when preparing for big things. Shannon is embracing imperfection in her preparations for her much-anticipated trip to Portugal. This episode Shannon and Janine discuss preparing imperfectly as a way to free yourself from stress. Discussion topics include: • Shannon's (imperfect) preparation for her month-long trip to Portugal • Shannon's itinerary • The 175-mile solo walking part of her trip • Janine's over preparation for her 4,000-mile solo driving trip in 2020 • Asking for help in finding the right backpack • The kindness of Shannon's naturopath in lending her a backpack • Shannon's walking footwear • How Shannon is figuring out what clothing to take on the trip • Shrugging off the stress of potentially making the wrong decision • Shannon's mantra: "It will be fine. I can always make a different choice." Note: We'll be taking a few weeks off while Shannon is in Portugal. See you back on October 13!Episode 218: Authenticity (Redux)Being authentic can be hard, especially if you want to project a perfect image. Back in October 2020, we talked all about authenticity and we wanted to share again. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public

  • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others.

  • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves

  • How this podcast helps us be authentic

  • The value of being approachable and human

  • How Janine came to terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer

  • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast

  • How being authentic is much less stressful!

  • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created

  • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it

  • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking

  • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask"

  • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic

  • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was dating

  ]]>Being authentic can be hard, especially if you want to project a perfect image. Back in October 2020, we talked all about authenticity and we wanted to share again. Enjoy!

  Shannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public

  • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others.

  • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves

  • How this podcast helps us be authentic

  • The value of being approachable and human

  • How Janine came to terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer

  • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast

  • How being authentic is much less stressful!

  • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created

  • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it

  • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking

  • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask"

  • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic

  • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was dating

  ]]>8CY62L0S-CXRThu, 25 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -070023:54falsefull52182185Being authentic can be hard, especially if you want to project a perfect image. Back in October 2020, we talked all about authenticity and we wanted to share again. Enjoy! Shannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier. Discussion topics include: • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others. • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves • How this podcast helps us be authentic • The value of being approachable and human • How Janine came to terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast • How being authentic is much less stressful! • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask" • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was datingEpisode 217: Good Enough GardeningShannon is an avid gardener (Janine actively avoids it) and this year her gardening efforts got a very late start. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss embracing good enough in the garden and acknowledge that an imperfect garden is better than no garden at all.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's aversion to getting her hands dirty

  • Shannon's gardening-glove strategy

  • How Shannon finds herself getting caught up in perfectionism in gardening

  • Seeing the problems instead of enjoying the successes in the garden

  • How there's always room for improvement with a garden

  • Shannon's late start on her garden this year and its ramifications

  • How Shannon let go of perfectionism and bought the (imperfect) plant starts that were available

  • Janine's good-enough rain garden that requires very little tending

  • Shannon's rain garden

  • Shannon's good-enough zinnia garden

  • Embracing good enough gardening next year

  ]]>Shannon is an avid gardener (Janine actively avoids it) and this year her gardening efforts got a very late start. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss embracing good enough in the garden and acknowledge that an imperfect garden is better than no garden at all.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's aversion to getting her hands dirty

  • Shannon's gardening-glove strategy

  • How Shannon finds herself getting caught up in perfectionism in gardening

  • Seeing the problems instead of enjoying the successes in the garden

  • How there's always room for improvement with a garden

  • Shannon's late start on her garden this year and its ramifications

  • How Shannon let go of perfectionism and bought the (imperfect) plant starts that were available

  • Janine's good-enough rain garden that requires very little tending

  • Shannon's rain garden

  • Shannon's good-enough zinnia garden

  • Embracing good enough gardening next year

  ]]>ES4F3789-561ORThu, 18 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -070018:51falsefull52172175Shannon is an avid gardener (Janine actively avoids it) and this year her gardening efforts got a very late start. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss embracing good enough in the garden and acknowledge that an imperfect garden is better than no garden at all. Discussion topics include: • Janine's aversion to getting her hands dirty • Shannon's gardening-glove strategy • How Shannon finds herself getting caught up in perfectionism in gardening • Seeing the problems instead of enjoying the successes in the garden • How there's always room for improvement with a garden • Shannon's late start on her garden this year and its ramifications • How Shannon let go of perfectionism and bought the (imperfect) plant starts that were available • Janine's good-enough rain garden that requires very little tending • Shannon's rain garden • Shannon's good-enough zinnia garden • Embracing good enough gardening next year See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for garden photos!Episode 216: Start Where You Are (Redux)Perfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, which originally ran in November 2018, Janine and Shannon talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started

  • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum

  • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start

  • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism

  • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this

  • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project

  • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later

  • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start

  • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smart

  ]]>Perfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, which originally ran in November 2018, Janine and Shannon talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started

  • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum

  • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start

  • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism

  • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this

  • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project

  • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later

  • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start

  • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smart

  ]]>9TLMZU7N-8ADCXRThu, 11 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -070029:39falsefull52162165Perfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, which originally ran in November 2018, Janine and Shannon talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways. Discussion topics include: • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smart Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 215: Positive PersistenceSometimes we have to be persistent in order to settle disputes that arise. And that can be a source of stress. In this week's episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making resolution easier (and potentially more effective) by staying positive during the process.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The happy message on Shannon's chai latte

  • How Shannon's husband, Mike, has been a model of positive persistence

  • The emotional toll that calls to customer service or disputes can take

  • How persistence can pay off--and be easier when you keep a positive attitude

  • The value of treating customer service personnel like actual human beings

  • Remembering that you're dealing with people who are trying to do their jobs (and their job isn't to make your life miserable)

  • Making other people's lives better simply by being nice to them

  • News flash: There's always a way to approach a problem to get it resolved--you're not at the company's mercy

  • Stepping away from the situation for a moment to get in touch with why it's resolving it is important to you

  • How it can be so much faster (and easier) just to pick up the phone and seek a resolution than perseverate about it

  • Taking conflict resolution one step at a time

  • Getting the ball rolling with a phone call rather than putting it off to give yourself space to step away when necessary

  • One of Shannon's NLP techniques for helping you make that call (it involves the palm of your hand)

  • Asking yourself, "What's one thing I can do now?" to let go of perfectionism

  ]]>Sometimes we have to be persistent in order to settle disputes that arise. And that can be a source of stress. In this week's episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making resolution easier (and potentially more effective) by staying positive during the process.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The happy message on Shannon's chai latte

  • How Shannon's husband, Mike, has been a model of positive persistence

  • The emotional toll that calls to customer service or disputes can take

  • How persistence can pay off--and be easier when you keep a positive attitude

  • The value of treating customer service personnel like actual human beings

  • Remembering that you're dealing with people who are trying to do their jobs (and their job isn't to make your life miserable)

  • Making other people's lives better simply by being nice to them

  • News flash: There's always a way to approach a problem to get it resolved--you're not at the company's mercy

  • Stepping away from the situation for a moment to get in touch with why it's resolving it is important to you

  • How it can be so much faster (and easier) just to pick up the phone and seek a resolution than perseverate about it

  • Taking conflict resolution one step at a time

  • Getting the ball rolling with a phone call rather than putting it off to give yourself space to step away when necessary

  • One of Shannon's NLP techniques for helping you make that call (it involves the palm of your hand)

  • Asking yourself, "What's one thing I can do now?" to let go of perfectionism

  ]]>FIMQGBO9-2P4X6RThu, 04 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -070021:27falsefull52152155Sometimes we have to be persistent in order to settle disputes that arise. And that can be a source of stress. In this week's episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making resolution easier (and potentially more effective) by staying positive during the process. Discussion topics include: • The happy message on Shannon's chai latte • How Shannon's husband, Mike, has been a model of positive persistence • The emotional toll that calls to customer service or disputes can take • How persistence can pay off--and be easier when you keep a positive attitude • The value of treating customer service personnel like actual human beings • Remembering that you're dealing with people who are trying to do their jobs (and their job isn't to make your life miserable) • Making other people's lives better simply by being nice to them • News flash: There's always a way to approach a problem to get it resolved--you're not at the company's mercy • Stepping away from the situation for a moment to get in touch with why it's resolving it is important to you • How it can be so much faster (and easier) just to pick up the phone and seek a resolution than perseverate about it • Taking conflict resolution one step at a time • Getting the ball rolling with a phone call rather than putting it off to give yourself space to step away when necessary • One of Shannon's NLP techniques for helping you make that call (it involves the palm of your hand) • Asking yourself, "What's one thing I can do now?" to let go of perfectionism Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 214: Hydrate or DieWe have all heard how important it is to stay hydrated. But for some of us, taking in the water our bodies need can feel challenging. This week, Janine and Shanon discuss some strategies for getting and staying hydrated.

  Discussion topics include:

  •How hydration is important year-round

  • The origin of this week's episode title

  • The importance of sipping water frequently, rather than chugging a lot of water at once

  • How the amount of water you need depends on various factors, like how active you are and what you eat

  • Selecting a water bottle that is easy to drink out of

  • Shannon's favorite water bottle

  • Flavoring water to make it more enjoying (including with fresh fruit!)

  • The effect of water temperature (bottom line: drink it at the temperature that appeals to you in the moment)

  • The perils of dehydration

  • The clear IKEA carafe that helps Janine (and Shannon's husband Mike!) stay hydrated

  • The encouraging water bottle Janine's employee Beth uses

  • Drinking water first thing in the morning

  • Offsetting caffeine or alcohol in your water intake

  • Avoiding drinking too much water

  • The value of adding electrolytes to water if you're not feeling hydrated by plain water

  • Chapped lips as a clue to dehydration

  • Creating a strategy for taking in enough water

  ]]>We have all heard how important it is to stay hydrated. But for some of us, taking in the water our bodies need can feel challenging. This week, Janine and Shanon discuss some strategies for getting and staying hydrated.

  Discussion topics include:

  •How hydration is important year-round

  • The origin of this week's episode title

  • The importance of sipping water frequently, rather than chugging a lot of water at once

  • How the amount of water you need depends on various factors, like how active you are and what you eat

  • Selecting a water bottle that is easy to drink out of

  • Shannon's favorite water bottle

  • Flavoring water to make it more enjoying (including with fresh fruit!)

  • The effect of water temperature (bottom line: drink it at the temperature that appeals to you in the moment)

  • The perils of dehydration

  • The clear IKEA carafe that helps Janine (and Shannon's husband Mike!) stay hydrated

  • The encouraging water bottle Janine's employee Beth uses

  • Drinking water first thing in the morning

  • Offsetting caffeine or alcohol in your water intake

  • Avoiding drinking too much water

  • The value of adding electrolytes to water if you're not feeling hydrated by plain water

  • Chapped lips as a clue to dehydration

  • Creating a strategy for taking in enough water

  ]]>BIIQ0GFZ-2TEP14IThu, 28 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -070022:51falsefull52142145We have all heard how important it is to stay hydrated. But for some of us, taking in the water our bodies need can feel challenging. This week, Janine and Shanon discuss some strategies for getting and staying hydrated. Discussion topics include: •How hydration is important year-round • The origin of this week's episode title • The importance of sipping water frequently, rather than chugging a lot of water at once • How the amount of water you need depends on various factors, like how active you are and what you eat • Selecting a water bottle that is easy to drink out of • Shannon's favorite water bottle • Flavoring water to make it more enjoying (including with fresh fruit!) • The effect of water temperature (bottom line: drink it at the temperature that appeals to you in the moment) • The perils of dehydration • The clear IKEA carafe that helps Janine (and Shannon's husband Mike!) stay hydrated • The encouraging water bottle Janine's employee Beth uses • Drinking water first thing in the morning • Offsetting caffeine or alcohol in your water intake • Avoiding drinking too much water • The value of adding electrolytes to water if you're not feeling hydrated by plain water • Chapped lips as a clue to dehydration • Creating a strategy for taking in enough water Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links!Episode 213: Relieving StressWe all get stressed from time to time, and some times are worse than others. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some stress-relief techniques, as well as some ideas for keeping stress levels low.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's litany of things that are stressing her out right now

  • Shannon's husband's recent surgery and its resulting stress

  • How we feel stress in our bodies

  • Chronic vs acute stress

  • The terrific talk on stress relief that Janine heard from Kathy Willis of Lewis and Clark Community College

  • Kathy's Stay or Go stress assessment tool

  • The power of recognizing those things you can change and those you can't

  • The physiological changes in your body created by stress and relieved by breathing

  • Kathy's breathing-while-counting technique

  • The importance of hydration, healthy eating and a good night's sleep for relieving stress

  • Another stress reliever: Moving your body

  • Becoming aware of the stressors in your life and changing the way they affect you

  • The value of talking or writing about the things that stress you

  • Releasing yourself from perfectionism and being kind to yourself in order to lower your general stress levels

  • How keeping your stress levels low makes it easier to handle acute stressors

  • Recognizing that you do have a choice about things that stress you and letting that recognition relieve some of the stress

  ]]>We all get stressed from time to time, and some times are worse than others. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some stress-relief techniques, as well as some ideas for keeping stress levels low.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's litany of things that are stressing her out right now

  • Shannon's husband's recent surgery and its resulting stress

  • How we feel stress in our bodies

  • Chronic vs acute stress

  • The terrific talk on stress relief that Janine heard from Kathy Willis of Lewis and Clark Community College

  • Kathy's Stay or Go stress assessment tool

  • The power of recognizing those things you can change and those you can't

  • The physiological changes in your body created by stress and relieved by breathing

  • Kathy's breathing-while-counting technique

  • The importance of hydration, healthy eating and a good night's sleep for relieving stress

  • Another stress reliever: Moving your body

  • Becoming aware of the stressors in your life and changing the way they affect you

  • The value of talking or writing about the things that stress you

  • Releasing yourself from perfectionism and being kind to yourself in order to lower your general stress levels

  • How keeping your stress levels low makes it easier to handle acute stressors

  • Recognizing that you do have a choice about things that stress you and letting that recognition relieve some of the stress

  ]]>4LVJFJHO-GJK0529Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -070019:43falsefull52132135We all get stressed from time to time, and some times are worse than others. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some stress-relief techniques, as well as some ideas for keeping stress levels low. Discussion topics include: • Janine's litany of things that are stressing her out right now • Shannon's husband's recent surgery and its resulting stress • How we feel stress in our bodies • Chronic vs acute stress • The terrific talk on stress relief that Janine heard from Kathy Willis of Lewis and Clark Community College • Kathy's Stay or Go stress assessment tool • The power of recognizing those things you can change and those you can't • The physiological changes in your body created by stress and relieved by breathing • Kathy's breathing-while-counting technique • The importance of hydration, healthy eating and a good night's sleep for relieving stress • Another stress reliever: Moving your body • Becoming aware of the stressors in your life and changing the way they affect you • The value of talking or writing about the things that stress you • Releasing yourself from perfectionism and being kind to yourself in order to lower your general stress levels • How keeping your stress levels low makes it easier to handle acute stressors • Recognizing that you do have a choice about things that stress you and letting that recognition relieve some of the stress Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 212: A Little at a TimeShannon's robust meal-planning and food inventorying system that she shared in Episode 209 wasn't created in one fell swoop. In this episode we discuss how incremental problem solving can help you create systems that make you happy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Monarch butterflies!

  • How complex systems are often built a little at a time

  • How incremental problem solving led to Shannon's system of inventorying her pantry and freezer and her meal-planning Trello board

  • A flashback to Deal A Meal

  • How Shannon uses Trello to store her recipes

  • Looking for the bottleneck that's causing a problem and then addressing it

  • What's the one thing that points you in the direction you want to go?

  • Adopting just part of the thing that sparks a little envy

  • Taking the emotions away from challenges

  • Be kind to yourself!

  ]]>Shannon's robust meal-planning and food inventorying system that she shared in Episode 209 wasn't created in one fell swoop. In this episode we discuss how incremental problem solving can help you create systems that make you happy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Monarch butterflies!

  • How complex systems are often built a little at a time

  • How incremental problem solving led to Shannon's system of inventorying her pantry and freezer and her meal-planning Trello board

  • A flashback to Deal A Meal

  • How Shannon uses Trello to store her recipes

  • Looking for the bottleneck that's causing a problem and then addressing it

  • What's the one thing that points you in the direction you want to go?

  • Adopting just part of the thing that sparks a little envy

  • Taking the emotions away from challenges

  • Be kind to yourself!

  ]]>31DHYJ5X-MBCSORThu, 14 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -070020:42falsefull52122125Shannon's robust meal-planning and food inventorying system that she shared in Episode 209 wasn't created in one fell swoop. In this episode we discuss how incremental problem solving can help you create systems that make you happy. Discussion topics include: • Monarch butterflies! • How complex systems are often built a little at a time • How incremental problem solving led to Shannon's system of inventorying her pantry and freezer and her meal-planning Trello board • A flashback to Deal A Meal • How Shannon uses Trello to store her recipes • Looking for the bottleneck that's causing a problem and then addressing it • What's the one thing that points you in the direction you want to go? • Adopting just part of the thing that sparks a little envy • Taking the emotions away from challenges • Be kind to yourself! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links.Episode 211: Running EarlyDo you have a tendency to run late? Shannon and Janine used to run perpetually late, but no more. This week we discuss the strategies we've used to go from tardy to early (or at least on time).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our past challenges with punctuality

  • How perfectionism played into it

  • Taking into account all the time it takes to get somewhere (door to door)

  • Building in a 15-minute buffer in order to get places on time with ease

  • The life-changing value of calendar alerts

  • How easy it is to discount the time between getting ready to walk out the door and pulling away in your car

  • Janine's realization that being early is not a waste of time

  • How easy it is for a built-in buffer to be used up

  • Calculating a standard amount of time needed before leaving the house so you get up early enough to ward off stress

  • Running early = self care

  • Considering the buffer you create as a gift to yourself

  • The only place a buffer isn't needed: Walla Walla

  ]]>Do you have a tendency to run late? Shannon and Janine used to run perpetually late, but no more. This week we discuss the strategies we've used to go from tardy to early (or at least on time).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our past challenges with punctuality

  • How perfectionism played into it

  • Taking into account all the time it takes to get somewhere (door to door)

  • Building in a 15-minute buffer in order to get places on time with ease

  • The life-changing value of calendar alerts

  • How easy it is to discount the time between getting ready to walk out the door and pulling away in your car

  • Janine's realization that being early is not a waste of time

  • How easy it is for a built-in buffer to be used up

  • Calculating a standard amount of time needed before leaving the house so you get up early enough to ward off stress

  • Running early = self care

  • Considering the buffer you create as a gift to yourself

  • The only place a buffer isn't needed: Walla Walla

  ]]>AZBAK6JE-MNP14IThu, 07 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -070017:08falsefull52112115Do you have a tendency to run late? Shannon and Janine used to run perpetually late, but no more. This week we discuss the strategies we've used to go from tardy to early (or at least on time). Discussion topics include: • Our past challenges with punctuality • How perfectionism played into it • Taking into account all the time it takes to get somewhere (door to door) • Building in a 15-minute buffer in order to get places on time with ease • The life-changing value of calendar alerts • How easy it is to discount the time between getting ready to walk out the door and pulling away in your car • Janine's realization that being early is not a waste of time • How easy it is for a built-in buffer to be used up • Calculating a standard amount of time needed before leaving the house so you get up early enough to ward off stress • Running early = self care • Considering the buffer you create as a gift to yourself • The only place a buffer isn't needed: Walla Walla Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 210: Enjoying ReadingJanine and Shannon love reading novels for pleasure and we have found ways to fit it into our busy lives. If you like to read but don't seem to have time to read as much as you'd like, this episode might give you some ideas for squeezing in some enjoyable reading.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our usual complaining about summer weather

  • Reading: A great activity no matter what the weather

  • Getting lost in a good book

  • Our reading habits and frequency (we both read at least once a day)

  • Reading while doing chores, thanks to audiobooks

  • One benefit of having a Kindle: Not having to turn a light on

  • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to enjoying your reading

  • Why we're big advocates of e-books

  • Shannon's peculiar reading position

  • Shannon's foray into dystopian novels and psychological suspense

  • Janine's love for genealogical mysteries

  • Using Trello to organize reading lists

  • How the Libby app makes borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your library so easy

  • Reading Insights on the Kindle app

  • Reading as a hobby, rather than a guilty pleasure

  ]]>Janine and Shannon love reading novels for pleasure and we have found ways to fit it into our busy lives. If you like to read but don't seem to have time to read as much as you'd like, this episode might give you some ideas for squeezing in some enjoyable reading.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our usual complaining about summer weather

  • Reading: A great activity no matter what the weather

  • Getting lost in a good book

  • Our reading habits and frequency (we both read at least once a day)

  • Reading while doing chores, thanks to audiobooks

  • One benefit of having a Kindle: Not having to turn a light on

  • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to enjoying your reading

  • Why we're big advocates of e-books

  • Shannon's peculiar reading position

  • Shannon's foray into dystopian novels and psychological suspense

  • Janine's love for genealogical mysteries

  • Using Trello to organize reading lists

  • How the Libby app makes borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your library so easy

  • Reading Insights on the Kindle app

  • Reading as a hobby, rather than a guilty pleasure

  ]]>5GMS59JJ-SNBQPVIThu, 30 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -070025:40falsefull52102105Janine and Shannon love reading novels for pleasure and we have found ways to fit it into our busy lives. If you like to read but don't seem to have time to read as much as you'd like, this episode might give you some ideas for squeezing in some enjoyable reading. Discussion topics include: • Our usual complaining about summer weather • Reading: A great activity no matter what the weather • Getting lost in a good book • Our reading habits and frequency (we both read at least once a day) • Reading while doing chores, thanks to audiobooks • One benefit of having a Kindle: Not having to turn a light on • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to enjoying your reading • Why we're big advocates of e-books • Shannon's peculiar reading position • Shannon's foray into dystopian novels and psychological suspense • Janine's love for genealogical mysteries • Using Trello to organize reading lists • How the Libby app makes borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your library so easy • Reading Insights on the Kindle app • Reading as a hobby, rather than a guilty pleasure Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 209: Meal PlanningWhat's for dinner? Wouldn't you like to have a ready answer for that question? Shannon is living the meal planning dream and in this episode she and Janine talk about the benefits of meal planning and how Shannon goes about doing it. Be ready to be inspired!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's challenges with meal planning (which revolve around the fact she doesn't cook)

  • Shannon's helpful husband, Mike

  • How Shannon's meal planning makes her week better

  • Planning shopping as well as meals

  • Shannon's jumping off point: What she already has in the freezer

  • How Shannon's basement freezer is organized (an inventory is involved!)

  • AnyList, the app Shannon uses to inventory her freezer and pantry

  • Shannon's favorite tools for pre-portioned food in her freezer: vacuum sealer machine + Souper Cubes

  • Trello, Shannon's secret weapon for meal planning

  • The value of meal kits for bringing new recipes into our lives

  • What's for dinner at Shannon's house: Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

  • How meal planning is a great form of self care

  ]]>What's for dinner? Wouldn't you like to have a ready answer for that question? Shannon is living the meal planning dream and in this episode she and Janine talk about the benefits of meal planning and how Shannon goes about doing it. Be ready to be inspired!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's challenges with meal planning (which revolve around the fact she doesn't cook)

  • Shannon's helpful husband, Mike

  • How Shannon's meal planning makes her week better

  • Planning shopping as well as meals

  • Shannon's jumping off point: What she already has in the freezer

  • How Shannon's basement freezer is organized (an inventory is involved!)

  • AnyList, the app Shannon uses to inventory her freezer and pantry

  • Shannon's favorite tools for pre-portioned food in her freezer: vacuum sealer machine + Souper Cubes

  • Trello, Shannon's secret weapon for meal planning

  • The value of meal kits for bringing new recipes into our lives

  • What's for dinner at Shannon's house: Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

  • How meal planning is a great form of self care

  ]]>DGDXEN41-VXZ85MIThu, 23 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -070022:58falsefull52092095What's for dinner? Wouldn't you like to have a ready answer for that question? Shannon is living the meal planning dream and in this episode she and Janine talk about the benefits of meal planning and how Shannon goes about doing it. Be ready to be inspired! Discussion topics include: • Janine's challenges with meal planning (which revolve around the fact she doesn't cook) • Shannon's helpful husband, Mike • How Shannon's meal planning makes her week better • Planning shopping as well as meals • Shannon's jumping off point: What she already has in the freezer • How Shannon's basement freezer is organized (an inventory is involved!) • AnyList, the app Shannon uses to inventory her freezer and pantry • Shannon's favorite tools for pre-portioned food in her freezer: vacuum sealer machine + Souper Cubes • Trello, Shannon's secret weapon for meal planning • The value of meal kits for bringing new recipes into our lives • What's for dinner at Shannon's house: Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta • How meal planning is a great form of self care Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a screenshot of Shannon's Trello board as well as links!Episode 208: A Fourth Pillar for Our Fourth YearIt's the podcast's fourth anniversary! We published our first three episodes on June 15, 2018. On our third anniversary, we published a post called Three Pillars for Three years and this year we decided to add a fourth pillar for our fourth anniversary. It's Let It Be Easy, and it's focus of our episode today.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our fourth anniversary!

  • The three pillars of good enough that we identified for our third anniversary

  • The supreme value of knowing your why

  • The "fruit and flower anniversary"

  • The fourth pillar: Let It Be Easy

  • How we embraced ease in creating this podcast

  • How Let It Be Easy now feels beneficial to Shannon, rather than like cheating

  • Incorporating Let It Be Easy into challenges

  • Shannon's decision to seek some help in her challenge of walking 175 miles in Portugal this fall

  • How we embraced Let It Be Easy by recording shorter episodes

  • Letting it be easy in bullet journaling

  ]]>It's the podcast's fourth anniversary! We published our first three episodes on June 15, 2018. On our third anniversary, we published a post called Three Pillars for Three years and this year we decided to add a fourth pillar for our fourth anniversary. It's Let It Be Easy, and it's focus of our episode today.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our fourth anniversary!

  • The three pillars of good enough that we identified for our third anniversary

  • The supreme value of knowing your why

  • The "fruit and flower anniversary"

  • The fourth pillar: Let It Be Easy

  • How we embraced ease in creating this podcast

  • How Let It Be Easy now feels beneficial to Shannon, rather than like cheating

  • Incorporating Let It Be Easy into challenges

  • Shannon's decision to seek some help in her challenge of walking 175 miles in Portugal this fall

  • How we embraced Let It Be Easy by recording shorter episodes

  • Letting it be easy in bullet journaling

  ]]>I174JNFK-YC766RThu, 16 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -070019:43falsefull42082084It's the podcast's fourth anniversary! We published our first three episodes on June 15, 2018. On our third anniversary, we published a post called Three Pillars for Three years and this year we decided to add a fourth pillar for our fourth anniversary. It's Let It Be Easy, and it's focus of our episode today. Discussion topics include: • Our fourth anniversary! • The three pillars of good enough that we identified for our third anniversary • The supreme value of knowing your why • The "fruit and flower anniversary" • The fourth pillar: Let It Be Easy • How we embraced ease in creating this podcast • How Let It Be Easy now feels beneficial to Shannon, rather than like cheating • Incorporating Let It Be Easy into challenges • Shannon's decision to seek some help in her challenge of walking 175 miles in Portugal this fall • How we embraced Let It Be Easy by recording shorter episodes • Letting it be easy in bullet journaling Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 207: Everyday EldercareShannon and Janine have experienced first-hand the challenges (and rewards) of caring for elderly parents. In this episode (recorded right after Janine returned from helping her father move into assisted living), we discuss ways to make it easier to help your elderly relatives when they need your help.

  Note: We had some audio difficulties with this episode, but felt the topic was important enough to publish anyway.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's journey with her father's diminishing memory

  • Shannon's reflection on the bonding time with her mother after she moved to assisted living

  • Janine's good fortune that her father has a sweet and sunny personality

  • Allowing people with memory issues to talk without correcting them

  • Stepping into a larger role with our parents

  • How calling her father daily is self-care for Janine

  • The joy of getting past dreaded events

  • Giving your elders and yourself peace of mind

  • Handling elders' finances

  • Using YNAB to help elderly relatives

  • Using the term "back up plan" to help elderly relatives accept help with finances

  • Taking over finances sooner rather than later (or laying the groundwork)

  • Helping elders feel independent

  • Keeping communication open

  • Discussing final arrangements with elderly parents in advance

  • Making your own decisions about your estate (now!)

  • Having conversations about family history with elderly relatives while you can

  • Letting go of the idea that there is a perfect way to help your elders

  • How any effort you make to help is better than no effort

  • Deciding what family member will be the responsible party for an elderly family member

  • Janine's enthusiasm for the final season of This Is Us

  ]]>Shannon and Janine have experienced first-hand the challenges (and rewards) of caring for elderly parents. In this episode (recorded right after Janine returned from helping her father move into assisted living), we discuss ways to make it easier to help your elderly relatives when they need your help.

  Note: We had some audio difficulties with this episode, but felt the topic was important enough to publish anyway.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's journey with her father's diminishing memory

  • Shannon's reflection on the bonding time with her mother after she moved to assisted living

  • Janine's good fortune that her father has a sweet and sunny personality

  • Allowing people with memory issues to talk without correcting them

  • Stepping into a larger role with our parents

  • How calling her father daily is self-care for Janine

  • The joy of getting past dreaded events

  • Giving your elders and yourself peace of mind

  • Handling elders' finances

  • Using YNAB to help elderly relatives

  • Using the term "back up plan" to help elderly relatives accept help with finances

  • Taking over finances sooner rather than later (or laying the groundwork)

  • Helping elders feel independent

  • Keeping communication open

  • Discussing final arrangements with elderly parents in advance

  • Making your own decisions about your estate (now!)

  • Having conversations about family history with elderly relatives while you can

  • Letting go of the idea that there is a perfect way to help your elders

  • How any effort you make to help is better than no effort

  • Deciding what family member will be the responsible party for an elderly family member

  • Janine's enthusiasm for the final season of This Is Us

  ]]>GLRDCVYO-VYRPB9Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -070021:24falsefull42072074Shannon and Janine have experienced first-hand the challenges (and rewards) of caring for elderly parents. In this episode (recorded right after Janine returned from helping her father move into assisted living), we discuss ways to make it easier to help your elderly relatives when they need your help. Note: We had some audio difficulties with this episode, but felt the topic was important enough to publish anyway. Discussion topics include: • Janine's journey with her father's diminishing memory • Shannon's reflection on the bonding time with her mother after she moved to assisted living • Janine's good fortune that her father has a sweet and sunny personality • Allowing people with memory issues to talk without correcting them • Stepping into a larger role with our parents • How calling her father daily is self-care for Janine • The joy of getting past dreaded events • Giving your elders and yourself peace of mind • Handling elders' finances • Using YNAB to help elderly relatives • Using the term "back up plan" to help elderly relatives accept help with finances • Taking over finances sooner rather than later (or laying the groundwork) • Helping elders feel independent • Keeping communication open • Discussing final arrangements with elderly parents in advance • Making your own decisions about your estate (now!) • Having conversations about family history with elderly relatives while you can • Letting go of the idea that there is a perfect way to help your elders • How any effort you make to help is better than no effort Deciding what family member will be the responsible party for an elderly family member • Janine's enthusiasm for the final season of This Is Us Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 206: Financial Peace (Redux)Back in 2020, Janine and Shannon had a robust conversation about our passion for the budgeting software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Our enthusiasm has not dimmed in the slightest, so we wanted to run it again.

  Money is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener  who needs help with YNAB!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software

  • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job!

  • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer

  • Budgeting for next month’s expenses

  • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!)

  • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments

  • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money

  • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first

  • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping

  • The peace that comes with being on top of your money

  • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff

  • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments

  • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group

  • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses

  • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful

  Note: Since this was recorded two and a half years ago, Janine has achieved the financial peace she sought, thanks to YNAB. She is now debt-free and happily handles four budgets daily. She is grateful for YNAB (and Shannon's YNAB mentorship) literally every day.

  ]]>Back in 2020, Janine and Shannon had a robust conversation about our passion for the budgeting software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Our enthusiasm has not dimmed in the slightest, so we wanted to run it again.

  Money is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener  who needs help with YNAB!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software

  • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job!

  • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer

  • Budgeting for next month’s expenses

  • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!)

  • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments

  • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money

  • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first

  • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping

  • The peace that comes with being on top of your money

  • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff

  • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments

  • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group

  • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses

  • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful

  Note: Since this was recorded two and a half years ago, Janine has achieved the financial peace she sought, thanks to YNAB. She is now debt-free and happily handles four budgets daily. She is grateful for YNAB (and Shannon's YNAB mentorship) literally every day.

  ]]>HD9ND29O-V8TO6RThu, 02 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -070032:40falsefull42062064Back in 2020, Janine and Shannon had a robust conversation about our passion for the budgeting software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Our enthusiasm has not dimmed in the slightest, so we wanted to run it again. Money is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener who needs help with YNAB!) Discussion topics include: • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job! • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer • Budgeting for next month’s expenses • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!) • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping • The peace that comes with being on top of your money • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful Note: Since this was recorded two and a half years ago, Janine has achieved the financial peace she sought, thanks to YNAB. She is now debt-free and happily handles four budgets daily. She is grateful for YNAB (and Shannon's YNAB mentorship) literally every day. Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 205: Prioritizing Self CareTaking care of ourselves is always important. But it's especially important during stressful times. This week Shannon and Janine discuss prioritizing self care so it's there for you when you need it the most.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self-care doesn't have to take a lot of time

  • The fallacy that you will get more done if you skip self care

  • The reality that by taking care of yourself you actually become more productive

  • The wisdom of Gandhi: "I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one."

  • The more hectic life gets, the harder it is to prioritize self care

  • Contemplating self care before you need it

  • Building in a few breaks per day

  • An energizing half minute: Knocking on Heaven's Door from Yoga with Adriene

  • Simple ways to take care of yourself (like drinking plenty of water)

  • An important point: Anything you can do to alleviate stress is self care

  • Recognizing the things you do throughout the day that are actually self care

  • Meal planning as self care (watch out for a future episode on this topic!)

  • Incorporating self care into a morning routine

  • Planning and task management to reduce stress (and provide self care)

  • Giving yourself credit for taking care of yourself

  ]]>Taking care of ourselves is always important. But it's especially important during stressful times. This week Shannon and Janine discuss prioritizing self care so it's there for you when you need it the most.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self-care doesn't have to take a lot of time

  • The fallacy that you will get more done if you skip self care

  • The reality that by taking care of yourself you actually become more productive

  • The wisdom of Gandhi: "I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one."

  • The more hectic life gets, the harder it is to prioritize self care

  • Contemplating self care before you need it

  • Building in a few breaks per day

  • An energizing half minute: Knocking on Heaven's Door from Yoga with Adriene

  • Simple ways to take care of yourself (like drinking plenty of water)

  • An important point: Anything you can do to alleviate stress is self care

  • Recognizing the things you do throughout the day that are actually self care

  • Meal planning as self care (watch out for a future episode on this topic!)

  • Incorporating self care into a morning routine

  • Planning and task management to reduce stress (and provide self care)

  • Giving yourself credit for taking care of yourself

  ]]>5Q2V2SSC-FNA5RK9Thu, 26 May 2022 14:00:00 -070017:11falsefull42052054Taking care of ourselves is always important. But it's especially important during stressful times. This week Shannon and Janine discuss prioritizing self care so it's there for you when you need it the most. Discussion topics include: • The fact that self-care doesn't have to take a lot of time • The fallacy that you will get more done if you skip self care • The reality that by taking care of yourself you actually become more productive • The wisdom of Gandhi: "I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one." • The more hectic life gets, the harder it is to prioritize self care • Contemplating self care before you need it Building in a few breaks per day • An energizing half minute: Knocking on Heaven's Door from Yoga with Adriene • Simple ways to take care of yourself (like drinking plenty of water) • An important point: Anything you can do to alleviate stress is self care • Recognizing the things you do throughout the day that are actually self care • Meal planning as self care (watch out for a future episode on this topic!) • Incorporating self care into a morning routine • Planning and task management to reduce stress (and provide self care) • Giving yourself credit for taking care of yourself See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 204: Setting Boundaries (Redux)Janine is in Walla Walla moving her dad into assisted living, so she didn't have a spare moment to record an episode. So we're re-running an episode from August 2020. Enjoy!

  Setting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries

  • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why

  • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us

  • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation

  • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video

  • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries

  • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries

  • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on

  • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it

  • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go

  • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved)

  ]]>Janine is in Walla Walla moving her dad into assisted living, so she didn't have a spare moment to record an episode. So we're re-running an episode from August 2020. Enjoy!

  Setting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries

  • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why

  • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us

  • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation

  • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video

  • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries

  • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries

  • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on

  • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it

  • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go

  • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved)

  ]]>8JDL74AB-LNMIThu, 19 May 2022 14:00:00 -070022:55falsefull42042044Janine is in Walla Walla moving her dad into assisted living, so she didn't have a spare moment to record an episode. So we're re-running an episode from August 2020. Enjoy! Setting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting. Discussion topics include: • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 203: Travel in 2022Travel in 2022 feels very different from travel in 2020 (or 2019, for that matter). In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss planning travel in this time and letting of perfectionism around it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some differences between travel earlier in the pandemic and now

  • Shannon's plans to walk the Camino in Portugal (canceled in 2020)

  • How Shannon is planning to do more pre-planning for the 2022 version of this trip

  • Hiring a professional to help make things easier

  • Janine's hearty recommendation of using a Disney Travel Planner

  • Reducing "adventure" in favor of security

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to let go of travel-planning perfectionism

  • Allowing yourself creature comforts when traveling

  • How any planning you do now will benefit you later if you have to cancel

  • The security of making travel plans that can be canceled without penalty

  • Shannon's excitement to see MacBeth and Janine's antipathy for Shakespeare

  • Janine's upcoming trip to Walla Walla to move her dad to assisted living

  Note: We apologize for the audio problems in this episode. We're trying to get to the bottom of it but in the meantime we hope you feel that it's good enough.

  ]]>Travel in 2022 feels very different from travel in 2020 (or 2019, for that matter). In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss planning travel in this time and letting of perfectionism around it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some differences between travel earlier in the pandemic and now

  • Shannon's plans to walk the Camino in Portugal (canceled in 2020)

  • How Shannon is planning to do more pre-planning for the 2022 version of this trip

  • Hiring a professional to help make things easier

  • Janine's hearty recommendation of using a Disney Travel Planner

  • Reducing "adventure" in favor of security

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to let go of travel-planning perfectionism

  • Allowing yourself creature comforts when traveling

  • How any planning you do now will benefit you later if you have to cancel

  • The security of making travel plans that can be canceled without penalty

  • Shannon's excitement to see MacBeth and Janine's antipathy for Shakespeare

  • Janine's upcoming trip to Walla Walla to move her dad to assisted living

  Note: We apologize for the audio problems in this episode. We're trying to get to the bottom of it but in the meantime we hope you feel that it's good enough.

  ]]>4UU62WRI-J5AH5MIThu, 12 May 2022 14:00:00 -070022:04falsefull42032034Travel in 2022 feels very different from travel in 2020 (or 2019, for that matter). In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss planning travel in this time and letting of perfectionism around it. Discussion topics include: • Some differences between travel earlier in the pandemic and now • Shannon's plans to walk the Camino in Portugal (canceled in 2020) • How Shannon is planning to do more pre-planning for the 2022 version of this trip • Hiring a professional to help make things easier • Janine's hearty recommendation of using a Disney Travel Planner • Reducing "adventure" in favor of security • Getting in touch with what's important to you to let go of travel-planning perfectionism • Allowing yourself creature comforts when traveling • How any planning you do now will benefit you later if you have to cancel • The security of making travel plans that can be canceled without penalty • Shannon's excitement to see MacBeth and Janine's antipathy for Shakespeare • Janine's upcoming trip to Walla Walla to move her dad to assisted living Note: We apologize for the audio problems in this episode. We're trying to get to the bottom of it but in the meantime we hope you feel that it's good enough.Episode 202: Acting on Good Impulses (Redux)Due to circumstances beyond our control, we're not able to publish a new episode this week. Instead, we're rerunning this episode, which we originally published on February 13, 2020. Enjoy!

  Good people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.)

  • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses

  • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how.

  • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it)

  • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others

  • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost

  • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people

  • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse

  • Making it easy for yourself to act on good impulses

  • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses

  • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes

  ]]>Due to circumstances beyond our control, we're not able to publish a new episode this week. Instead, we're rerunning this episode, which we originally published on February 13, 2020. Enjoy!

  Good people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.)

  • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses

  • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how.

  • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it)

  • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others

  • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost

  • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people

  • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse

  • Making it easy for yourself to act on good impulses

  • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses

  • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes

  ]]>3RIGSE97-0BPGB9Thu, 05 May 2022 14:00:00 -070029:18falsefull42022024Due to circumstances beyond our control, we're not able to publish a new episode this week. Instead, we're rerunning this episode, which we originally published on February 13, 2020. Enjoy! Good people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that. Discussion topics include: • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.) • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how. • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it) • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse • Making it easy for yourself to act on good impulses • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 201: Relinquishing Control (Redux)Shannon and Janine were so tired from celebrating our 200th anniversary last week we decided to take a week off and re-run an episode from June 2021. Enjoy!

  It can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things

  • Focusing on the things we do have control over

  • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us

  • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism

  • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses

  • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses

  • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists

  • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control

  • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done

  • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project

  • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier

  • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks

  • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control

  • Happy third anniversary to the podcast!

  • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want

  ]]>Shannon and Janine were so tired from celebrating our 200th anniversary last week we decided to take a week off and re-run an episode from June 2021. Enjoy!

  It can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things

  • Focusing on the things we do have control over

  • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us

  • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism

  • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses

  • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses

  • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists

  • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control

  • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done

  • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project

  • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier

  • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks

  • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control

  • Happy third anniversary to the podcast!

  • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want

  ]]>E8Z2B4XU-SMJ9K9Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -070019:34falsefull42012014Shannon and Janine were so tired from celebrating our 200th anniversary last week we decided to take a week off and re-run an episode from June 2021. Enjoy! It can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration. Discussion topics include: • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things • Focusing on the things we do have control over • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control • Happy third anniversary to the podcast! • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 200: Our 200th Episode!This is our 200th episode and we're so proud! This week Janine and Shannon celebrate our 200th episode and discuss some of the benefits of talking about (and embracing) good enough week after week.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Happy anniversary to us!

  • How talking about "good enough" for years has made us better at it

  • The liberation of embracing good enough

  Shannon's evolution toward good enough since episode 1

  • The real shift: Feeling good about good enough

  • Another benefit to good enough: It creates space for possibility

  • Building ease + less stress into our lives through embracing good enough

  • How talking about this topic week after week has really embedded it in our lives

  • How letting our podcast be good enough has worked out well for us

  • Our criteria for continuing: We'll do it as long as it's fun and if we help one person each week (besides us) we'll feel successful

  • Our plea to let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to elaborate on

  • How we'd love to hear from readers how listening has helped you let go of perfectionism

  ]]>This is our 200th episode and we're so proud! This week Janine and Shannon celebrate our 200th episode and discuss some of the benefits of talking about (and embracing) good enough week after week.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Happy anniversary to us!

  • How talking about "good enough" for years has made us better at it

  • The liberation of embracing good enough

  Shannon's evolution toward good enough since episode 1

  • The real shift: Feeling good about good enough

  • Another benefit to good enough: It creates space for possibility

  • Building ease + less stress into our lives through embracing good enough

  • How talking about this topic week after week has really embedded it in our lives

  • How letting our podcast be good enough has worked out well for us

  • Our criteria for continuing: We'll do it as long as it's fun and if we help one person each week (besides us) we'll feel successful

  • Our plea to let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to elaborate on

  • How we'd love to hear from readers how listening has helped you let go of perfectionism

  ]]>7PP57C7U-JDIMS4IThu, 21 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -070016:59falsefull42002004This is our 200th episode and we're so proud! This week Janine and Shannon celebrate our 200th episode and discuss some of the benefits of talking about (and embracing) good enough week after week. Discussion topics include: • Happy anniversary to us! • How talking about "good enough" for years has made us better at it • The liberation of embracing good enough Shannon's evolution toward good enough since episode 1 • The real shift: Feeling good about good enough • Another benefit to good enough: It creates space for possibility • Building ease + less stress into our lives through embracing good enough • How talking about this topic week after week has really embedded it in our lives • How letting our podcast be good enough has worked out well for us • Our criteria for continuing: We'll do it as long as it's fun and if we help one person each week (besides us) we'll feel successful • Our plea to let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to elaborate on • How we'd love to hear from readers how listening has helped you let go of perfectionism As always, you can visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 199: Considering an Electric CarBoth Shannon and Janine drive a Nissan LEAF, the SL Plus trim. It's a 100 percent electric vehicle (EV) and we think it's 100 percent awesome. It's not a coincidence that we drive the same car: Janine bought one after Shannon raved about hers (and answered all her questions). We love our EVs and we want to help you open your mind to considering one! We talk all about it in this week's episode.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for our Nissan LEAFs

  • How Janine letting buying her electric car (very) easy

  • How the price of gas is making buying an EV even more attractive

  • The options for charging in Janine's garage

  • How (relatively) hassle-free charging in public chargers has been for Janine

  • Shannon's charging strategy since she doesn't have a charger at her home

  • How surprisingly cheap it is to charge our electric cars

  • Shannon's terrific neighbor who offered up her charger

  • Shannon's future plans for charging her car at home

  • Tax incentives for electric cars and plug-in hybrids

  • Some of the trickier (and fun) aspects of driving an EV

  • Our opinion that buying an electric car is not as hard as people seem to think

  • Our offer to help any of our listeners who want help or advice on buying an electric car

  ]]>Both Shannon and Janine drive a Nissan LEAF, the SL Plus trim. It's a 100 percent electric vehicle (EV) and we think it's 100 percent awesome. It's not a coincidence that we drive the same car: Janine bought one after Shannon raved about hers (and answered all her questions). We love our EVs and we want to help you open your mind to considering one! We talk all about it in this week's episode.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for our Nissan LEAFs

  • How Janine letting buying her electric car (very) easy

  • How the price of gas is making buying an EV even more attractive

  • The options for charging in Janine's garage

  • How (relatively) hassle-free charging in public chargers has been for Janine

  • Shannon's charging strategy since she doesn't have a charger at her home

  • How surprisingly cheap it is to charge our electric cars

  • Shannon's terrific neighbor who offered up her charger

  • Shannon's future plans for charging her car at home

  • Tax incentives for electric cars and plug-in hybrids

  • Some of the trickier (and fun) aspects of driving an EV

  • Our opinion that buying an electric car is not as hard as people seem to think

  • Our offer to help any of our listeners who want help or advice on buying an electric car

  ]]>JON7OJV2-XRThu, 14 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -070023:20falsefull41991994Both Shannon and Janine drive a Nissan LEAF, the SL Plus trim. It's a 100 percent electric vehicle (EV) and we think it's 100 percent awesome. It's not a coincidence that we drive the same car: Janine bought one after Shannon raved about hers (and answered all her questions). We love our EVs and we want to help you open your mind to considering one! We talk all about it in this week's episode. Discussion topics include: • Our love for our Nissan LEAFs • How Janine letting buying her electric car (very) easy • How the price of gas is making buying an EV even more attractive • The options for charging in Janine's garage • How (relatively) hassle-free charging in public chargers has been for Janine • Shannon's charging strategy since she doesn't have a charger at her home • How surprisingly cheap it is to charge our electric cars • Shannon's terrific neighbor who offered up her charger • Shannon's future plans for charging her car at home • Tax incentives for electric cars and plug-in hybrids • Some of the trickier (and fun) aspects of driving an EV • Our opinion that buying an electric car is not as hard as people seem to think • Our offer to help any of our listeners who want help or advice on buying an electric car Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 198: Trusting YourselfThink of how much time we'd save if we trusted our intuition, rather than agonized over decisions. In this episode, brought to you by Wordle (kidding!), Janine and Shannon discuss how trusting yourself can benefit you in living your life, as well as playing games.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The spontaneous nature of our podcast

  • What sparked this topic: Wordle

  • Shannon's explanation of Wordle (for the uninitiated)

  • How we're learning to trust our intuition while playing Wordle

  • How your first instinct is often right, or at least good enough

  • Trusting yourself: a productivity hack

  • Muscle testing to tap into your unconscious knowledge to make decisions

  • How it's so much easier to let something come to mind than to try to force it

  • Shannon's observation that the more reasons you try to give yourself that something is a good decision, the less likely the decision will work best for you

  • How we know more than we often give ourselves credit for

  • The reality of perfectionism paralysis

  • Thinking of trusting yourself as a practice

  • Approaching trusting yourself from a place of curiosity rather than trying to be right or wrong

  • Remember, you can always choose again until you land on what you want

  ]]>Think of how much time we'd save if we trusted our intuition, rather than agonized over decisions. In this episode, brought to you by Wordle (kidding!), Janine and Shannon discuss how trusting yourself can benefit you in living your life, as well as playing games.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The spontaneous nature of our podcast

  • What sparked this topic: Wordle

  • Shannon's explanation of Wordle (for the uninitiated)

  • How we're learning to trust our intuition while playing Wordle

  • How your first instinct is often right, or at least good enough

  • Trusting yourself: a productivity hack

  • Muscle testing to tap into your unconscious knowledge to make decisions

  • How it's so much easier to let something come to mind than to try to force it

  • Shannon's observation that the more reasons you try to give yourself that something is a good decision, the less likely the decision will work best for you

  • How we know more than we often give ourselves credit for

  • The reality of perfectionism paralysis

  • Thinking of trusting yourself as a practice

  • Approaching trusting yourself from a place of curiosity rather than trying to be right or wrong

  • Remember, you can always choose again until you land on what you want

  ]]>GZI2AD5K-6O5HFRThu, 07 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -070018:30falsefull41981984Think of how much time we'd save if we trusted our intuition, rather than agonized over decisions. In this episode, brought to you by Wordle (kidding!), Janine and Shannon discuss how trusting yourself can benefit you in living your life, as well as playing games. • The spontaneous nature of our podcast • What sparked this topic: Wordle • Shannon's explanation of Wordle (for the uninitiated) • How we're learning to trust our intuition while playing Wordle • How your first instinct is often right, or at least good enough • Trusting yourself: a productivity hack • Muscle testing to tap into your unconscious knowledge to make decisions • How it's so much easier to let something come to mind than to try to force it • Shannon's observation that the more reasons you try to give yourself that something is a good decision, the less likely the decision will work best for you • How we know more than we often give ourselves credit for • The reality of perfectionism paralysis • Thinking of trusting yourself as a practice • Approaching trusting yourself from a place of curiosity rather than trying to be right or wrong • Remember, you can always choose again until you land on what you want Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 197: Planning Ahead: The 1950 CensusGenealogists in the U.S. are excited about the release of the 1950 U.S. census, which happens at midnight tomorrow. Janine is eagerly awaiting it (it's been on her calendar for months!). This week Shannon and Janine discuss the value of planning ahead -- and enjoying the anticipation.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The upcoming release of the results of the 1950 U.S. census

  • How technology advances have made it easier to search on the 1950 census the day it is released

  • Whether or not the 72-year rule for the delay in releasing censuses is based on lifespan and whether it will change with increased life span

  • How the release of the 1940 census was the gateway drug that got Shannon into genealogy

  • How Janine is preparing for the release of the census

  • Janine's inability to be chill about this

  • The joy of anticipating something

  • Studies that show that you can get more benefit from anticipating an event than the event itself

  • How any preparation Janine was able to do for the census is time well spent, even if she didn't do as much as she hoped

  • Janine's biggest fear about what might happen the day the census is released

  • Thinking through what might go wrong with a plan and having a back up plan

  • How planning ahead is about creating the enjoyment of anticipation, not trying to create a perfect plan

  ]]>Genealogists in the U.S. are excited about the release of the 1950 U.S. census, which happens at midnight tomorrow. Janine is eagerly awaiting it (it's been on her calendar for months!). This week Shannon and Janine discuss the value of planning ahead -- and enjoying the anticipation.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The upcoming release of the results of the 1950 U.S. census

  • How technology advances have made it easier to search on the 1950 census the day it is released

  • Whether or not the 72-year rule for the delay in releasing censuses is based on lifespan and whether it will change with increased life span

  • How the release of the 1940 census was the gateway drug that got Shannon into genealogy

  • How Janine is preparing for the release of the census

  • Janine's inability to be chill about this

  • The joy of anticipating something

  • Studies that show that you can get more benefit from anticipating an event than the event itself

  • How any preparation Janine was able to do for the census is time well spent, even if she didn't do as much as she hoped

  • Janine's biggest fear about what might happen the day the census is released

  • Thinking through what might go wrong with a plan and having a back up plan

  • How planning ahead is about creating the enjoyment of anticipation, not trying to create a perfect plan

  ]]>JZJYDF84-TJRA4IThu, 31 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -070021:45falsefull41971974Genealogists in the U.S. are excited about the release of the 1950 U.S. census, which happens at midnight tomorrow. Janine is eagerly awaiting it (it's been on her calendar for months!). This week Shannon and Janine discuss the value of planning ahead -- and enjoying the anticipation. Discussion topics include: • The upcoming release of the results of the 1950 U.S. census • How technology advances have made it easier to search on the 1950 census the day it is released • Whether or not the 72-year rule for the delay in releasing censuses is based on lifespan and whether it will change with increased life span • How the release of the 1940 census was the gateway drug that got Shannon into genealogy • How Janine is preparing for the release of the census • Janine's inability to be chill about this • The joy of anticipating something • Studies that show that you can get more benefit from anticipating an event than the event itself • How any preparation Janine was able to do for the census is time well spent, even if she didn't do as much as she hoped • Janine's biggest fear about what might happen the day the census is released • Thinking through what might go wrong with a plan and having a back up plan • How planning ahead is about creating the enjoyment of anticipation, not trying to create a perfect plan Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a follow up note and links!Episode 196: Building an Anti-Perfectionist ToolkitWe bring up little tips and tricks for getting past perfectionism all the time in this podcast. Do you remember them when you need them? We don't. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building an anti-perfectionist toolkit that you can turn to when you're stuck in perfectionism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How the possible techniques we talk about on this podcast come in handy

  • The inevitability that our go-to anti-perfectionist tools will stop working

  • Embracing the idea that not everything is going to work forever

  • Knowing that it's not a failure if something stops working for you

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's insomnia-busting technique of naming cities alphabetically

  • Her recognition that this will inevitably fail for her at some point

  • Tweaking a tool that stops working or trying a new one

  • Collecting your tools in one place so you have a handy toolkit when you need it

  • Cultivating the habit of looking at your toolkit when you're not under stress

  • Adding to your toolkit regularly

  • Reviewing your list every time you add to it

  • Using a worry flowchart

  • How it's totally normal not to remember things you hear (so write it down!)

  ]]>We bring up little tips and tricks for getting past perfectionism all the time in this podcast. Do you remember them when you need them? We don't. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building an anti-perfectionist toolkit that you can turn to when you're stuck in perfectionism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How the possible techniques we talk about on this podcast come in handy

  • The inevitability that our go-to anti-perfectionist tools will stop working

  • Embracing the idea that not everything is going to work forever

  • Knowing that it's not a failure if something stops working for you

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's insomnia-busting technique of naming cities alphabetically

  • Her recognition that this will inevitably fail for her at some point

  • Tweaking a tool that stops working or trying a new one

  • Collecting your tools in one place so you have a handy toolkit when you need it

  • Cultivating the habit of looking at your toolkit when you're not under stress

  • Adding to your toolkit regularly

  • Reviewing your list every time you add to it

  • Using a worry flowchart

  • How it's totally normal not to remember things you hear (so write it down!)

  ]]>EF4J6MDJ-70HPVIThu, 24 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -070016:02falsefull41961964We bring up little tips and tricks for getting past perfectionism all the time in this podcast. Do you remember them when you need them? We don't. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building an anti-perfectionist toolkit that you can turn to when you're stuck in perfectionism. Discussion topics include: • How the possible techniques we talk about on this podcast come in handy • The inevitability that our go-to anti-perfectionist tools will stop working • Embracing the idea that not everything is going to work forever • Knowing that it's not a failure if something stops working for you • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's insomnia-busting technique of naming cities alphabetically • Her recognition that this will inevitably fail for her at some point • Tweaking a tool that stops working or trying a new one • Collecting your tools in one place so you have a handy toolkit when you need it • Cultivating the habit of looking at your toolkit when you're not under stress • Adding to your toolkit regularly • Reviewing your list every time you add to it • Using a worry flowchart • How it's totally normal not to remember things you hear (so write it down!) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a photo of Shannon's worry flow chart!Episode 195: {GEIP} The Basement of DoomShannon's crowded basement was bringing her down and perfectionism was getting in the way of her doing anything about it. In this "Good Enough in Practice" episode, Shannon and Janine discuss Shannon's basement challenges, her beliefs around what she needed to before she could start decluttering and organizing her basement and they talk it through to the point where she can't wait to get started!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's overwhelming basement and how it became The Basement of Doom

  • The various roles Shannon's basement fulfills

  • Janine's own basement woes and how having a water problem forced a solution to them

  • The perfectionistic loop of trying to figure out the best way to tackle a big project

  • What's important to Shannon about how she organizes her basement

  • How Janine's organizing company handles overwhelming basements

  • Shannon's need to have a plan in place before starting: "How do I know what I'm doing if I haven't pre-planned it?"

  • Janine's faith in Shannon's ability to proceed without a detailed plan

  • Using pre-planning as a way to come up with a starting place (rather than a finishing place)

  • Janine's caution about having a plan you feel you have to stick to

  • Shannon's historic difficulties working with a professional organizer

  • Bix's meltdown, which we couldn't edit out

  • Shannon's new plan to let go of the easy stuff so that she can put lids on bins and work through them one bin at a time

  • How this framework of recognizing what's important to you, what's keeping you stuck, and brainstorming some different approaches until something feels right can be applied to many different challenges

  • Shannon's excitement over the prospect of getting started on her basement!

  ]]>Shannon's crowded basement was bringing her down and perfectionism was getting in the way of her doing anything about it. In this "Good Enough in Practice" episode, Shannon and Janine discuss Shannon's basement challenges, her beliefs around what she needed to before she could start decluttering and organizing her basement and they talk it through to the point where she can't wait to get started!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's overwhelming basement and how it became The Basement of Doom

  • The various roles Shannon's basement fulfills

  • Janine's own basement woes and how having a water problem forced a solution to them

  • The perfectionistic loop of trying to figure out the best way to tackle a big project

  • What's important to Shannon about how she organizes her basement

  • How Janine's organizing company handles overwhelming basements

  • Shannon's need to have a plan in place before starting: "How do I know what I'm doing if I haven't pre-planned it?"

  • Janine's faith in Shannon's ability to proceed without a detailed plan

  • Using pre-planning as a way to come up with a starting place (rather than a finishing place)

  • Janine's caution about having a plan you feel you have to stick to

  • Shannon's historic difficulties working with a professional organizer

  • Bix's meltdown, which we couldn't edit out

  • Shannon's new plan to let go of the easy stuff so that she can put lids on bins and work through them one bin at a time

  • How this framework of recognizing what's important to you, what's keeping you stuck, and brainstorming some different approaches until something feels right can be applied to many different challenges

  • Shannon's excitement over the prospect of getting started on her basement!

  ]]>CHD9TGS2-S4Z33DIThu, 17 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -070023:13falsefull41951954Shannon's crowded basement was bringing her down and perfectionism was getting in the way of her doing anything about it. In this "Good Enough in Practice" episode, Shannon and Janine discuss Shannon's basement challenges, her beliefs around what she needed to before she could start decluttering and organizing her basement and they talk it through to the point where she can't wait to get started! Discussion topics include: • Shannon's overwhelming basement and how it became The Basement of Doom • The various roles Shannon's basement fulfills • Janine's own basement woes and how having a water problem forced a solution to them • The perfectionistic loop of trying to figure out the best way to tackle a big project • What's important to Shannon about how she organizes her basement • How Janine's organizing company handles overwhelming basements • Shannon's need to have a plan in place before starting: "How do I know what I'm doing if I haven't pre-planned it?" • Janine's faith in Shannon's ability to proceed without a detailed plan • Using pre-planning as a way to come up with a starting place (rather than a finishing place) • Janine's caution about having a plan you feel you have to stick to • Shannon's historic difficulties working with a professional organizer • Bix's meltdown, which we couldn't edit out • Shannon's new plan to let go of the easy stuff so that she can put lids on bins and work through them one bin at a time • How this framework of recognizing what's important to you, what's keeping you stuck, and brainstorming some different approaches until something feels right can be applied to many different challenges • Shannon's excitement over the prospect of getting started on her basement! Be sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update from Shannon and embarrassing basement before-and-after pictures from Janine!Episode 194: Dealing with Distraction (Redux)This week we're rerunning an episode from September 2019, back when we recorded slightly longer episodes. This one's all about keeping focus when we're surrounded by distractions. Who can't relate to that?

  Every day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The toll distractions take on our productivity

  • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions

  • Fun subscription boxes

  • Open loops and how they can be distracting

  • How to close those open loops

  • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing

  • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo

  • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer

  • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on

  • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal)

  • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why

  • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction

  • Some strategies for minimizing distractions

  • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand)

  • Creating awareness of the things that distract you

  • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ

  ]]>This week we're rerunning an episode from September 2019, back when we recorded slightly longer episodes. This one's all about keeping focus when we're surrounded by distractions. Who can't relate to that?

  Every day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The toll distractions take on our productivity

  • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions

  • Fun subscription boxes

  • Open loops and how they can be distracting

  • How to close those open loops

  • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing

  • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo

  • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer

  • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on

  • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal)

  • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why

  • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction

  • Some strategies for minimizing distractions

  • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand)

  • Creating awareness of the things that distract you

  • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ

  ]]>65SNEJON-B5R8UXRThu, 10 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -070033:17falsefull41941944This week we're rerunning an episode from September 2019, back when we recorded slightly longer episodes. This one's all about keeping focus when we're surrounded by distractions. Who can't relate to that? Every day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it. Discussion topics include: • The toll distractions take on our productivity • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions • Fun subscription boxes • Open loops and how they can be distracting • How to close those open loops • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal) • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction • Some strategies for minimizing distractions • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand) • Creating awareness of the things that distract you • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links!Episode 193: Gentle AccountabilityHolding someone (or yourself) accountability doesn't mean holding their feet to the fire. Accountability can be really effective. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to stay on track without beating yourself up.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for the words gentle and kind

  • How accountability doesn't have to be harsh or forceful

  • The effectiveness of a carrot over a stick

  • Fun accountability: To-Do List Bingo!

  • Janine's powerful habit tracker in her Bullet Journal

  • How gentle accountability doesn't prompt resistance

  • Wanting to do something rather than making yourself do something

  • How gentle accountability can be helpful in relationships

  • The language Shannon uses at home to ask for or provide gentle accountability 

  • How neither Shannon nor Janine likes to be told what to do

  • Asking how you can be supportive versus nagging someone

  • Follow up question: How will I know if you don't want to support?

  • Starting a conversation off with a request for the right kind of support

  • Making it easier for people to give you accountability

  • How the type of accountability that works for you might have to change periodically

  • The gentle accountability of Janine's 30 x 30 genealogy challenges

  • The ways Janine and Shannon are holding themselves accountable with yoga

  ]]>Holding someone (or yourself) accountability doesn't mean holding their feet to the fire. Accountability can be really effective. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to stay on track without beating yourself up.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for the words gentle and kind

  • How accountability doesn't have to be harsh or forceful

  • The effectiveness of a carrot over a stick

  • Fun accountability: To-Do List Bingo!

  • Janine's powerful habit tracker in her Bullet Journal

  • How gentle accountability doesn't prompt resistance

  • Wanting to do something rather than making yourself do something

  • How gentle accountability can be helpful in relationships

  • The language Shannon uses at home to ask for or provide gentle accountability 

  • How neither Shannon nor Janine likes to be told what to do

  • Asking how you can be supportive versus nagging someone

  • Follow up question: How will I know if you don't want to support?

  • Starting a conversation off with a request for the right kind of support

  • Making it easier for people to give you accountability

  • How the type of accountability that works for you might have to change periodically

  • The gentle accountability of Janine's 30 x 30 genealogy challenges

  • The ways Janine and Shannon are holding themselves accountable with yoga

  ]]>3126RHMA-VHKC5WMThu, 03 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -070018:26falsefull41931934Holding someone (or yourself) accountability doesn't mean holding their feet to the fire. Accountability can be really effective. This week Shannon and Janine discuss ways to stay on track without beating yourself up. Discussion topics include: • Our love for the words gentle and kind • How accountability doesn't have to be harsh or forceful • The effectiveness of a carrot over a stick • Fun accountability: To-Do List Bingo! • Janine's powerful habit tracker in her Bullet Journal • How gentle accountability doesn't prompt resistance • Wanting to do something rather than making yourself do something • How gentle accountability can be helpful in relationships • The language Shannon uses at home to ask for or provide gentle accountability • How neither Shannon nor Janine likes to be told what to do • Asking how you can be supportive versus nagging someone • Follow up question: How will I know if you don't want to support? • Starting a conversation off with a request for the right kind of support • Making it easier for people to give you accountability • How the type of accountability that works for you might have to change periodically • The gentle accountability of Janine's 30 x 30 genealogy challenges • The ways Janine and Shannon are holding themselves accountable with yoga Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 192: Letting Go of JudgmentWe can be our own worst critics. Being overly judgmental does not help us achieve happiness (or anything else). In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for letting go of judgment and living with more kindness and compassion.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How unhelpful self judgment can be

  • How Shannon sometimes feels disappointed in herself

  • Unrealistic expectations for what we can accomplish in a day

  • How Janine and Shannon never judge our clients but often judge ourselves

  • Shannon's expectations for her clients (spoiler alert: she doesn't have any!)

  • Practicing treating ourselves with the same kindness and concern as we treat our clients

  • Stopping the cycle of self judgment

  • How people with perfectionistic tendencies might be particularly judgmental

  • Using feelings of disappointment as a reminder to look on the situation with kindness

  • Thinking about what you'd tell a friend in a given situation

  • Making "good enough" a happy phrase

  • How perfectionism is all about judgment--and how we often think we're being judged

  • Letting go of concern for someone else's judgment in a situation

  • How so much self judgment originated externally from us

  • Examining the things you're feeling judgmental about and checking in to see if it's something you really feel

  • Cultivating compassion and kindness for yourself

  ]]>We can be our own worst critics. Being overly judgmental does not help us achieve happiness (or anything else). In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for letting go of judgment and living with more kindness and compassion.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How unhelpful self judgment can be

  • How Shannon sometimes feels disappointed in herself

  • Unrealistic expectations for what we can accomplish in a day

  • How Janine and Shannon never judge our clients but often judge ourselves

  • Shannon's expectations for her clients (spoiler alert: she doesn't have any!)

  • Practicing treating ourselves with the same kindness and concern as we treat our clients

  • Stopping the cycle of self judgment

  • How people with perfectionistic tendencies might be particularly judgmental

  • Using feelings of disappointment as a reminder to look on the situation with kindness

  • Thinking about what you'd tell a friend in a given situation

  • Making "good enough" a happy phrase

  • How perfectionism is all about judgment--and how we often think we're being judged

  • Letting go of concern for someone else's judgment in a situation

  • How so much self judgment originated externally from us

  • Examining the things you're feeling judgmental about and checking in to see if it's something you really feel

  • Cultivating compassion and kindness for yourself

  ]]>537I5ON8-YH0VN29Thu, 24 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -070016:02falsefull41921924We can be our own worst critics. Being overly judgmental does not help us achieve happiness (or anything else). In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for letting go of judgment and living with more kindness and compassion. Discussion topics include: • How unhelpful self judgment can be • How Shannon sometimes feels disappointed in herself • Unrealistic expectations for what we can accomplish in a day • How Janine and Shannon never judge our clients but often judge ourselves • Shannon's expectations for her clients (spoiler alert: she doesn't have any!) • Practicing treating ourselves with the same kindness and concern as we treat our clients • Stopping the cycle of self judgment • How people with perfectionistic tendencies might be particularly judgmental • Using feelings of disappointment as a reminder to look on the situation with kindness • Thinking about what you'd tell a friend in a given situation • Making "good enough" a happy phrase • How perfectionism is all about judgment--and how we often think we're being judged • Letting go of concern for someone else's judgment in a situation • How so much self judgment originated externally from us • Examining the things you're feeling judgmental about and checking in to see if it's something you really feel • Cultivating compassion and kindness for yourself Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a note from Janine and links.Episode 191: The Myth of MultitaskingStaying focused on a single task is so beneficial--and so challenging. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how our brains aren't wired to multitask and some strategies for doing one thing at a time.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The soothing and healing power of a cat's purr

  • How hard it is to resist multitasking

  • The impossibility of doing more than one thing at the same time

  • How multitasking usually results in none of the things being attempted done well

  • Situations where you can truly multitask (at least sometimes)

  • Shannon's strategy: Placing a sticky note about the one thing she's trying to do on her computer monitor to keep her on task

  • Another tip: Turn off notifications

  • How focusing on doing one thing at a time seems more important these days than ever

  • Acknowledging the temptation of other things and jotting the distraction down to come back to later

  • The relationship between our poor memories and distractibility

  • The limits of our working memory

  • How we can (purportedly) hold only seven pieces of information (plus or minus two) in our memory at a time

  • How multitasking is actually rapid switching between tasks--and it takes a lot of brainpower

  • The benefit of staying focused on one thing until you complete it: The reward of completion!

  ]]>Staying focused on a single task is so beneficial--and so challenging. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how our brains aren't wired to multitask and some strategies for doing one thing at a time.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The soothing and healing power of a cat's purr

  • How hard it is to resist multitasking

  • The impossibility of doing more than one thing at the same time

  • How multitasking usually results in none of the things being attempted done well

  • Situations where you can truly multitask (at least sometimes)

  • Shannon's strategy: Placing a sticky note about the one thing she's trying to do on her computer monitor to keep her on task

  • Another tip: Turn off notifications

  • How focusing on doing one thing at a time seems more important these days than ever

  • Acknowledging the temptation of other things and jotting the distraction down to come back to later

  • The relationship between our poor memories and distractibility

  • The limits of our working memory

  • How we can (purportedly) hold only seven pieces of information (plus or minus two) in our memory at a time

  • How multitasking is actually rapid switching between tasks--and it takes a lot of brainpower

  • The benefit of staying focused on one thing until you complete it: The reward of completion!

  ]]>9YE9ZK3F-R74AEMIThu, 17 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -070017:51falsefull41911914Staying focused on a single task is so beneficial--and so challenging. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how our brains aren't wired to multitask and some strategies for doing one thing at a time. Discussion topics include: • The soothing and healing power of a cat's purr • How hard it is to resist multitasking • The impossibility of doing more than one thing at the same time • How multitasking usually results in none of the things being attempted done well • Situations where you can truly multitask (at least sometimes) • Shannon's strategy: Placing a sticky note about the one thing she's trying to do on her computer monitor to keep her on task • Another tip: Turn off notifications • How focusing on doing one thing at a time seems more important these days than ever • Acknowledging the temptation of other things and jotting the distraction down to come back to later • The relationship between our poor memories and distractibility • The limits of our working memory • How we can (purportedly) hold only seven pieces of information (plus or minus two) in our memory at a time • How multitasking is actually rapid switching between tasks--and it takes a lot of brainpower • The benefit of staying focused on one thing until you complete it: The reward of completion! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 190: Feeling Satisfied (Redux)This week, we're re-running an episode we originally recorded in January 2019. Despite all the changes that have happened since then, the message still rings true!

  Feeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke

  • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality

  • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection

  • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that)

  • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do

  • Gratitude vs satisfaction

  • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism

  • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short)

  • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent

  • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity

  • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice)

  • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find you

  ]]>This week, we're re-running an episode we originally recorded in January 2019. Despite all the changes that have happened since then, the message still rings true!

  Feeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke

  • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality

  • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection

  • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that)

  • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do

  • Gratitude vs satisfaction

  • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism

  • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short)

  • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent

  • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity

  • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice)

  • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find you

  ]]>JE8YIOUZ-07LDIThu, 10 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -070033:37falsefull41901904This week, we're re-running an episode we originally recorded in January 2019. Despite all the changes that have happened since then, the message still rings true! Feeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that) • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do • Gratitude vs satisfaction • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short) • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice) • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find youEpisode 189: Clearing Your MindWhen your mind is too clogged with thoughts for your comfort, there are some things you can do for relief. This week and Shannon and Janine discuss some techniques clearing your cluttered mind. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's cluttered mind

  • One of the most obvious strategies for clearing your mind: Writing things down

  • The tricky way our brains count thinking about something as doing something

  • How writing things down lets you focus on other things + helps put things in your long-term memory

  • Hand writing something vs typing it into a computer

  • The more senses involved in something the easier it is to remember it

  • The value of writing things in a  consistent place (like a Bullet Journal or Evernote)

  • Practicing mindfulness techniques to focus on one thing and quiet your mind

  • Paying attention to your breathing

  • A strategy for clearing your mind to go to sleep: Coming up with a list that is enough to occupy your mind but not interesting enough to keep you awake

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Fifty Nifty United States, the song she learned in grade school that has benefitted her so much

  • Allowing thoughts to pass through your mind without paying attention to individual thoughts

  • Letting go of worry by asking yourself whether there's anything you can do about it now

  ]]>When your mind is too clogged with thoughts for your comfort, there are some things you can do for relief. This week and Shannon and Janine discuss some techniques clearing your cluttered mind. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's cluttered mind

  • One of the most obvious strategies for clearing your mind: Writing things down

  • The tricky way our brains count thinking about something as doing something

  • How writing things down lets you focus on other things + helps put things in your long-term memory

  • Hand writing something vs typing it into a computer

  • The more senses involved in something the easier it is to remember it

  • The value of writing things in a  consistent place (like a Bullet Journal or Evernote)

  • Practicing mindfulness techniques to focus on one thing and quiet your mind

  • Paying attention to your breathing

  • A strategy for clearing your mind to go to sleep: Coming up with a list that is enough to occupy your mind but not interesting enough to keep you awake

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Fifty Nifty United States, the song she learned in grade school that has benefitted her so much

  • Allowing thoughts to pass through your mind without paying attention to individual thoughts

  • Letting go of worry by asking yourself whether there's anything you can do about it now

  ]]>EK97QG5N-CGNWMIThu, 03 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -070018:44falsefull41891894When your mind is too clogged with thoughts for your comfort, there are some things you can do for relief. This week and Shannon and Janine discuss some techniques clearing your cluttered mind. Discussion topics include: • Janine's cluttered mind • One of the most obvious strategies for clearing your mind: Writing things down • The tricky way our brains count thinking about something as doing something • How writing things down lets you focus on other things + helps put things in your long-term memory • Hand writing something vs typing it into a computer • The more senses involved in something the easier it is to remember it • The value of writing things in a consistent place (like a Bullet Journal or Evernote) • Practicing mindfulness techniques to focus on one thing and quiet your mind • Paying attention to your breathing • A strategy for clearing your mind to go to sleep: Coming up with a list that is enough to occupy your mind but not interesting enough to keep you awake • Janine's enthusiasm for Fifty Nifty United States, the song she learned in grade school that has benefitted her so much • Allowing thoughts to pass through your mind without paying attention to individual thoughts • Letting go of worry by asking yourself whether there's anything you can do about it now Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 188: Bullet JournalingJanine and Shannon have talked quite a bit about electronic task management, but in this episode, we delve into bullet journaling, a hand-written task management system. Shannon's been using this system for years and Janine is a starry-eyed novice.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Bullet Journaling is one of a number of things that Janine has embraced after Shannon did it for a long time

  • Shannon's assertion that she benefits because Janine then tells her stuff she didn't know about

  • Janine's shift from electronic to paper for task management

  • What is a Bullet Journal? A bound, indexed journal in which you capture information quickly

  • The Bullet Journal's special sauce: Its index, which is brilliant in its simplicity

  • The value of handwriting the weekly schedule and tasks for Shannon (even though she also captures them electronically)

  • Shannon's weekly approach to her Bullet Journal vs Janine's monthly/daily approach

  • Shannon's notebook recommendation: hard cover, dot grid with pre-printed page numbers

  • Pen recommendations: Shannon loves the Pilot Frixion pens and Janine loves the Pigma Micron 01 + Zebra Mildliner markers

  • Fast-writing vs slow-writing pens

  • The perils of watching Bullet Journal YouTube videos

  • Our agreement that the fancy spreads shown off on YouTube don't really represent what Bullet Journaling is all about

  • Shannon's advice to new Bullet Journalers: Read Ryder Carroll's explanation and avoid YouTube

  • Keeping Bullet Journals simple and sustainable

  • The Bullet Journal Companion App

  • How the ever-changing content of a Bullet Journal helps keep the system fresh

  • How a good-enough attitude helps when you Bullet Journal

  • Shannon's weekly spread that she based on the Planner Pad

  • Bullet Journal Collections + the Future Log

  • Starting small with the Bullet Journal

  ]]>Janine and Shannon have talked quite a bit about electronic task management, but in this episode, we delve into bullet journaling, a hand-written task management system. Shannon's been using this system for years and Janine is a starry-eyed novice.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Bullet Journaling is one of a number of things that Janine has embraced after Shannon did it for a long time

  • Shannon's assertion that she benefits because Janine then tells her stuff she didn't know about

  • Janine's shift from electronic to paper for task management

  • What is a Bullet Journal? A bound, indexed journal in which you capture information quickly

  • The Bullet Journal's special sauce: Its index, which is brilliant in its simplicity

  • The value of handwriting the weekly schedule and tasks for Shannon (even though she also captures them electronically)

  • Shannon's weekly approach to her Bullet Journal vs Janine's monthly/daily approach

  • Shannon's notebook recommendation: hard cover, dot grid with pre-printed page numbers

  • Pen recommendations: Shannon loves the Pilot Frixion pens and Janine loves the Pigma Micron 01 + Zebra Mildliner markers

  • Fast-writing vs slow-writing pens

  • The perils of watching Bullet Journal YouTube videos

  • Our agreement that the fancy spreads shown off on YouTube don't really represent what Bullet Journaling is all about

  • Shannon's advice to new Bullet Journalers: Read Ryder Carroll's explanation and avoid YouTube

  • Keeping Bullet Journals simple and sustainable

  • The Bullet Journal Companion App

  • How the ever-changing content of a Bullet Journal helps keep the system fresh

  • How a good-enough attitude helps when you Bullet Journal

  • Shannon's weekly spread that she based on the Planner Pad

  • Bullet Journal Collections + the Future Log

  • Starting small with the Bullet Journal

  ]]>HKHLFPN-9JJDCXRThu, 27 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -070036:32falsefull41881884Janine and Shannon have talked quite a bit about electronic task management, but in this episode, we delve into bullet journaling, a hand-written task management system. Shannon's been using this system for years and Janine is a starry-eyed novice. Discussion topics include: • How Bullet Journaling is one of a number of things that Janine has embraced after Shannon did it for a long time • Shannon's assertion that she benefits because Janine then tells her stuff she didn't know about • Janine's shift from electronic to paper for task management • What is a Bullet Journal? A bound, indexed journal in which you capture information quickly • The Bullet Journal's special sauce: Its index, which is brilliant in its simplicity • The value of handwriting the weekly schedule and tasks for Shannon (even though she also captures them electronically) • Shannon's weekly approach to her Bullet Journal vs Janine's monthly/daily approach • Shannon's notebook recommendation: hard cover, dot grid with pre-printed page numbers • Pen recommendations: Shannon loves the Pilot Frixion pens and Janine loves the Pigma Micron 01 + Zebra Mildliner markers • Fast-writing vs slow-writing pens • The perils of watching Bullet Journal YouTube videos • Our agreement that the fancy spreads shown off on YouTube don't really represent what Bullet Journaling is all about • Shannon's advice to new Bullet Journalers: Read Ryder Carroll's explanation and avoid YouTube • Keeping Bullet Journals simple and sustainable • The Bullet Journal Companion App • How the ever-changing content of a Bullet Journal helps keep the system fresh • How a good-enough attitude helps when you Bullet Journal • Shannon's weekly spread that she based on the Planner Pad • Bullet Journal Collections + the Future Log • Starting small with the Bullet Journal Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for sample pages from our Bullet Journals and links.Episode 187: Letting Go of RegretWe all know how bad regret can feel. But did you know you can turn it around? In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss how to glean the learnings from a situation and then let go of the regret. And Shannon demonstrates the process on Janine, helping her let go of regret around catching COVID.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine testing positive for COVID

  • Janine's regret over letting her guard down by going to a restaurant

  • Shannon's process for letting go of regret

  • Taking Janine through the process to help her let go of regret over how she thinks she caught Omicron

  • Why regret exists: To keep you from making the same mistake in the future

  • Taking it that extra step: Ask yourself "What can I learn from this to make it easy to let go of the regret?"

  • Recognizing the positive intention of the regret

  • Looking for additional learning in the situation

  • Janine's COVID silver linings

  • By the end of the process, Janine let go of her regret! (Regret she didn't even realize she had.)

  • Shannon's process for letting go of regret (we invite you to try it!):

  • Identify the thing that you are feeling regret about

  • Ask yourself what you can learn from it or what is important for you to take forward from the experience. You can ask, "What's the positive intention of the regret?"

  • Keep checking in with yourself until the regret is gone ("What else do I need to know to allow me to let go of this regret?")

  • Applying this to all sorts of regrets, including not sticking with your resolutions

  ]]>We all know how bad regret can feel. But did you know you can turn it around? In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss how to glean the learnings from a situation and then let go of the regret. And Shannon demonstrates the process on Janine, helping her let go of regret around catching COVID.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine testing positive for COVID

  • Janine's regret over letting her guard down by going to a restaurant

  • Shannon's process for letting go of regret

  • Taking Janine through the process to help her let go of regret over how she thinks she caught Omicron

  • Why regret exists: To keep you from making the same mistake in the future

  • Taking it that extra step: Ask yourself "What can I learn from this to make it easy to let go of the regret?"

  • Recognizing the positive intention of the regret

  • Looking for additional learning in the situation

  • Janine's COVID silver linings

  • By the end of the process, Janine let go of her regret! (Regret she didn't even realize she had.)

  • Shannon's process for letting go of regret (we invite you to try it!):

  • Identify the thing that you are feeling regret about

  • Ask yourself what you can learn from it or what is important for you to take forward from the experience. You can ask, "What's the positive intention of the regret?"

  • Keep checking in with yourself until the regret is gone ("What else do I need to know to allow me to let go of this regret?")

  • Applying this to all sorts of regrets, including not sticking with your resolutions

  ]]>H8GASKJ0-P3NMIThu, 20 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -070020:00falsefull41871874We all know how bad regret can feel. But did you know you can turn it around? In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss how to glean the learnings from a situation and then let go of the regret. And Shannon demonstrates the process on Janine, helping her let go of regret around catching COVID. Discussion topics include: • Janine testing positive for COVID • Janine's regret over letting her guard down by going to a restaurant • Shannon's process for letting go of regret • Taking Janine through the process to help her let go of regret over how she thinks she caught Omicron • Why regret exists: To keep you from making the same mistake in the future • Taking it that extra step: Ask yourself "What can I learn from this to make it easy to let go of the regret?" • Recognizing the positive intention of the regret • Looking for additional learning in the situation • Janine's COVID silver linings • By the end of the process, Janine let go of her regret! (Regret she didn't even realize she had.) • Shannon's process for letting go of regret (we invite you to try it!): • Identify the thing that you are feeling regret about • Ask yourself what you can learn from it or what is important for you to take forward from the experience. You can ask, "What's the positive intention of the regret?" • Keep checking in with yourself until the regret is gone ("What else do I need to know to allow me to let go of this regret?") • Applying this to all sorts of regrets, including not sticking with your resolutions Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 186: Word of the YearJanine and Shannon have been selecting a Word of the Year for years. In this episode we reveal our 2022 Words of the Year and discuss the power of having a special word to guide you each year.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The weather. Spoiler alert: It's cold but our electric cars started up like the champs they are!

  • Janine's love of having a Word of the Year--she's had one every year since at least 2013

  • The mistake Janine made in 2019 by selecting three words of the year

  • Christine Kane's Word of the Year selection tool

  • Shannon's 2022 Word of the Year: Encourage

  • Janine's 2022 Word of the Year: Generosity

  • Our excitement over adding categories to our YNAB budgets based on our words

  • How having a Word of the Year helps you frame your decisions and priorities

  • The adhesive power of a really good Word of the Year

  • The Word of the Year selection process from Cultivate What Matters

  • Choosing a word that helps you move toward, rather than away, from something

  • Words of the Year designed to help yourself vs help others

  • Trying on a prospective Word of the Year for size

  ]]>Janine and Shannon have been selecting a Word of the Year for years. In this episode we reveal our 2022 Words of the Year and discuss the power of having a special word to guide you each year.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The weather. Spoiler alert: It's cold but our electric cars started up like the champs they are!

  • Janine's love of having a Word of the Year--she's had one every year since at least 2013

  • The mistake Janine made in 2019 by selecting three words of the year

  • Christine Kane's Word of the Year selection tool

  • Shannon's 2022 Word of the Year: Encourage

  • Janine's 2022 Word of the Year: Generosity

  • Our excitement over adding categories to our YNAB budgets based on our words

  • How having a Word of the Year helps you frame your decisions and priorities

  • The adhesive power of a really good Word of the Year

  • The Word of the Year selection process from Cultivate What Matters

  • Choosing a word that helps you move toward, rather than away, from something

  • Words of the Year designed to help yourself vs help others

  • Trying on a prospective Word of the Year for size

  ]]>FN85JZ6C-DG3NMIThu, 13 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -070015:58falsefull41861864Janine and Shannon have been selecting a Word of the Year for years. In this episode we reveal our 2022 Words of the Year and discuss the power of having a special word to guide you each year. Discussion topics include: • The weather. Spoiler alert: It's cold but our electric cars started up like the champs they are! • Janine's love of having a Word of the Year--she's had one every year since at least 2013 • The mistake Janine made in 2019 by selecting three words of the year • Christine Kane's Word of the Year selection tool • Shannon's 2022 Word of the Year: Encourage • Janine's 2022 Word of the Year: Generosity • Our excitement over adding categories to our YNAB budgets based on our words • How having a Word of the Year helps you frame your decisions and priorities • The adhesive power of a really good Word of the Year • The Word of the Year selection process from Cultivate What Matters • Choosing a word that helps you move toward, rather than away, from something • Words of the Year designed to help yourself vs help others • Trying on a prospective Word of the Year for size Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 185: We're Back!After six weeks off, Shannon and Janine are happy to be back recording a podcast episode. We missed our weekly conversations! In this episode, we discuss some of the ways we benefited from taking a break.

  Discussion topics include:

  • We're back after our hiatus!

  • Our mixed feelings about our break

  • The beneficial rhythm of regular podcasting

  • It turns out we're out-of-sight out-of-mind people!

  • How being actively involved with the podcast on a weekly basis makes life easier

  • Shannon's hope to come up with some touchstones during a future hiatus in order to be more mindful with the time that is saved

  • The possibility of scheduling time during the next hiatus to discuss topic ideas or do other things to stay more connected to the podcast

  • How we've both missed podcasting (and how we're glad about that)

  • Weekly tasks as an anchor for the week and the passage of time

  • How a break can help you purposefully choose whether you want to keep doing things the same way or do something differently

  • Our gratitude for our show notes to remind us what we have talked about

  • A diversion into a brief discussion of Jeopardy! and life without cable TV

  ]]>After six weeks off, Shannon and Janine are happy to be back recording a podcast episode. We missed our weekly conversations! In this episode, we discuss some of the ways we benefited from taking a break.

  Discussion topics include:

  • We're back after our hiatus!

  • Our mixed feelings about our break

  • The beneficial rhythm of regular podcasting

  • It turns out we're out-of-sight out-of-mind people!

  • How being actively involved with the podcast on a weekly basis makes life easier

  • Shannon's hope to come up with some touchstones during a future hiatus in order to be more mindful with the time that is saved

  • The possibility of scheduling time during the next hiatus to discuss topic ideas or do other things to stay more connected to the podcast

  • How we've both missed podcasting (and how we're glad about that)

  • Weekly tasks as an anchor for the week and the passage of time

  • How a break can help you purposefully choose whether you want to keep doing things the same way or do something differently

  • Our gratitude for our show notes to remind us what we have talked about

  • A diversion into a brief discussion of Jeopardy! and life without cable TV

  ]]>3UR1GAO-JH16BHUXThu, 06 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -070017:08falsefull41851854After six weeks off, Shannon and Janine are happy to be back recording a podcast episode. We missed our weekly conversations! In this episode, we discuss some of the ways we benefited from taking a break. Discussion topics include: • We're back after our hiatus! • Our mixed feelings about our break • The beneficial rhythm of regular podcasting • It turns out we're out-of-sight out-of-mind people! • How being actively involved with the podcast on a weekly basis makes life easier • Shannon's hope to come up with some touchstones during a future hiatus in order to be more mindful with the time that is saved • The possibility of scheduling time during the next hiatus to discuss topic ideas or do other things to stay more connected to the podcast • How we've both missed podcasting (and how we're glad about that) • Weekly tasks as an anchor for the week and the passage of time • How a break can help you purposefully choose whether you want to keep doing things the same way or do something differently • Our gratitude for our show notes to remind us what we have talked about • A diversion into a brief discussion of Jeopardy! and life without cable TV Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 184: Good Enough Goal Setting (2021 Rerun)It's the time of year to set goals (though, really, you can do it any time). We're winding up our break by re-running our 2018 end-of-the-year episode about goals and resolutions. In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!) Stay tuned next week for a new episode!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  ]]>It's the time of year to set goals (though, really, you can do it any time). We're winding up our break by re-running our 2018 end-of-the-year episode about goals and resolutions. In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!) Stay tuned next week for a new episode!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  ]]>1QCVDIKY-HZQ1714Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -070030:02falsefull41841844It's the time of year to set goals (though, really, you can do it any time). We're winding up our break by re-running our 2018 end-of-the-year episode about goals and resolutions. In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!) Stay tuned next week for a new episode! Discussion topics include: • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast. • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis! • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a link to purchase Good Enough Goal Setting!Episode 183: Taking a BreakHappy Thanksgiving to our U.S. listeners! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of taking a true break from things you do regularly. And announce that we're walking the walk by taking a hiatus from the podcast for five weeks. (We'll return on December 30.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • We're taking a break!

  • Our decision to take a podcast hiatus between Thanksgiving and the end of the year

  • The value of taking a real break to refresh and revitalize

  • Getting new things out of re-listening to podcast episodes (we think we have some good nuggets!)

  • Please send us ideas for topics for future episodes!

  • Stopping midstream to make it easier to come back to something

  • We encourage you to take a break from something you're doing regularly without worry

  • Our feeling that whatever we gain from taking a break will far outweigh anything we might lose

  Wishing you a great five weeks! We look forward to recording again in the new year!

  ]]>Happy Thanksgiving to our U.S. listeners! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of taking a true break from things you do regularly. And announce that we're walking the walk by taking a hiatus from the podcast for five weeks. (We'll return on December 30.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • We're taking a break!

  • Our decision to take a podcast hiatus between Thanksgiving and the end of the year

  • The value of taking a real break to refresh and revitalize

  • Getting new things out of re-listening to podcast episodes (we think we have some good nuggets!)

  • Please send us ideas for topics for future episodes!

  • Stopping midstream to make it easier to come back to something

  • We encourage you to take a break from something you're doing regularly without worry

  • Our feeling that whatever we gain from taking a break will far outweigh anything we might lose

  Wishing you a great five weeks! We look forward to recording again in the new year!

  ]]>SESSLFC-NI2VXTJ4Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:00:00 -070015:13falsefull41831834Happy Thanksgiving to our U.S. listeners! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of taking a true break from things you do regularly. And announce that we're walking the walk by taking a hiatus from the podcast for five weeks. (We'll return on December 30.) Discussion topics include: • We're taking a break! • Our decision to take a podcast hiatus between Thanksgiving and the end of the year • The value of taking a real break to refresh and revitalize • Getting new things out of re-listening to podcast episodes (we think we have some good nuggets!) • Please send us ideas for topics for future episodes! • Stopping midstream to make it easier to come back to something • We encourage you to take a break from something you're doing regularly without worry • Our feeling that whatever we gain from taking a break will far outweigh anything we might lose Wishing you a great five weeks! We look forward to recording again in the new year! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 182: GamificationWe're all about the fun this week as we discuss gamification as a way to make tasks more fun and enjoyable. From decluttering to learning a new language to running a race, employing gamification can make everything easier!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Declutter Go! the new decluttering game that Janine's friend Lynne Poulton has just launched

  • Shannon's favorite gamifying language-learning app, Duolingo. She has used it 656 days in a row!

  • How Shannon took gamification to the next level by joining Duolingo Leagues

  • The impact Duolingo Leagues had on Shannon's effort (she's now in the top-tier Diamond League!)

  • How the extra gamification has allowed to Shannon to learn a lot more Portuguese

  • The game that got Shannon back into running after a car accident (Zombies, Run!)

  • To-Do List Bingo!

  • Remember: Fun and easy absolutely counts!

  • Gamifying anything

  ]]>We're all about the fun this week as we discuss gamification as a way to make tasks more fun and enjoyable. From decluttering to learning a new language to running a race, employing gamification can make everything easier!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Declutter Go! the new decluttering game that Janine's friend Lynne Poulton has just launched

  • Shannon's favorite gamifying language-learning app, Duolingo. She has used it 656 days in a row!

  • How Shannon took gamification to the next level by joining Duolingo Leagues

  • The impact Duolingo Leagues had on Shannon's effort (she's now in the top-tier Diamond League!)

  • How the extra gamification has allowed to Shannon to learn a lot more Portuguese

  • The game that got Shannon back into running after a car accident (Zombies, Run!)

  • To-Do List Bingo!

  • Remember: Fun and easy absolutely counts!

  • Gamifying anything

  ]]>I8QY1RVK-U4N29Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:00:00 -070023:36falsefull41821824We're all about the fun this week as we discuss gamification as a way to make tasks more fun and enjoyable. From decluttering to learning a new language to running a race, employing gamification can make everything easier! Discussion topics include: • Declutter Go! the new decluttering game that Janine's friend Lynne Poulton has just launched • Shannon's favorite gamifying language-learning app, Duolingo. She has used it 656 days in a row! • How Shannon took gamification to the next level by joining Duolingo Leagues • The impact Duolingo Leagues had on Shannon's effort (she's now in the top-tier Diamond League!) • How the extra gamification has allowed to Shannon to learn a lot more Portuguese • The game that got Shannon back into running after a car accident (Zombies, Run!) • To-Do List Bingo! • Remember: Fun and easy absolutely counts! • Gamifying anything Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for photos of Declutter Go and lots of links!Episode 181: Slowing DownSometimes you have to slow down to actually get more done (and feel good). This week, Shannon and Janine (who recorded this episode in person!) discuss the value of mindfully slowing down.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The joy of recording an episode together in person

  • How we've both had experiences where not slowing down has created problems, as well as experiences where mindfully slowing down has been beneficial

  • Taking a breath and considering what really needs to happen next when you're moving quickly (even though it feels counterintuitive)

  • The time Janine was running late to give a speech and turned the wrong way on a one-way street

  • How journaling can help

  • How traffic jams needn't stress you out

  • Giving yourself a buffer to relieve stress around getting somewhere on time

  • Building in space to enjoy the most important things on vacation

  • Taking it to the next level: Having an unscheduled day when you're on vacation

  • The value of knowing what's important (once again)

  • The awesome Trello board Shannon built for her recent trip to NYC

  • Actually taking the day off on the weekend

  • How slowing down can be a state of mind

  • Redefining your goals during crunch times so you can feel good about what you achieve

  ]]>Sometimes you have to slow down to actually get more done (and feel good). This week, Shannon and Janine (who recorded this episode in person!) discuss the value of mindfully slowing down.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The joy of recording an episode together in person

  • How we've both had experiences where not slowing down has created problems, as well as experiences where mindfully slowing down has been beneficial

  • Taking a breath and considering what really needs to happen next when you're moving quickly (even though it feels counterintuitive)

  • The time Janine was running late to give a speech and turned the wrong way on a one-way street

  • How journaling can help

  • How traffic jams needn't stress you out

  • Giving yourself a buffer to relieve stress around getting somewhere on time

  • Building in space to enjoy the most important things on vacation

  • Taking it to the next level: Having an unscheduled day when you're on vacation

  • The value of knowing what's important (once again)

  • The awesome Trello board Shannon built for her recent trip to NYC

  • Actually taking the day off on the weekend

  • How slowing down can be a state of mind

  • Redefining your goals during crunch times so you can feel good about what you achieve

  ]]>4WRNJ0L2-KP7RPB9Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:00:00 -070017:47falsefull41811814Sometimes you have to slow down to actually get more done (and feel good). This week, Shannon and Janine (who recorded this episode in person!) discuss the value of mindfully slowing down. Discussion topics include: • The joy of recording an episode together in person • How we've both had experiences where not slowing down has created problems, as well as experiences where mindfully slowing down has been beneficial • Taking a breath and considering what really needs to happen next when you're moving quickly (even though it feels counterintuitive) • The time Janine was running late to give a speech and turned the wrong way on a one-way street • How journaling can help • How traffic jams needn't stress you out • Giving yourself a buffer to relieve stress around getting somewhere on time • Building in space to enjoy the most important things on vacation • Taking it to the next level: Having an unscheduled day when you're on vacation • The value of knowing what's important (once again) • The awesome Trello board Shannon built for her recent trip to NYC • Actually taking the day off on the weekend • How slowing down can be a state of mind • Redefining your goals during crunch times so you can feel good about what you achieve Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a video and links!Episode 180: When to Say WhenSometimes it can be hard to tell when to tolerate a situation or when to say it’s not good enough and walk away. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss how make that call, along with some techniques for standing up for yourself and getting the results you want.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A trip down memory lane at travel practices of yesteryear

  • Figuring out when enough is enough

  • Shannon’s recent NYC Airbnb experience that caused her to take a stand and reject an unacceptable situation

  • The minimum requirements Shannon set up for the room that replaced the unacceptable Airbnb

  • Shannon’s concerns about making the situation worse (when the reverse turned out to be true)

  • How to figure out when to say when: Get in touch with what’s important to you (a common refrain!)

  • Shannon’s surprise at how much stress was relieved by her leaving the unpleasant accommodation

  • Walking away from a restaurant that takes too much time to seat and serve you water

  • Recognizing what you are willing to tolerate versus what you don’t need to tolerate

  • Janine’s rental car experience that started with her trying to stand up for herself and ended with her accepting a good-enough car

  • How it can be difficult to know how assertive to be

  • The strategy that works for us: Be as nice as possible to people while being assertive

  • How being very nice to the ticket agent resulted in Shannon flying first class on the last leg of her trip home from New Zealand

  • Remembering that customer service personnel almost always want to make you happy

  ]]>Sometimes it can be hard to tell when to tolerate a situation or when to say it’s not good enough and walk away. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss how make that call, along with some techniques for standing up for yourself and getting the results you want.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A trip down memory lane at travel practices of yesteryear

  • Figuring out when enough is enough

  • Shannon’s recent NYC Airbnb experience that caused her to take a stand and reject an unacceptable situation

  • The minimum requirements Shannon set up for the room that replaced the unacceptable Airbnb

  • Shannon’s concerns about making the situation worse (when the reverse turned out to be true)

  • How to figure out when to say when: Get in touch with what’s important to you (a common refrain!)

  • Shannon’s surprise at how much stress was relieved by her leaving the unpleasant accommodation

  • Walking away from a restaurant that takes too much time to seat and serve you water

  • Recognizing what you are willing to tolerate versus what you don’t need to tolerate

  • Janine’s rental car experience that started with her trying to stand up for herself and ended with her accepting a good-enough car

  • How it can be difficult to know how assertive to be

  • The strategy that works for us: Be as nice as possible to people while being assertive

  • How being very nice to the ticket agent resulted in Shannon flying first class on the last leg of her trip home from New Zealand

  • Remembering that customer service personnel almost always want to make you happy

  ]]>DKDMAY3F-RVBO6RThu, 04 Nov 2021 14:00:00 -070023:22falsefull41801804Sometimes it can be hard to tell when to tolerate a situation or when to say it’s not good enough and walk away. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss how make that call, along with some techniques for standing up for yourself and getting the results you want. Discussion topics include: • A trip down memory lane at travel practices of yesteryear • Figuring out when enough is enough • Shannon’s recent NYC Airbnb experience that caused her to take a stand and reject an unacceptable situation • The minimum requirements Shannon set up for the room that replaced the unacceptable Airbnb • Shannon’s concerns about making the situation worse (when the reverse turned out to be true) • How to figure out when to say when: Get in touch with what’s important to you (a common refrain!) • Shannon’s surprise at how much stress was relieved by her leaving the unpleasant accommodation • Walking away from a restaurant that takes too much time to seat and serve you water • Recognizing what you are willing to tolerate versus what you don’t need to tolerate • Janine’s rental car experience that started with her trying to stand up for herself and ended with her accepting a good-enough car • How it can be difficult to know how assertive to be • The strategy that works for us: Be as nice as possible to people while being assertive • How being very nice to the ticket agent resulted in Shannon flying first class on the last leg of her trip home from New Zealand • Remembering that customer service personnel almost always want to make you happy Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 179: The Problem with Labels (Redux)We dipped into the archives for this episode, which originally aired on July 18, 2019. We think the advice is still solid!

  Labels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels  we're trying to shed in our own lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change

  • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way

  • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?)

  • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting

  • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!)

  • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday

  • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all

  • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label

  • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients

  • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination

  • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back)

  • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it

  • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that

  ]]>We dipped into the archives for this episode, which originally aired on July 18, 2019. We think the advice is still solid!

  Labels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels  we're trying to shed in our own lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change

  • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way

  • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?)

  • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting

  • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!)

  • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday

  • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all

  • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label

  • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients

  • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination

  • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back)

  • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it

  • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that

  ]]>566IU8ZX-J8GDS4IThu, 28 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -070042:15falsefull41791794We dipped into the archives for this episode, which originally aired on July 18, 2019. We think the advice is still solid! Labels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels we're trying to shed in our own lives. Discussion topics include: • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?) • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!) • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back) • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 178: Venturing OutVenturing out of our comfort zones can be difficult in the best of times and COVID has made it even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss weighing rewards and risks, as well as some of the joys of venturing out.

  Discussion topics include: 

  • Janine's thrill over the fact she was able to buy a new Nissan Leaf!

  • How buying an electric car caused her to venture out of her comfort zone

  • The benefit of seeing venturing out as a fun challenge

  • How great it feels to drive an electric vehicle

  • Thinking about the resources you have available to you to make venturing out feel less risky

  • Two ways to venture out of your comfort zone: Just go for it or take baby steps

  • Venturing out to events in this post-pandemic world

  • Shannon's visit to a pumpkin patch (complete with corn maze)

  • How COVID has made venturing out even more uncomfortable

  • Staying open to the possibility you'll have a good time

  • Paying attention to the rewards rather than the risks of venturing out

  • How Janine turned down the opportunity to go the symphony recently while Shannon is doing the opposite: She's off to New York to see multiple Broadway shows!

  • Letting go of trying to get everything perfect before you venture out

  ]]>Venturing out of our comfort zones can be difficult in the best of times and COVID has made it even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss weighing rewards and risks, as well as some of the joys of venturing out.

  Discussion topics include: 

  • Janine's thrill over the fact she was able to buy a new Nissan Leaf!

  • How buying an electric car caused her to venture out of her comfort zone

  • The benefit of seeing venturing out as a fun challenge

  • How great it feels to drive an electric vehicle

  • Thinking about the resources you have available to you to make venturing out feel less risky

  • Two ways to venture out of your comfort zone: Just go for it or take baby steps

  • Venturing out to events in this post-pandemic world

  • Shannon's visit to a pumpkin patch (complete with corn maze)

  • How COVID has made venturing out even more uncomfortable

  • Staying open to the possibility you'll have a good time

  • Paying attention to the rewards rather than the risks of venturing out

  • How Janine turned down the opportunity to go the symphony recently while Shannon is doing the opposite: She's off to New York to see multiple Broadway shows!

  • Letting go of trying to get everything perfect before you venture out

  ]]>90AU4AUS-S5G66RThu, 21 Oct 2021 14:46:00 -070019:49falsefull41781784Venturing out of our comfort zones can be difficult in the best of times and COVID has made it even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss weighing rewards and risks, as well as some of the joys of venturing out. Discussion topics include: • Janine's thrill over the fact she was able to buy a new Nissan Leaf! • How buying an electric car caused her to venture out of her comfort zone • The benefit of seeing venturing out as a fun challenge • How great it feels to drive an electric vehicle • Thinking about the resources you have available to you to make venturing out feel less risky • Two ways to venture out of your comfort zone: Just go for it or take baby steps • Venturing out to events in this post-pandemic world • Shannon's visit to a pumpkin patch (complete with corn maze) • How COVID has made venturing out even more uncomfortable • Staying open to the possibility you'll have a good time • Paying attention to the rewards rather than the risks of venturing out • How Janine turned down the opportunity to go the symphony recently while Shannon is doing the opposite: She's off to New York to see multiple Broadway shows! • Letting go of trying to get everything perfect before you venture out Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a picture of the spectacular sunset at the pumpkin patch!Episode 177: How to Change Your MindIt can be hard to change your mind once you've made a decision. But doubling down on a commitment isn't always the most beneficial thing. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how to change your mind, the role of commitment bias, and the value of considering alternatives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's car-shopping frustrations

  • The car Janine wants to buy (because Shannon has one): A new Nissan Leaf electric car

  • Janine's commitment to her decision to buy this car

  • The idea that Janine might be smart to consider changing her mind on this, since the car isn't readily available

  • Commitment bias, our tendency to stick with a decision after we've committed to something even in the face of conflicting evidence

  • Stepping back from the commitment to consider whether the decision is still a good one

  • The fallacy of sunk cost as a reason to stick with something

  • The difficulty of changing your mind when people are aware of the decision that you made

  • How Fear of Missing Out factors into Janine's car-shopping experience

  • Giving yourself the space to consider all the things that are going through your mind when you make a decision

  • Questions to ask yourself when you're considering changing your mind

  • The value of considering alternatives

  • How the pandemic forced us to consider all sorts of alternatives

  • How perfectionism can make changing your mind particularly difficult

  • Cultivating more curiosity about trying new things

  ]]>It can be hard to change your mind once you've made a decision. But doubling down on a commitment isn't always the most beneficial thing. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how to change your mind, the role of commitment bias, and the value of considering alternatives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's car-shopping frustrations

  • The car Janine wants to buy (because Shannon has one): A new Nissan Leaf electric car

  • Janine's commitment to her decision to buy this car

  • The idea that Janine might be smart to consider changing her mind on this, since the car isn't readily available

  • Commitment bias, our tendency to stick with a decision after we've committed to something even in the face of conflicting evidence

  • Stepping back from the commitment to consider whether the decision is still a good one

  • The fallacy of sunk cost as a reason to stick with something

  • The difficulty of changing your mind when people are aware of the decision that you made

  • How Fear of Missing Out factors into Janine's car-shopping experience

  • Giving yourself the space to consider all the things that are going through your mind when you make a decision

  • Questions to ask yourself when you're considering changing your mind

  • The value of considering alternatives

  • How the pandemic forced us to consider all sorts of alternatives

  • How perfectionism can make changing your mind particularly difficult

  • Cultivating more curiosity about trying new things

  ]]>AAVYEL4M-CSORThu, 14 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -070020:39falsefull51771775It can be hard to change your mind once you've made a decision. But doubling down on a commitment isn't always the most beneficial thing. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how to change your mind, the role of commitment bias, and the value of considering alternatives. Discussion topics include: • Janine's car-shopping frustrations • The car Janine wants to buy (because Shannon has one): A new Nissan Leaf electric car • Janine's commitment to her decision to buy this car • The idea that Janine might be smart to consider changing her mind on this, since the car isn't readily available • Commitment bias, our tendency to stick with a decision after we've committed to something even in the face of conflicting evidence • Stepping back from the commitment to consider whether the decision is still a good one • The fallacy of sunk cost as a reason to stick with something • The difficulty of changing your mind when people are aware of the decision that you made • How Fear of Missing Out factors into Janine's car-shopping experience • Giving yourself the space to consider all the things that are going through your mind when you make a decision • Questions to ask yourself when you're considering changing your mind • The value of considering alternatives • How the pandemic forced us to consider all sorts of alternatives • How perfectionism can make changing your mind particularly difficult • Cultivating more curiosity about trying new things See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update from Janine and links!Episode 176: Breaking Free from Social MediaSpending time on social media can be a double-edged sword. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the how's and why's of Shannon's recent deactivation of her Facebook and Instagram accounts--and the relief she felt afterward.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon deactivated her Facebook and Instagram accounts four days before we recorded this episode

  • Her reasons: Social media was sucking up time but she wasn't really gaining anything from it (it was a waste of her time!)

  • The pressure Shannon felt to do social media properly

  • The temptations she felt (but resisted) to get back on to Facebook temporarily after she deactivated

  • How her ingrained habit of opening the social media apps on her phone became apparent

  • The huge sense of relief that Shannon felt when she deactivated her accounts

  • Taking a break from social media vs. deactivating accounts

  • Shannon's plan: To go back on social media mindfully once she really wants to and has a clear purpose for doing it

  • What a toxic environment social media can be

  • How deactivating her accounts allows Shannon space to decide whether or not to go on it

  • A little foray into a discussion of ice cream flavors from Salt & Straw in Portland

  • The power of the deactivation--it relieves the pull of social media

  • Janine's temptation  to follow in Shannon's footsteps and deactivate her accounts

  ]]>Spending time on social media can be a double-edged sword. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the how's and why's of Shannon's recent deactivation of her Facebook and Instagram accounts--and the relief she felt afterward.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon deactivated her Facebook and Instagram accounts four days before we recorded this episode

  • Her reasons: Social media was sucking up time but she wasn't really gaining anything from it (it was a waste of her time!)

  • The pressure Shannon felt to do social media properly

  • The temptations she felt (but resisted) to get back on to Facebook temporarily after she deactivated

  • How her ingrained habit of opening the social media apps on her phone became apparent

  • The huge sense of relief that Shannon felt when she deactivated her accounts

  • Taking a break from social media vs. deactivating accounts

  • Shannon's plan: To go back on social media mindfully once she really wants to and has a clear purpose for doing it

  • What a toxic environment social media can be

  • How deactivating her accounts allows Shannon space to decide whether or not to go on it

  • A little foray into a discussion of ice cream flavors from Salt & Straw in Portland

  • The power of the deactivation--it relieves the pull of social media

  • Janine's temptation  to follow in Shannon's footsteps and deactivate her accounts

  ]]>7TGI8P3V-BQVKJ4IThu, 07 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -070020:11falsefull41761764Spending time on social media can be a double-edged sword. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the how's and why's of Shannon's recent deactivation of her Facebook and Instagram accounts--and the relief she felt afterward. Discussion topics include: • How Shannon deactivated her Facebook and Instagram accounts four days before we recorded this episode • Her reasons: Social media was sucking up time but she wasn't really gaining anything from it (it was a waste of her time!) • The pressure Shannon felt to do social media properly • The temptations she felt (but resisted) to get back on to Facebook temporarily after she deactivated • How her ingrained habit of opening the social media apps on her phone became apparent • The huge sense of relief that Shannon felt when she deactivated her accounts • Taking a break from social media vs. deactivating accounts • Shannon's plan: To go back on social media mindfully once she really wants to and has a clear purpose for doing it • What a toxic environment social media can be • How deactivating her accounts allows Shannon space to decide whether or not to go on it • A little foray into a discussion of ice cream flavors from Salt & Straw in Portland • The power of the deactivation--it relieves the pull of social media • Janine's temptation to follow in Shannon's footsteps and deactivate her accounts Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for updates on Shannon's deactivated status and whether Janine has deactivated her social media accounts!Episode 175: Effectively Helping OthersIf you offer advice when a person isn't ready to receive it, you may not be helping them. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to offer effective advice (or other types of help) by making sure the help is welcome.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The tendency many people have to offer unwelcome advice

  • Fashioning advice in ways that feel good to the recipient

  • Venting vs wanting advice

  • How some people (especially those with Y chromosomes) seem to have trouble differentiating between the need to vent and the desire for advice

  • Even well intended advice isn't helpful if the recipient isn't open to advice in the moment

  • How to make sure your advice is effective

  • Opening phrases to avoid: "You should..." or "You just need to..."

  • A question to embrace: "Would you like to know what I would do in that situation?"

  • How sometimes you just want to be heard (or have your outrage matched)

  • A powerful way to help: Giving a person the space to be heard and process their problem out loud

  • How to offer physical help to people without implying you think they're helpless

  • The value of telling the other person how you want to be helped

  ]]>If you offer advice when a person isn't ready to receive it, you may not be helping them. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to offer effective advice (or other types of help) by making sure the help is welcome.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The tendency many people have to offer unwelcome advice

  • Fashioning advice in ways that feel good to the recipient

  • Venting vs wanting advice

  • How some people (especially those with Y chromosomes) seem to have trouble differentiating between the need to vent and the desire for advice

  • Even well intended advice isn't helpful if the recipient isn't open to advice in the moment

  • How to make sure your advice is effective

  • Opening phrases to avoid: "You should..." or "You just need to..."

  • A question to embrace: "Would you like to know what I would do in that situation?"

  • How sometimes you just want to be heard (or have your outrage matched)

  • A powerful way to help: Giving a person the space to be heard and process their problem out loud

  • How to offer physical help to people without implying you think they're helpless

  • The value of telling the other person how you want to be helped

  ]]>5GE9E66S-2UWSTT9Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -070020:06falsefull41751754If you offer advice when a person isn't ready to receive it, you may not be helping them. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to offer effective advice (or other types of help) by making sure the help is welcome. Discussion topics include: • The tendency many people have to offer unwelcome advice • Fashioning advice in ways that feel good to the recipient • Venting vs wanting advice • How some people (especially those with Y chromosomes) seem to have trouble differentiating between the need to vent and the desire for advice • Even well intended advice isn't helpful if the recipient isn't open to advice in the moment • How to make sure your advice is effective • Opening phrases to avoid: "You should..." or "You just need to..." • A question to embrace: "Would you like to know what I would do in that situation?" • How sometimes you just want to be heard (or have your outrage matched) • A powerful way to help: Giving a person the space to be heard and process their problem out loud • How to offer physical help to people without implying you think they're helpless • The value of telling the other person how you want to be helpedEpisode 174: Christine PlattThis week, Janine and Shannon are thrilled to present an interview Christine Platt, author of The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. Christine offers all sorts of great insights on the benefits of living with less, along with some ideas for getting there. (And we're offering a giveaway of her excellent book!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Christine's relationship with perfectionism and how it was changed by motherhood

  • The envy that perfectionists sometimes feel toward those who embrace good enough

  • How having less stuff makes things easier

  • How a minimalist lifestyle is conducive to efficiency and productivity

  • The energy expended looking for something that's lost--and how Christine calms herself in those situations

  • Minimalist wardrobes

  • Christine's suggestion of inventorying your wardrobe before paring it down

  • The stark reality you face when you actually count your clothes (Christine had 50 pairs of jeans!)

  • The thrill of bargain shopping (and trying to resist it)

  • The liberation of less and the ways it can manifest itself

  • The joy of being able to deep clean an entire house in two hours

  • How living with less allows you to appreciate what you have

  • Shifting your focus on what you're gaining, not what you're losing, when you embrace a minimalist lifestyle

  • Minimalism: The gateway to living with intention

  • How there's no cookie-cutter approach to living with less: The important thing is that it's authentic to you

  • Why dressers and drawers don't work for Christine

  • The powerful combination of authenticity and intention in Christine's approach to minimalism

  • Learning to say no to gifts from others + getting creative with your own gift giving

  • Christine's closing advice for perfectionists

  ]]>This week, Janine and Shannon are thrilled to present an interview Christine Platt, author of The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. Christine offers all sorts of great insights on the benefits of living with less, along with some ideas for getting there. (And we're offering a giveaway of her excellent book!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Christine's relationship with perfectionism and how it was changed by motherhood

  • The envy that perfectionists sometimes feel toward those who embrace good enough

  • How having less stuff makes things easier

  • How a minimalist lifestyle is conducive to efficiency and productivity

  • The energy expended looking for something that's lost--and how Christine calms herself in those situations

  • Minimalist wardrobes

  • Christine's suggestion of inventorying your wardrobe before paring it down

  • The stark reality you face when you actually count your clothes (Christine had 50 pairs of jeans!)

  • The thrill of bargain shopping (and trying to resist it)

  • The liberation of less and the ways it can manifest itself

  • The joy of being able to deep clean an entire house in two hours

  • How living with less allows you to appreciate what you have

  • Shifting your focus on what you're gaining, not what you're losing, when you embrace a minimalist lifestyle

  • Minimalism: The gateway to living with intention

  • How there's no cookie-cutter approach to living with less: The important thing is that it's authentic to you

  • Why dressers and drawers don't work for Christine

  • The powerful combination of authenticity and intention in Christine's approach to minimalism

  • Learning to say no to gifts from others + getting creative with your own gift giving

  • Christine's closing advice for perfectionists

  ]]>E48O4O2X-2V5CDIThu, 23 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -070035:03falsefull41741744This week, Janine and Shannon are thrilled to present an interview Christine Platt, author of The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less. Christine offers all sorts of great insights on the benefits of living with less, along with some ideas for getting there. (And we're offering a giveaway of her excellent book!) Discussion topics include: • Christine's relationship with perfectionism and how it was changed by motherhood • The envy that perfectionists sometimes feel toward those who embrace good enough • How having less stuff makes things easier • How a minimalist lifestyle is conducive to efficiency and productivity • The energy expended looking for something that's lost--and how Christine calms herself in those situations • Minimalist wardrobes • Christine's suggestion of inventorying your wardrobe before paring it down • The stark reality you face when you actually count your clothes (Christine had 50 pairs of jeans!) • The thrill of bargain shopping (and trying to resist it) • The liberation of less and the ways it can manifest itself • The joy of being able to deep clean an entire house in two hours • How living with less allows you to appreciate what you have • Shifting your focus on what you're gaining, not what you're losing, when you embrace a minimalist lifestyle • Minimalism: The gateway to living with intention • How there's no cookie-cutter approach to living with less: The important thing is that it's authentic to you • Why dressers and drawers don't work for Christine • The powerful combination of authenticity and intention in Christine's approach to minimalism • Learning to say no to gifts from others + getting creative with your own gift giving • Christine's closing advice for perfectionists Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and to enter our giveaway for a free copy of Christine's book!Episode 173: Keeping Commitments to YourselfWhen we don't keep the commitments we make to ourselves, we may stop trusting ourselves, which can have devastating consequences. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for keeping the commitments we make and trusting ourselves again.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Feeling icky when we let ourselves down

  • Case in point: Janine's daily yoga practice, which has been faltering

  • Shannon's sage advice: Get in touch with why the commitment is important

  • Thinking about the easiest thing you can do to get some of the good feeling you're seeking

  • How it can feel harder to restart when you've broken a commitment to yourself

  • Acknowledging the hard feeling and restarting anyway

  • The disappointment of not living up to the identity you set for yourself

  • Ignoring that disappointment and instead embracing the identity you seek

  • Following an impulse to do something, even if it's imperfect

  • Making it easy to act on those impulses

  • How a daily practice makes acting imperfectly easier

  • Another case in point: Shannon's daily illustrating-her-day creativity practice

  • Making your commitment to yourself easy enough you actually do it

  • Shannon's amazing Duolingo streak: 599 days in a row of learning Portuguese!

  • A self-reinforcing benefit of keeping your commitments to yourself: You start to trust yourself

  ]]>When we don't keep the commitments we make to ourselves, we may stop trusting ourselves, which can have devastating consequences. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for keeping the commitments we make and trusting ourselves again.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Feeling icky when we let ourselves down

  • Case in point: Janine's daily yoga practice, which has been faltering

  • Shannon's sage advice: Get in touch with why the commitment is important

  • Thinking about the easiest thing you can do to get some of the good feeling you're seeking

  • How it can feel harder to restart when you've broken a commitment to yourself

  • Acknowledging the hard feeling and restarting anyway

  • The disappointment of not living up to the identity you set for yourself

  • Ignoring that disappointment and instead embracing the identity you seek

  • Following an impulse to do something, even if it's imperfect

  • Making it easy to act on those impulses

  • How a daily practice makes acting imperfectly easier

  • Another case in point: Shannon's daily illustrating-her-day creativity practice

  • Making your commitment to yourself easy enough you actually do it

  • Shannon's amazing Duolingo streak: 599 days in a row of learning Portuguese!

  • A self-reinforcing benefit of keeping your commitments to yourself: You start to trust yourself

  ]]>9DEELHCF-RS02J4IThu, 16 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -070023:03falsefull41731734When we don't keep the commitments we make to ourselves, we may stop trusting ourselves, which can have devastating consequences. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for keeping the commitments we make and trusting ourselves again. Discussion topics include: • Feeling icky when we let ourselves down • Case in point: Janine's daily yoga practice, which has been faltering • Shannon's sage advice: Get in touch with why the commitment is important • Thinking about the easiest thing you can do to get some of the good feeling you're seeking • How it can feel harder to restart when you've broken a commitment to yourself • Acknowledging the hard feeling and restarting anyway • The disappointment of not living up to the identity you set for yourself • Ignoring that disappointment and instead embracing the identity you seek • Following an impulse to do something, even if it's imperfect • Making it easy to act on those impulses • How a daily practice makes acting imperfectly easier • Another case in point: Shannon's daily illustrating-her-day creativity practice • Making your commitment to yourself easy enough you actually do it • Shannon's amazing Duolingo streak: 599 days in a row of learning Portuguese! • A self-reinforcing benefit of keeping your commitments to yourself: You start to trust yourself Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update.Episode 172: Happy CreativityThose of us who do creative projects do them because they make us happy. But sometimes we get frustrated instead. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to stay happily creative.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's unhappily stalled creativity

  • The illustrated story-telling event that Shannon is participating in

  • How practicing creativity less frequently can make it less enjoyable

  • Shannon's regret that she didn't keep up her visual diary through the pandemic

  • Creating parameters to make a daily creativity practice easy

  • Turning off your inner critic while you're creating

  • Janine's hand-lettered task lists

  • How an organizational infrastructure can help you stay happily creative

  • How adding limits can increase the happiness factor

  • The inspiring daily creativity practice of one of Shannon's friends (check out the show notes to see the images!)

  • Pondering letting a daily creativity practice be easy

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of happy creativity

  • Shannon's question to herself: What's the smallest thing I can do every day that would make me happy?

  • The wacky way we came up with this topic

  ]]>Those of us who do creative projects do them because they make us happy. But sometimes we get frustrated instead. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to stay happily creative.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's unhappily stalled creativity

  • The illustrated story-telling event that Shannon is participating in

  • How practicing creativity less frequently can make it less enjoyable

  • Shannon's regret that she didn't keep up her visual diary through the pandemic

  • Creating parameters to make a daily creativity practice easy

  • Turning off your inner critic while you're creating

  • Janine's hand-lettered task lists

  • How an organizational infrastructure can help you stay happily creative

  • How adding limits can increase the happiness factor

  • The inspiring daily creativity practice of one of Shannon's friends (check out the show notes to see the images!)

  • Pondering letting a daily creativity practice be easy

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of happy creativity

  • Shannon's question to herself: What's the smallest thing I can do every day that would make me happy?

  • The wacky way we came up with this topic

  ]]>HFQAT99O-0WWMIThu, 09 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -070023:21falsefull41721724Those of us who do creative projects do them because they make us happy. But sometimes we get frustrated instead. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to stay happily creative. Discussion topics include: • Shannon's unhappily stalled creativity • The illustrated story-telling event that Shannon is participating in • How practicing creativity less frequently can make it less enjoyable • Shannon's regret that she didn't keep up her visual diary through the pandemic • Creating parameters to make a daily creativity practice easy • Turning off your inner critic while you're creating • Janine's hand-lettered task lists • How an organizational infrastructure can help you stay happily creative • How adding limits can increase the happiness factor • The inspiring daily creativity practice of one of Shannon's friends (check out the show notes to see the images!) • Pondering letting a daily creativity practice be easy • How perfectionism can get in the way of happy creativity • Shannon's question to herself: What's the smallest thing I can do every day that would make me happy? • The wacky way we came up with this topic Visit the show notes at http://gettingtogoodenough.com/episode-172-happy-creativity/ for an update and to see pictures!Episode 171: Next StepsIt's September and that often gives accomplishing projects more urgency. The week, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for taking next steps toward your goals. (Spoiler alert: Getting in touch with what's important to you is a big part of it!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • How September makes us want to get busy and focused

  • Revisiting the goals for the year in an effort to restart working toward them

  • Thinking about goals in smaller chunks and bigger chunks

  • How it's so easy to feel overwhelmed when you're trying to get back into the swing of things after the summer

  • Assessing how you want to spend your time and identifying the next small step you can take

  • The value of breaking projects down into little tiny steps

  •How the unstructured nature of time after kids are back in school might feel overwhelming

  • Getting strict with yourself about what is important to you

  • Editing out the shoulds

  • Start as you want to continue

  • Mindfully creating habits to help you finish the year on track

  • The value of taking the time to write down all the tiny tasks that comprise a project

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of taking next steps and getting stuff done

  • Measuring progress (as opposed to quality) when you're working on a project

  • Differentiating the different types of tasks in a project

  • Shannon's free quiz to help you identify why you procrastinate (and how to work through it)

  • Shannon and Janine's snort-worthy Walla Walla "party girl" story

  • Letting next steps be easy

  ]]>It's September and that often gives accomplishing projects more urgency. The week, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for taking next steps toward your goals. (Spoiler alert: Getting in touch with what's important to you is a big part of it!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • How September makes us want to get busy and focused

  • Revisiting the goals for the year in an effort to restart working toward them

  • Thinking about goals in smaller chunks and bigger chunks

  • How it's so easy to feel overwhelmed when you're trying to get back into the swing of things after the summer

  • Assessing how you want to spend your time and identifying the next small step you can take

  • The value of breaking projects down into little tiny steps

  •How the unstructured nature of time after kids are back in school might feel overwhelming

  • Getting strict with yourself about what is important to you

  • Editing out the shoulds

  • Start as you want to continue

  • Mindfully creating habits to help you finish the year on track

  • The value of taking the time to write down all the tiny tasks that comprise a project

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of taking next steps and getting stuff done

  • Measuring progress (as opposed to quality) when you're working on a project

  • Differentiating the different types of tasks in a project

  • Shannon's free quiz to help you identify why you procrastinate (and how to work through it)

  • Shannon and Janine's snort-worthy Walla Walla "party girl" story

  • Letting next steps be easy

  ]]>JOP1SUDJ-L84CXRThu, 02 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -070023:31falsefull41711714It's September and that often gives accomplishing projects more urgency. The week, Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for taking next steps toward your goals. (Spoiler alert: Getting in touch with what's important to you is a big part of it!) Discussion topics include: • How September makes us want to get busy and focused • Revisiting the goals for the year in an effort to restart working toward them • Thinking about goals in smaller chunks and bigger chunks • How it's so easy to feel overwhelmed when you're trying to get back into the swing of things after the summer • Assessing how you want to spend your time and identifying the next small step you can take • The value of breaking projects down into little tiny steps •How the unstructured nature of time after kids are back in school might feel overwhelming • Getting strict with yourself about what is important to you • Editing out the shoulds • Start as you want to continue • Mindfully creating habits to help you finish the year on track • The value of taking the time to write down all the tiny tasks that comprise a project • How perfectionism can get in the way of taking next steps and getting stuff done • Measuring progress (as opposed to quality) when you're working on a project • Differentiating the different types of tasks in a project • Shannon's free quiz to help you identify why you procrastinate (and how to work through it) • Shannon and Janine's snort-worthy Walla Walla "party girl" story • Letting next steps be easy Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links (including a link to Shannon's anti-procrastination quiz!)Episode 170: Give Yourself CreditWho doesn't like a nice pat on the back? It can be especially valuable when that credit comes from within. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about giving yourself credit and focusing on what you've accomplished rather than what you still have left to do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Deep cleaning a basement (or not)

  • The weird unwritten rule that can prevent us from appreciating our successes until our projects are completed

  • The value of looking back on your successes periodically

  • Setting up your task list so you give yourself credit for each thing you do

  • Giving yourself credit for moving away from perfectionism

  • How you deserve credit for learning new things even if you feel you should have already known those things

  • Shannon's almost-complete decluttering project and how she's paying attention to what she has yet to do rather than what she has accomplished

  • The unfortunate tendency to move the goal post, rather than giving yourself credit for progress.

  • Making a practice of noticing what you've achieved every time you notice a problem

  • Tracking your accomplishments

  • How we tend to focus on negative feedback and ignore the positive feedback

  • The feedback sandwich! ("It's like a pat on the back wrapped around a wish.")

  • Janine and Shannon's commitment to trying a daily feedback sandwich in their own lives

  ]]>Who doesn't like a nice pat on the back? It can be especially valuable when that credit comes from within. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about giving yourself credit and focusing on what you've accomplished rather than what you still have left to do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Deep cleaning a basement (or not)

  • The weird unwritten rule that can prevent us from appreciating our successes until our projects are completed

  • The value of looking back on your successes periodically

  • Setting up your task list so you give yourself credit for each thing you do

  • Giving yourself credit for moving away from perfectionism

  • How you deserve credit for learning new things even if you feel you should have already known those things

  • Shannon's almost-complete decluttering project and how she's paying attention to what she has yet to do rather than what she has accomplished

  • The unfortunate tendency to move the goal post, rather than giving yourself credit for progress.

  • Making a practice of noticing what you've achieved every time you notice a problem

  • Tracking your accomplishments

  • How we tend to focus on negative feedback and ignore the positive feedback

  • The feedback sandwich! ("It's like a pat on the back wrapped around a wish.")

  • Janine and Shannon's commitment to trying a daily feedback sandwich in their own lives

  ]]>AXDRHMRS-P7RPB9Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -070019:55falsefull41701704Who doesn't like a nice pat on the back? It can be especially valuable when that credit comes from within. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about giving yourself credit and focusing on what you've accomplished rather than what you still have left to do. Discussion topics include: • Deep cleaning a basement (or not) • The weird unwritten rule that can prevent us from appreciating our successes until our projects are completed • The value of looking back on your successes periodically • Setting up your task list so you give yourself credit for each thing you do • Giving yourself credit for moving away from perfectionism • How you deserve credit for learning new things even if you feel you should have already known those things • Shannon's almost-complete decluttering project and how she's paying attention to what she has yet to do rather than what she has accomplished • The unfortunate tendency to move the goal post, rather than giving yourself credit for progress. • Making a practice of noticing what you've achieved every time you notice a problem • Tracking your accomplishments • How we tend to focus on negative feedback and ignore the positive feedback • The feedback sandwich! ("It's like a pat on the back wrapped around a wish.") • Janine and Shannon's commitment to trying a daily feedback sandwich in their own lives See the show notes on www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update and link on the feedback sandwich.Episode 169: Make a Bad Day BetterEveryone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it's possible to reset bad day

  • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

  • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side

  • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it

  • "Yes, and..."

  • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude

  • Learning from our bad days

  • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day

  • The value of a good laugh on a bad day

  ]]>Everyone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it's possible to reset bad day

  • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day

  • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side

  • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it

  • "Yes, and..."

  • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude

  • Learning from our bad days

  • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day

  • The value of a good laugh on a bad day

  ]]>DX9PP0N6-OK73NMIThu, 19 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -070019:12falsefull41691694Everyone has a bad day some time. On the day we recorded this episode, Janine was experiencing a bad day that left a dark cloud hanging over her head. Shannon was able to make suggestions that helped her (and can help you) make a bad day better. Discussion topics include: • How it's possible to reset bad day • Janine's terrible, horrible, no good very bad day • Taking a step back during a bad day and looking on the bright side • Wallowing vs trying to snap out of it • "Yes, and..." • The importance of acknowledging when something sucks; it allows your unconscious mind to feel gratitude • Learning from our bad days • Giving yourself a reset by moving your body and shifting your energy • Getting in touch with what's important to you to help you get past a bad day • The value of a good laugh on a bad day Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 168: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)We've all felt the Fear of Missing Out. It can prompt us to do things that might not be in our best interest. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss FOMO and some strategies for not falling prey to it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's love for her Wool& wool dresses (despite the summer heat)

  • How a fear of missing out may have prompted the purchase of her sixth wool dress

  • Shannon's desire for Janine to get a seventh wool dress and embroider the days of the week on them

  • Shannon's recognition of FOMO as a reason she was tempted to take a third cartooning class

  • How getting in touch with what was important to her helped her decline the opportunity

  • One antidote for FOMO: Reminding yourself of the things you're saying no and how it hasn't been a problem

  • FOMO as it relates to the crazy used car market

  • Our recurring theme: The value of getting in touch with what's important to you to quell FOMO

  • Weighing the effort required and whether it's worth it to act out of a fear of missing out

  • The relative nature of "too much work" and recognizing your threshold for what is too much

  • Checking in with your values when you realize you're acting out of a fear of missing out

  ]]>We've all felt the Fear of Missing Out. It can prompt us to do things that might not be in our best interest. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss FOMO and some strategies for not falling prey to it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's love for her Wool& wool dresses (despite the summer heat)

  • How a fear of missing out may have prompted the purchase of her sixth wool dress

  • Shannon's desire for Janine to get a seventh wool dress and embroider the days of the week on them

  • Shannon's recognition of FOMO as a reason she was tempted to take a third cartooning class

  • How getting in touch with what was important to her helped her decline the opportunity

  • One antidote for FOMO: Reminding yourself of the things you're saying no and how it hasn't been a problem

  • FOMO as it relates to the crazy used car market

  • Our recurring theme: The value of getting in touch with what's important to you to quell FOMO

  • Weighing the effort required and whether it's worth it to act out of a fear of missing out

  • The relative nature of "too much work" and recognizing your threshold for what is too much

  • Checking in with your values when you realize you're acting out of a fear of missing out

  ]]>7QQUJNZ2-09YSYVIThu, 12 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -070019:23falsefull41681684We've all felt the Fear of Missing Out. It can prompt us to do things that might not be in our best interest. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss FOMO and some strategies for not falling prey to it. Discussion topics include: • Janine's love for her Wool& wool dresses (despite the summer heat) • How a fear of missing out may have prompted the purchase of her sixth wool dress • Shannon's desire for Janine to get a seventh wool dress and embroider the days of the week on them • Shannon's recognition of FOMO as a reason she was tempted to take a third cartooning class • How getting in touch with what was important to her helped her decline the opportunity • One antidote for FOMO: Reminding yourself of the things you're saying no and how it hasn't been a problem • FOMO as it relates to the crazy used car market • Our recurring theme: The value of getting in touch with what's important to you to quell FOMO • Weighing the effort required and whether it's worth it to act out of a fear of missing out • The relative nature of "too much work" and recognizing your threshold for what is too much • Checking in with your values when you realize you're acting out of a fear of missing out Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 167: Letting Go (Redux)Letting go (of things like negative emotions, beliefs and physical stuff) is a recurring theme in the podcast, especially in recent weeks. So we decided to re-run this episode on letting go, recorded in January 2019. Spoiler alert: It was during this episode that we decided to change our tag line!

  Janine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How January is a great time for letting go

  • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients)

  • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you

  • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love

  • A change to our podcast’s tagline!

  • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful

  • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface

  • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true

  • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practice

  ]]>Letting go (of things like negative emotions, beliefs and physical stuff) is a recurring theme in the podcast, especially in recent weeks. So we decided to re-run this episode on letting go, recorded in January 2019. Spoiler alert: It was during this episode that we decided to change our tag line!

  Janine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How January is a great time for letting go

  • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients)

  • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you

  • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love

  • A change to our podcast’s tagline!

  • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful

  • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface

  • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true

  • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practice

  ]]>2MT1QBLR-C6NOECDThu, 05 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -070037:20falsefull41671674Letting go (of things like negative emotions, beliefs and physical stuff) is a recurring theme in the podcast, especially in recent weeks. So we decided to re-run this episode on letting go, recorded in January 2019. Spoiler alert: It was during this episode that we decided to change our tag line! Janine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go! Discussion topics include: • How January is a great time for letting go • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients) • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love • A change to our podcast’s tagline! • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practice Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 166: The Problem with BalanceMany of us yearn for balance in our lives. But perhaps that's not the healthiest thing to strive for. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of the urge for balance and instead looking toward adding harmony in our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The elusive nature of "balance"

  • The pressure of feeling that everything has to be in balance

  • How trying to maintain balance can be paralyzing

  • Shifting to a goal of harmony, rather than balance

  • The ebb and flow of harmony and melody

  • The effect of little changes in maintaining harmony

  • How a shift in language can make a difference on the unconscious level

  • The vast difference in the feeling that the word balance evokes, compared with harmony

  • Another possible goal: equanimity (which is easier to achieve when harmony is your guiding principle)

  • How balance feels more effortful than harmony

  • Allowing space for ebb and flow in a harmonious life

  ]]>Many of us yearn for balance in our lives. But perhaps that's not the healthiest thing to strive for. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of the urge for balance and instead looking toward adding harmony in our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The elusive nature of "balance"

  • The pressure of feeling that everything has to be in balance

  • How trying to maintain balance can be paralyzing

  • Shifting to a goal of harmony, rather than balance

  • The ebb and flow of harmony and melody

  • The effect of little changes in maintaining harmony

  • How a shift in language can make a difference on the unconscious level

  • The vast difference in the feeling that the word balance evokes, compared with harmony

  • Another possible goal: equanimity (which is easier to achieve when harmony is your guiding principle)

  • How balance feels more effortful than harmony

  • Allowing space for ebb and flow in a harmonious life

  ]]>D4VPGF1L-F426GVIThu, 29 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -070017:30falsefull41661664Many of us yearn for balance in our lives. But perhaps that's not the healthiest thing to strive for. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of the urge for balance and instead looking toward adding harmony in our lives. Discussion topics include: • The elusive nature of "balance" • The pressure of feeling that everything has to be in balance • How trying to maintain balance can be paralyzing • Shifting to a goal of harmony, rather than balance • The ebb and flow of harmony and melody • The effect of little changes in maintaining harmony • How a shift in language can make a difference on the unconscious level • The vast difference in the feeling that the word balance evokes, compared with harmony • Another possible goal: equanimity (which is easier to achieve when harmony is your guiding principle) • How balance feels more effortful than harmony • Allowing space for ebb and flow in a harmonious life Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 165: The Power of LanguageWords matter. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how shifting our language just a hair can shift our outcomes.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon survived the Portland heat wave!

  • The value of shifting your language

  • Changing "should" or "need to" to "choose to" can be very powerful

  • How "need to" puts you into flight or fight mode

  • The calming effect of "choose to"

  • How digging into why some tasks are important can help you choose to do them

  • Reframing your language to shift you into "good enough" mode

  • The power of the name you give a space

  • Experiencing the impact of subtle shifts of language

  • How changing language requires changing some habits

  • Janine's hand-lettered "What do I choose to do?" note

  • A living example: We changed our podcast tagline from "overcome" to "let go of" in early 2019

  • Cutting yourself some slack as you make things changes in your language

  • Thinking about the language you use in communicating with others

  • How a shift in language can make you more productive

  ]]>Words matter. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how shifting our language just a hair can shift our outcomes.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon survived the Portland heat wave!

  • The value of shifting your language

  • Changing "should" or "need to" to "choose to" can be very powerful

  • How "need to" puts you into flight or fight mode

  • The calming effect of "choose to"

  • How digging into why some tasks are important can help you choose to do them

  • Reframing your language to shift you into "good enough" mode

  • The power of the name you give a space

  • Experiencing the impact of subtle shifts of language

  • How changing language requires changing some habits

  • Janine's hand-lettered "What do I choose to do?" note

  • A living example: We changed our podcast tagline from "overcome" to "let go of" in early 2019

  • Cutting yourself some slack as you make things changes in your language

  • Thinking about the language you use in communicating with others

  • How a shift in language can make you more productive

  ]]>HWXVC4VH-IRIZFRThu, 22 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -070018:52falsefull41651654Words matter. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how shifting our language just a hair can shift our outcomes. Discussion topics include: • Shannon survived the Portland heat wave! • The value of shifting your language • Changing "should" or "need to" to "choose to" can be very powerful • How "need to" puts you into flight or fight mode • The calming effect of "choose to" • How digging into why some tasks are important can help you choose to do them • Reframing your language to shift you into "good enough" mode • The power of the name you give a space • Experiencing the impact of subtle shifts of language • How changing language requires changing some habits • Janine's hand-lettered "What do I choose to do?" note that you can download from the show notes • A living example: We changed our podcast tagline from "overcome" to "let go of" in early 2019 • Cutting yourself some slack as you make things changes in your language • Thinking about the language you use in communicating with others • How a shift in language can make you more productive Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to download a reminder about language you can use on your own bulletin board!Episode 164: Cut Yourself Some SlackTimes are tough these days--just ask Shannon who was on the cusp of a record-breaking heat wave when we recorded this episode at the end of June 2021. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to cut ourselves some slack during difficult times, as well as some suggestions for how to do that.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's abiding love for wool, even in summer

  • The heat wave that was about to (and did) hit Portland when we recorded this episode at the end of June

  • How extreme weather can impede our productivity

  • Practicing self care by cutting yourself slack when conditions aren't normal

  • Don't forget: What we've gone through with COVID merits treating yourself with kindness--even as things open up.

  • Cutting yourself slack when you're grieving

  • The ambient loss we're all feeling over the last 18 months

  • Shannon's words that have turned into Janine's mantra: "I'm fine where I am."

  • Permitting yourself to take naps (or perform other acts of self care)

  • Cutting yourself some slack by reducing your tasks to a manageable number

  • Looking for places where you can say no and being mindful of your capacity

  • Our desire for you to be kinder to yourself

  
  

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!

  ]]>Times are tough these days--just ask Shannon who was on the cusp of a record-breaking heat wave when we recorded this episode at the end of June 2021. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to cut ourselves some slack during difficult times, as well as some suggestions for how to do that.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's abiding love for wool, even in summer

  • The heat wave that was about to (and did) hit Portland when we recorded this episode at the end of June

  • How extreme weather can impede our productivity

  • Practicing self care by cutting yourself slack when conditions aren't normal

  • Don't forget: What we've gone through with COVID merits treating yourself with kindness--even as things open up.

  • Cutting yourself slack when you're grieving

  • The ambient loss we're all feeling over the last 18 months

  • Shannon's words that have turned into Janine's mantra: "I'm fine where I am."

  • Permitting yourself to take naps (or perform other acts of self care)

  • Cutting yourself some slack by reducing your tasks to a manageable number

  • Looking for places where you can say no and being mindful of your capacity

  • Our desire for you to be kinder to yourself

  
  

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!

  ]]>60NKDF5F-AHMPLDIThu, 15 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -070019:38falsefull41641644Times are tough these days--just ask Shannon who was on the cusp of a record-breaking heat wave when we recorded this episode at the end of June 2021. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to cut ourselves some slack during difficult times, as well as some suggestions for how to do that. Discussion topics include: • Janine's abiding love for wool, even in summer • The heat wave that was about to (and did) hit Portland when we recorded this episode at the end of June • How extreme weather can impede our productivity • Practicing self care by cutting yourself slack when conditions aren't normal • Don't forget: What we've gone through with COVID merits treating yourself with kindness--even as things open up. • Cutting yourself slack when you're grieving • The ambient loss we're all feeling over the last 18 months • Shannon's words that have turned into Janine's mantra: "I'm fine where I am." • Permitting yourself to take naps (or perform other acts of self care) • Cutting yourself some slack by reducing your tasks to a manageable number • Looking for places where you can say no and being mindful of your capacity • Our desire for you to be kinder to yourself Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 163: How Do You Relax? (Redux)In 2019, in Episode 46, Shannon and Janine discussed the importance of taking time to relax and not letting perfectionism get in the way. Fast forward two years and the topic seems more relevant than ever, so we're re-running the episode.

  Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How Shannon and Janine relax

  • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation

  • Reading as relaxation

  • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it)

  • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical

  • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike!

  • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing

  • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice

  • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation

  • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity

  • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation"

  • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed

  • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive

  • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax

  
  

  See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and a picture of Shannon's electric bike!

  ]]>In 2019, in Episode 46, Shannon and Janine discussed the importance of taking time to relax and not letting perfectionism get in the way. Fast forward two years and the topic seems more relevant than ever, so we're re-running the episode.

  Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing.

  
  

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How Shannon and Janine relax

  • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation

  • Reading as relaxation

  • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it)

  • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical

  • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike!

  • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing

  • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice

  • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation

  • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity

  • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation"

  • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed

  • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive

  • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax

  
  

  See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and a picture of Shannon's electric bike!

  ]]>DTS7H99B-HFRThu, 08 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -070039:54falsefull41631634In 2019, in Episode 46, Shannon and Janine discussed the importance of taking time to relax and not letting perfectionism get in the way. Fast forward two years and the topic seems more relevant than ever, so we're re-running the episode. Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing. Discussion topics include: • How Shannon and Janine relax • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation • Reading as relaxation • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it) • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike! • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation" • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and a picture of Shannon's electric bike!Episode 162: Competing Priorities - Part 2In Episode 161, Janine and Shannon discussed some of the principles surrounding navigating competing priorities. In this follow-up episode we talk about some specific ways to choose between competing priorities.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's "pull my finger method" of deciding between competing options (also known as muscle testing)

  • How anticipating a response to muscle testing or flipping a coin--as well as how you feel when you get the result--can be revealing

  • Tapping your unconscious mind to make decisions

  • Understanding your internal yes and no signals

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's downloadable product, "Boring Change," which can help harness your unconscious knowledge (consciously or unconsciously)

  • What our conscious vs unconscious mind can (or cannot) hold on to (spoiler alert: our unconscious mind might be more powerful than a supercomputer!)

  • Writing things down in order to get clarity

  Shannon's journaling cue: "What's important for me to do next?"

  • Getting out of the headspace of "shoulds" and other people's expectations and into the headspace of what's important to you

  • How consequences of saying no are often less dire than you expect

  • Getting in touch with your why and core values to guide how you spend your time and energy

  • Paying attention to those times when you're trying to talk yourself into a decision

  • The good old pro and con list

  • Recognizing that there isn't a perfect choice

  
  

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links!

  ]]>In Episode 161, Janine and Shannon discussed some of the principles surrounding navigating competing priorities. In this follow-up episode we talk about some specific ways to choose between competing priorities.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Janine's "pull my finger method" of deciding between competing options (also known as muscle testing)

  • How anticipating a response to muscle testing or flipping a coin--as well as how you feel when you get the result--can be revealing

  • Tapping your unconscious mind to make decisions

  • Understanding your internal yes and no signals

  • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's downloadable product, "Boring Change," which can help harness your unconscious knowledge (consciously or unconsciously)

  • What our conscious vs unconscious mind can (or cannot) hold on to (spoiler alert: our unconscious mind might be more powerful than a supercomputer!)

  • Writing things down in order to get clarity

  Shannon's journaling cue: "What's important for me to do next?"

  • Getting out of the headspace of "shoulds" and other people's expectations and into the headspace of what's important to you

  • How consequences of saying no are often less dire than you expect

  • Getting in touch with your why and core values to guide how you spend your time and energy

  • Paying attention to those times when you're trying to talk yourself into a decision

  • The good old pro and con list

  • Recognizing that there isn't a perfect choice

  
  

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links!

  ]]>H34Z3X9N-IY66RThu, 01 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -070022:54falsefull41621624In Episode 161, Janine and Shannon discussed some of the principles surrounding navigating competing priorities. In this follow-up episode we talk about some specific ways to choose between competing priorities. Discussion topics include: • Janine's "pull my finger method" of deciding between competing options (also known as muscle testing) • How anticipating a response to muscle testing or flipping a coin--as well as how you feel when you get the result--can be revealing • Tapping your unconscious mind to make decisions • Understanding your internal yes and no signals • Janine's enthusiasm for Shannon's downloadable product, "Boring Change," which can help harness your unconscious knowledge (consciously or unconsciously) • What our conscious vs unconscious mind can (or cannot) hold on to (spoiler alert: our unconscious mind might be more powerful than a supercomputer!) • Writing things down in order to get clarity Shannon's journaling cue: "What's important for me to do next?" • Getting out of the headspace of "shoulds" and other people's expectations and into the headspace of what's important to you • How consequences of saying no are often less dire than you expect • Getting in touch with your why and core values to guide how you spend your time and energy • Paying attention to those times when you're trying to talk yourself into a decision • The good old pro and con list • Recognizing that there isn't a perfect choice Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links!Episode 161: Competing Priorities - Part 1Choosing among competing priorities can be difficult under the best of circumstances. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the challenge of figuring out which things deserve your energy, particularly when you're trying to get back on track after a crisis of some sort.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A hilarious meme about people getting their words mixed up

  • How competing priorities are made more challenging by the summer and the opening up after the pandemic

  • Dealing with the back-burner items after things ease up

  • Taking care of yourself in the aftermath of challenging situations

  • Floating in a flotation tank as self care

  • Remembering the things you wanted to do when you didn't have time to do them

  • Choosing among competing priorities

  • Being conscientious about how you use your energy

  • Letting go of "should" in favor of "want" or "need"

  • How something that had been considered self care sometimes isn't the best thing to do for yourself

  • The difficulty of choosing when everything feels like it deserves your energy

  • The struggle to put your own priorities ahead of those of others

  • Cutting yourself some slack when things don't go as planned

  • Choosing what you want to focus on during challenging times

  Watch for Competing Priorities - Part 2 next week for some guidance on how to choose among competing priorities!

  ]]>Choosing among competing priorities can be difficult under the best of circumstances. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the challenge of figuring out which things deserve your energy, particularly when you're trying to get back on track after a crisis of some sort.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A hilarious meme about people getting their words mixed up

  • How competing priorities are made more challenging by the summer and the opening up after the pandemic

  • Dealing with the back-burner items after things ease up

  • Taking care of yourself in the aftermath of challenging situations

  • Floating in a flotation tank as self care

  • Remembering the things you wanted to do when you didn't have time to do them

  • Choosing among competing priorities

  • Being conscientious about how you use your energy

  • Letting go of "should" in favor of "want" or "need"

  • How something that had been considered self care sometimes isn't the best thing to do for yourself

  • The difficulty of choosing when everything feels like it deserves your energy

  • The struggle to put your own priorities ahead of those of others

  • Cutting yourself some slack when things don't go as planned

  • Choosing what you want to focus on during challenging times

  Watch for Competing Priorities - Part 2 next week for some guidance on how to choose among competing priorities!

  ]]>9CW3GO7W-9K9Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -070018:30falsefull41611614Choosing among competing priorities can be difficult under the best of circumstances. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the challenge of figuring out which things deserve your energy, particularly when you're trying to get back on track after a crisis of some sort. Discussion topics include: • A hilarious meme about people getting their words mixed up • How competing priorities are made more challenging by the summer and the opening up after the pandemic • Dealing with the back-burner items after things ease up • Taking care of yourself in the aftermath of challenging situations • Floating in a flotation tank as self care • Remembering the things you wanted to do when you didn't have time to do them • Choosing among competing priorities • Being conscientious about how you use your energy • Letting go of "should" in favor of "want" or "need" • How something that had been considered self care sometimes isn't the best thing to do for yourself • The difficulty of choosing when everything feels like it deserves your energy • The struggle to put your own priorities ahead of those of others • Cutting yourself some slack when things don't go as planned • Choosing what you want to focus on during challenging times Watch for Competing Priorities - Part 2 next week for some guidance on how to choose among competing priorities! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.ccom for a link to the hilarious meme!Episode 160: Three Pillars for Three YearsWe're celebrating our podcast's third anniversary! This week, in honor of their three years of podcasting, Janine and Shannon discuss the three pillars that underlie Getting to Good Enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The podcast's third anniversary!

  • How the podcast has helped us (and, we hope, others)

  • How far we've come, when it comes to letting go of perfectionism, thanks to the podcast

  • The three pillars of getting to good enough:

  • Pillar One: Done is better than perfect

  • Pillar Two: Know your why

  • Pillar Three: Good enough is good enough

  • Our working definition of a perfectionist: Someone who spends more time on a task than it merits

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of getting things done (both starting and finishing projects)

  • The perils of wanting to "get it right"

  • The value of a good-enough attitude to get you started on something and help you finish it

  • How there are a many ways to get things right

  • A prevailing theme of this podcast: Identifying why something is important to you to help you understand where good enough lies

  • Shannon's experience in building a house: The sum of a whole lot of good-enough decisions resulted in something really special.

  • The difficulty of letting go and being okay with good enough when you're living in the perfectionism zone

  • Good enough: A muscle you need to stretch rather than flex

  • The value of practicing embracing good enough now so that it's available to you when you're under stress

  
  

  Please join us in celebrating!

  ]]>We're celebrating our podcast's third anniversary! This week, in honor of their three years of podcasting, Janine and Shannon discuss the three pillars that underlie Getting to Good Enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The podcast's third anniversary!

  • How the podcast has helped us (and, we hope, others)

  • How far we've come, when it comes to letting go of perfectionism, thanks to the podcast

  • The three pillars of getting to good enough:

  • Pillar One: Done is better than perfect

  • Pillar Two: Know your why

  • Pillar Three: Good enough is good enough

  • Our working definition of a perfectionist: Someone who spends more time on a task than it merits

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of getting things done (both starting and finishing projects)

  • The perils of wanting to "get it right"

  • The value of a good-enough attitude to get you started on something and help you finish it

  • How there are a many ways to get things right

  • A prevailing theme of this podcast: Identifying why something is important to you to help you understand where good enough lies

  • Shannon's experience in building a house: The sum of a whole lot of good-enough decisions resulted in something really special.

  • The difficulty of letting go and being okay with good enough when you're living in the perfectionism zone

  • Good enough: A muscle you need to stretch rather than flex

  • The value of practicing embracing good enough now so that it's available to you when you're under stress

  
  

  Please join us in celebrating!

  ]]>4F33SXIO-IGDGQFRFri, 18 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -070025:33falsefull31601603We're celebrating our podcast's third anniversary! This week, in honor of their three years of podcasting, Janine and Shannon discuss the three pillars that underlie Getting to Good Enough. Discussion topics include: • The podcast's third anniversary! • How the podcast has helped us (and, we hope, others) • How far we've come, when it comes to letting go of perfectionism, thanks to the podcast • The three pillars of getting to good enough: • Pillar One: Done is better than perfect • Pillar Two: Know your why • Pillar Three: Good enough is good enough • Our working definition of a perfectionist: Someone who spends more time on a task than it merits • How perfectionism can get in the way of getting things done (both starting and finishing projects) • The perils of wanting to "get it right" • The value of a good-enough attitude to get you started on something and help you finish it • How there are a many ways to get things right • A prevailing theme of this podcast: Identifying why something is important to you to help you understand where good enough lies • Shannon's experience in building a house: The sum of a whole lot of good-enough decisions resulted in something really special. • The difficulty of letting go and being okay with good enough when you're living in the perfectionism zone • Good enough: A muscle you need to stretch rather than flex • The value of practicing embracing good enough now so that it's available to you when you're under stress Please join us in celebrating!Episode 159: Relinquishing ControlIt can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things

  • Focusing on the things we do have control over

  • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us

  • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism

  • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses

  • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses

  • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists

  • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control

  • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done

  • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project

  • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier

  • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks

  • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control

  • Happy third anniversary to the podcast!

  • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want

  ]]>It can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things

  • Focusing on the things we do have control over

  • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us

  • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism

  • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses

  • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses

  • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists

  • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control

  • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done

  • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project

  • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier

  • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks

  • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control

  • Happy third anniversary to the podcast!

  • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want

  ]]>7JVXDL77-CM1JORThu, 10 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -070019:34falsefull31591593It can be so frustrating when you don't have control over things in your life. This week Shannon and Janine discuss relinquishing your desire for control over things you can't control. It's a recipe for living with more satisfaction and less frustration. Discussion topics include: • The frustration we can feel about not having control over things • Focusing on the things we do have control over • The feeling of control over our money that YNAB gives us • How feeling you're not in control can be particularly difficult for people who struggle with perfectionism • One particular frustration: Lack of control over other people's behavior or responses • What you actually have control over: How you react to other people's behavior or responses • Negotiating tricky spousal issues, particularly in relationships between perfectionists and non-perfectionists • How this is really about relinquishing your desire for control • Shannon's experience building a house and how relinquishing her desire for control over everything allowed her to get the project done • The utility of deciding upfront that she would not micromanage the project • The mechanism Shannon used to make all the house-building decisions easier • Letting go of control when you're delegating tasks • The value of knowing why your outcome is important to help you pinpoint those things you don't need to control • Happy third anniversary to the podcast! • Communicating clearly to try to get the response you want Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.comEpisode 158: Function vs BeautyIs it more important for something to be beautiful or functional? This week Janine and Shannon (recording together in person!) discuss this important question. While sometimes you can have both function and beauty, we agree that focusing on function can help you get past perfectionism so you can actually create the solution you're seeking for a problem.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Our giddiness over podcasting together in the same room

  • The inspiration for this episode: Shannon's new laundry basket system

  • Shannon's realization that her desire to replicate a beautiful handcrafted laundry basket holder meant she didn't have any system at all

  • The less-fancy system that Shannon created based on her inspiration system

  • How having laundry baskets that match one another is infinitely better than unmatched, old hampers

  • The result: A not unattractive (though not beautiful), functional system

  • Janine's functional leash-storage system (that is better than a pile)

  • The value of thinking of the less-than-perfect system as an interim step

  • Simplifying laundry

  • Shannon's onion bowl: A wonderful blend of function and beauty

  • Choosing lovely containers for items that stay out in the open

  • How beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder

  
  

  Visit the shown notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!

  ]]>Is it more important for something to be beautiful or functional? This week Janine and Shannon (recording together in person!) discuss this important question. While sometimes you can have both function and beauty, we agree that focusing on function can help you get past perfectionism so you can actually create the solution you're seeking for a problem.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • Our giddiness over podcasting together in the same room

  • The inspiration for this episode: Shannon's new laundry basket system

  • Shannon's realization that her desire to replicate a beautiful handcrafted laundry basket holder meant she didn't have any system at all

  • The less-fancy system that Shannon created based on her inspiration system

  • How having laundry baskets that match one another is infinitely better than unmatched, old hampers

  • The result: A not unattractive (though not beautiful), functional system

  • Janine's functional leash-storage system (that is better than a pile)

  • The value of thinking of the less-than-perfect system as an interim step

  • Simplifying laundry

  • Shannon's onion bowl: A wonderful blend of function and beauty

  • Choosing lovely containers for items that stay out in the open

  • How beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder

  
  

  Visit the shown notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!

  ]]>IBF0T3ER-B65HFRThu, 03 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -070019:51falsefull31581583Is it more important for something to be beautiful or functional? This week Janine and Shannon (recording together in person!) discuss this important question. While sometimes you can have both function and beauty, we agree that focusing on function can help you get past perfectionism so you can actually create the solution you're seeking for a problem. Discussion topics include: • Our giddiness over podcasting together in the same room • The inspiration for this episode: Shannon's new laundry basket system • Shannon's realization that her desire to replicate a beautiful handcrafted laundry basket holder meant she didn't have any system at all • The less-fancy system that Shannon created based on her inspiration system • How having laundry baskets that match one another is infinitely better than unmatched, old hampers • The result: A not unattractive (though not beautiful), functional system • Janine's functional leash-storage system (that is better than a pile) • The value of thinking of the less-than-perfect system as an interim step • Simplifying laundry • Shannon's onion bowl: A wonderful blend of function and beauty • Choosing lovely containers for items that stay out in the open • How beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder Visit the shown notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!Episode 157: Bright Shiny Object Syndrome (Redux)Back in 2019, Shannon and Janine had a discussion of how to stop being taken off-course by bright shiny objects. The subject is as relevant as ever, so we thought we'd run it again in case you missed it the first time!

  Like the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it, as well as for harnessing it for good.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs)

  • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs

  • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later

  • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage

  • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management

  • Building BSOs into your plan for your day

  • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you

  • How being kind to yourself fits into the picture

  ]]>Back in 2019, Shannon and Janine had a discussion of how to stop being taken off-course by bright shiny objects. The subject is as relevant as ever, so we thought we'd run it again in case you missed it the first time!

  Like the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it, as well as for harnessing it for good.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs)

  • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs

  • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later

  • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage

  • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management

  • Building BSOs into your plan for your day

  • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you

  • How being kind to yourself fits into the picture

  ]]>4JRHP7SJ-BXIRUDIThu, 27 May 2021 14:00:00 -070034:03falsefull31571573Back in 2019, Shannon and Janine had a discussion of how to stop being taken off-course by bright shiny objects. The subject is as relevant as ever, so we thought we'd run it again in case you missed it the first time! Like the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it, as well as for harnessing it for good. Discussion topics include: • How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs) • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management • Building BSOs into your plan for your day • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you • How being kind to yourself fits into the picture Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 156: Feeling Good About Good EnoughGetting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Embracing the goodness of "good enough"

  • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out"

  •The journey of getting comfortable with good enough

  • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time

  • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough

  • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly

  • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection

  • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life

  • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts

  • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice

  • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect)

  • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough

  • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memory

  ]]>Getting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Embracing the goodness of "good enough"

  • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out"

  •The journey of getting comfortable with good enough

  • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time

  • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough

  • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly

  • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection

  • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life

  • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts

  • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice

  • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect)

  • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough

  • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memory

  ]]>1V4BNP25-BQ1O47VThu, 20 May 2021 14:00:00 -070019:52falsefull31561563Getting comfortable with stopping at good enough (rather than pursuing perfection) can be tough for some people. But it can also be really beneficial. This week Janine and Shannon talk about how and why to feel good about good enough. Discussion topics include: • Embracing the goodness of "good enough" • Rejecting the negative connotations of "good enough" and "taking the easy way out" •The journey of getting comfortable with good enough • How Shannon was able to get more comfortable with good enough a little at a time • Questioning the thoughts you have about perfectionism to make it easier to embrace good enough • Paying attention to progress (and feeling good about progress), rather than trying to do something perfectly • Being okay with what's reasonable as opposed to striving for the unreasonable expectation of perfection • Practicing feeling good about good enough in every day life • Shannon's practice of feeling good about good enough (and working little and often) in her garden-clean-up efforts • Shannon's good-enough lawn mowing practice • The beauty of being able to walk away from something knowing that it's goof enough (if not perfect) • Saving bandwidth by embracing good enough • Being kind to yourself about having a bad memoryEpisode 155: Financial WellnessAriel Nathanson, a financial coach and owner of Finances for Feminists, is this week's special guest. Shannon and Janine talk with Ariel about women, financial awareness and getting past perfectionism when it comes to your money.

  • Our excitement over our special guest, Ariel Nathanson, who is both Janine's friend and Shannon's client

  • How Ariel helps women attain clarity around their finances as a financial coach with Finances for Feminists

  • How women in particular tend to be reluctant to talk about money

  • Ariel's mission to change the conversation around money

  • The common misperception that money is bad

  • How fear and vulnerability can make those conversations difficult

  • How perfectionism can be tied to fear of being judged (or judging oneself harshly)

  • The reluctance to face reality that can come with perfectionism

  • How a financial coach can make it easier

  • The power of curiosity to diminish perfectionistic tendencies

  • Ariel's curiosity of what finally got Janine to try YNAB (You Need A Budget), the budgeting software that Janine and Shannon love so much

  • How interacting YNAB has become a daily treat for both Shannon and Janine

  • Shannon's former belief that if she had enough money she wouldn't have to think about money; the opposite has proven to be true

  • The exercise around mindful spending that Ariel does with her clients, where she asks them to reflect on how they feel about each expenditure

  • How paying attention to how you feel about spending money can shift your spending patterns

  • The "naturally slender eating technique" in NLP that is similar to the mindful spending technique

  • Values-based spending

  • Getting in touch with your feelings if you have a difficult time looking at your credit card statement

  • Approaching financial awareness in bite-sized steps

  • The areas that Ariel focuses on with her Finance Fundamentals coaching clients

  • How money can be viewed as an opportunity, not a restriction

  • The importance of a good credit score and how it can affect so many opportunities

  • How knowledge can provide power and freedom

  ]]>Ariel Nathanson, a financial coach and owner of Finances for Feminists, is this week's special guest. Shannon and Janine talk with Ariel about women, financial awareness and getting past perfectionism when it comes to your money.

  • Our excitement over our special guest, Ariel Nathanson, who is both Janine's friend and Shannon's client

  • How Ariel helps women attain clarity around their finances as a financial coach with Finances for Feminists

  • How women in particular tend to be reluctant to talk about money

  • Ariel's mission to change the conversation around money

  • The common misperception that money is bad

  • How fear and vulnerability can make those conversations difficult

  • How perfectionism can be tied to fear of being judged (or judging oneself harshly)

  • The reluctance to face reality that can come with perfectionism

  • How a financial coach can make it easier

  • The power of curiosity to diminish perfectionistic tendencies

  • Ariel's curiosity of what finally got Janine to try YNAB (You Need A Budget), the budgeting software that Janine and Shannon love so much

  • How interacting YNAB has become a daily treat for both Shannon and Janine

  • Shannon's former belief that if she had enough money she wouldn't have to think about money; the opposite has proven to be true

  • The exercise around mindful spending that Ariel does with her clients, where she asks them to reflect on how they feel about each expenditure

  • How paying attention to how you feel about spending money can shift your spending patterns

  • The "naturally slender eating technique" in NLP that is similar to the mindful spending technique

  • Values-based spending

  • Getting in touch with your feelings if you have a difficult time looking at your credit card statement

  • Approaching financial awareness in bite-sized steps

  • The areas that Ariel focuses on with her Finance Fundamentals coaching clients

  • How money can be viewed as an opportunity, not a restriction

  • The importance of a good credit score and how it can affect so many opportunities

  • How knowledge can provide power and freedom

  ]]>85GU8KJ2-ADZPVIThu, 13 May 2021 14:00:00 -070034:19falsefull31551553Ariel Nathanson, a financial coach and owner of Finances for Feminists, is this week's special guest. Shannon and Janine talk with Ariel about women, financial awareness and getting past perfectionism when it comes to your money. • Our excitement over our special guest, Ariel Nathanson, who is both Janine's friend and Shannon's client • How Ariel helps women attain clarity around their finances as a financial coach with Finances for Feminists • How women in particular tend to be reluctant to talk about money • Ariel's mission to change the conversation around money • The common misperception that money is bad • How fear and vulnerability can make those conversations difficult • How perfectionism can be tied to fear of being judged (or judging oneself harshly) • The reluctance to face reality that can come with perfectionism • How a financial coach can make it easier • The power of curiosity to diminish perfectionistic tendencies • Ariel's curiosity of what finally got Janine to try YNAB (You Need A Budget), the budgeting software that Janine and Shannon love so much • How interacting YNAB has become a daily treat for both Shannon and Janine • Shannon's former belief that if she had enough money she wouldn't have to think about money; the opposite has proven to be true • The exercise around mindful spending that Ariel does with her clients, where she asks them to reflect on how they feel about each expenditure • How paying attention to how you feel about spending money can shift your spending patterns • The "naturally slender eating technique" in NLP that is similar to the mindful spending technique • Values-based spending • Getting in touch with your feelings if you have a difficult time looking at your credit card statement • Approaching financial awareness in bite-sized steps • The areas that Ariel focuses on with her Finance Fundamentals coaching clients • How money can be viewed as an opportunity, not a restriction • The importance of a good credit score and how it can affect so many opportunities • How knowledge can provide power and freedom Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links (including a link to Ariel's website, www.financesforfeminists.com).Episode 154: Stepping Out of Your Comfort ZoneIt can be hard to step out of your comfort zone, and sometimes perfectionism keeps us squarely in it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a project that has Janine stepping way out of her comfort zone and how she's trying hard to not let perfectionism get in the way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine is stepping out of her comfort zone with the publication and marketing of her new Orderly Roots genealogy guide

  • Shannon's attempts to help Janine reframe her thinking about sales

  • How perfectionism fits into Janine's discomfort

  • The difficulty in calling a writing project finished

  • The physiological effect of the stress of going out of your comfort zone

  • Figuring out what tasks merit spending more time

  • Shannon's introduction of a stressor Janine hadn't even thought of. (Thanks, Shannon.)

  • The podcast's upcoming third anniversary

  Janine's enjoyment of being new in a field and her transition into acknowledging herself as an expert

  • Shannon's insight that Janine's enjoyment of being new means she likes getting out of her comfort zone

  • The joy of having a challenge that you don't know you can achieve, something Shannon and Janine both love

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of rising to certain challenges

  • How Shannon went from being an adamant non-runner to finishing the Boston Marathon four years later

  • Shannon's husband Mike's rising to the challenge of knitting socks

  ]]>It can be hard to step out of your comfort zone, and sometimes perfectionism keeps us squarely in it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a project that has Janine stepping way out of her comfort zone and how she's trying hard to not let perfectionism get in the way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine is stepping out of her comfort zone with the publication and marketing of her new Orderly Roots genealogy guide

  • Shannon's attempts to help Janine reframe her thinking about sales

  • How perfectionism fits into Janine's discomfort

  • The difficulty in calling a writing project finished

  • The physiological effect of the stress of going out of your comfort zone

  • Figuring out what tasks merit spending more time

  • Shannon's introduction of a stressor Janine hadn't even thought of. (Thanks, Shannon.)

  • The podcast's upcoming third anniversary

  Janine's enjoyment of being new in a field and her transition into acknowledging herself as an expert

  • Shannon's insight that Janine's enjoyment of being new means she likes getting out of her comfort zone

  • The joy of having a challenge that you don't know you can achieve, something Shannon and Janine both love

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of rising to certain challenges

  • How Shannon went from being an adamant non-runner to finishing the Boston Marathon four years later

  • Shannon's husband Mike's rising to the challenge of knitting socks

  ]]>3MKIB9GF-946XBT9Thu, 06 May 2021 14:00:00 -070024:30falsefull31541543It can be hard to step out of your comfort zone, and sometimes perfectionism keeps us squarely in it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss a project that has Janine stepping way out of her comfort zone and how she's trying hard to not let perfectionism get in the way. Discussion topics include: • How Janine is stepping out of her comfort zone with the publication and marketing of her new Orderly Roots genealogy guide • Shannon's attempts to help Janine reframe her thinking about sales • How perfectionism fits into Janine's discomfort • The difficulty in calling a writing project finished • The physiological effect of the stress of going out of your comfort zone • Figuring out what tasks merit spending more time • Shannon's introduction of a stressor Janine hadn't even thought of. (Thanks, Shannon.) • The podcast's upcoming third anniversary Janine's enjoyment of being new in a field and her transition into acknowledging herself as an expert • Shannon's insight that Janine's enjoyment of being new means she likes getting out of her comfort zone • The joy of having a challenge that you don't know you can achieve, something Shannon and Janine both love • How perfectionism can get in the way of rising to certain challenges • How Shannon went from being an adamant non-runner to finishing the Boston Marathon four years later • Shannon's husband Mike's rising to the challenge of knitting socks See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to Janine's new sales pages.Episode 153: Helping Your Future SelfThinking about future you can help your present self get unstuck. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for letting go of perfectionism and taking action in ways that your future self will thank you for.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How decisions can become easier when we think about our future selves

  • Embracing good enough now so your future self will thank you

  • How Shannon let go of efficiency in favor of considering her future self by immediately processing any documents related to her mother's estate

  • Janine's new YNAB-fueled bookkeeping routines that helped her future self at tax time

  • Janine's filthy keyboard and how her future self would appreciate her cleaning it

  • Our advice: Think about future you when you're paralyzed by perfectionism

  • Scheduling a vacation to benefit your future self

  • Booking services now, rather than waiting until the perfect time

  • How thinking of your future self can shift your perspective enough to allow you take action

  • Considering your elderly future self

  • Helping your future self by making and freezing meals

  • Helping your morning self by deciding in advance what to do first thing in the morning

  • Janine's hand-lettered task list

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!

  ]]>Thinking about future you can help your present self get unstuck. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for letting go of perfectionism and taking action in ways that your future self will thank you for.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How decisions can become easier when we think about our future selves

  • Embracing good enough now so your future self will thank you

  • How Shannon let go of efficiency in favor of considering her future self by immediately processing any documents related to her mother's estate

  • Janine's new YNAB-fueled bookkeeping routines that helped her future self at tax time

  • Janine's filthy keyboard and how her future self would appreciate her cleaning it

  • Our advice: Think about future you when you're paralyzed by perfectionism

  • Scheduling a vacation to benefit your future self

  • Booking services now, rather than waiting until the perfect time

  • How thinking of your future self can shift your perspective enough to allow you take action

  • Considering your elderly future self

  • Helping your future self by making and freezing meals

  • Helping your morning self by deciding in advance what to do first thing in the morning

  • Janine's hand-lettered task list

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!

  ]]>2KY5CXJ9-9CM78PVThu, 29 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -070022:01falsefull31531533Thinking about future you can help your present self get unstuck. In this episode Shannon and Janine discuss some strategies for letting go of perfectionism and taking action in ways that your future self will thank you for. Discussion topics include: • How decisions can become easier when we think about our future selves • Embracing good enough now so your future self will thank you • How Shannon let go of efficiency in favor of considering her future self by immediately processing any documents related to her mother's estate • Janine's new YNAB-fueled bookkeeping routines that helped her future self at tax time • Janine's filthy keyboard and how her future self would appreciate her cleaning it • Our advice: Think about future you when you're paralyzed by perfectionism • Scheduling a vacation to benefit your future self • Booking services now, rather than waiting until the perfect time • How thinking of your future self can shift your perspective enough to allow you take action • Considering your elderly future self • Helping your future self by making and freezing meals • Helping your morning self by deciding in advance what to do first thing in the morning • Janine's hand-lettered task list Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for pictures and links!Episode 152: Practicing Being PresentIt's so easy to live in the past and the future without really being in the present. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how to practice being present. Shannon shares tips and techniques for practicing mindfulness, while Janine (who has been wanting to cultivate mindfulness) soaks it all in.

  Discussion topics include:

  • An update on Shannon's car-buying journey (Spoiler Alert: they bought a car!)

  • Janine's need to be more mindful

  • Remembering to be present

  • Shifting your attention toward being mindful by focusing on your breath or doing a body scan

  • Practicing being present now, not in the future

  • Inviting your unconscious mind to scan the sidewalk and be aware of what is coming up to avoid tripping during walks or runs

  • Reminding yourself what you want to pay attention to (not what you DON'T want to pay attention to)

  • Another mindfulness technique: matching your breathing with your steps when taking a walk

  • Integrating mindfulness into things that are happening naturally

  • Turning chores into an opportunity to practice mindfulness

  • How practicing mindfulness isn't an all-or-nothing proposition

  • Avoiding perfectionism in practicing being present

  • Remembering that this takes continual practice

  • The practice: check in with yourself, pay attention to your breath, be in your body and choose what you do next

  ]]>It's so easy to live in the past and the future without really being in the present. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how to practice being present. Shannon shares tips and techniques for practicing mindfulness, while Janine (who has been wanting to cultivate mindfulness) soaks it all in.

  Discussion topics include:

  • An update on Shannon's car-buying journey (Spoiler Alert: they bought a car!)

  • Janine's need to be more mindful

  • Remembering to be present

  • Shifting your attention toward being mindful by focusing on your breath or doing a body scan

  • Practicing being present now, not in the future

  • Inviting your unconscious mind to scan the sidewalk and be aware of what is coming up to avoid tripping during walks or runs

  • Reminding yourself what you want to pay attention to (not what you DON'T want to pay attention to)

  • Another mindfulness technique: matching your breathing with your steps when taking a walk

  • Integrating mindfulness into things that are happening naturally

  • Turning chores into an opportunity to practice mindfulness

  • How practicing mindfulness isn't an all-or-nothing proposition

  • Avoiding perfectionism in practicing being present

  • Remembering that this takes continual practice

  • The practice: check in with yourself, pay attention to your breath, be in your body and choose what you do next

  ]]>LOVL8IE-NBQD26GVThu, 22 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -070023:33falsefull31521523It's so easy to live in the past and the future without really being in the present. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how to practice being present. Shannon shares tips and techniques for practicing mindfulness, while Janine (who has been wanting to cultivate mindfulness) soaks it all in. Discussion topics include: • An update on Shannon's car-buying journey (Spoiler Alert: they bought a car!) • Janine's need to be more mindful • Remembering to be present • Shifting your attention toward being mindful by focusing on your breath or doing a body scan • Practicing being present now, not in the future • Inviting your unconscious mind to scan the sidewalk and be aware of what is coming up to avoid tripping during walks or runs • Reminding yourself what you want to pay attention to (not what you DON'T want to pay attention to) • Another mindfulness technique: matching your breathing with your steps when taking a walk • Integrating mindfulness into things that are happening naturally • Turning chores into an opportunity to practice mindfulness • How practicing mindfulness isn't an all-or-nothing proposition • Avoiding perfectionism in practicing being present • Remembering that this takes continual practice • The practice: check in with yourself, pay attention to your breath, be in your body and choose what you do next Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update from Janine on how she's practiced mindfulness since recording this episode.Episode 151: Task Management RevisitedShannon and Janine love talking about task management. In the past we have both used Todoist, then we both used Trello. Now Shannon's back to Todoist for her task management while Janine remains fervently loyal to Trello. In this episode, we talk about how success with task management isn't about the system you use, but more about knowing what you need.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for our task management systems

  • Shannon's on-again-off-again-back-on-again relationship with Todoist for task management

  • Todoist's gamification (streaks and Karma Points!)

  • How task management systems fail when you stop paying attention to them

  • How there's no such thing as a perfect task management system

  • Shannon's description of her Todoist projects

  • Todoist's new board view

  • Shannon's Could, Should, Want, and Will lists

  • Shannon's daily spotlight routine (focusing on a different project each day)

  • The key to success: Figuring out what you need and what isn't working for you in your current system

  • Recognizing that what we need in a task management system can change

  • Shannon's "quick wins" tasks

  • The only thing missing from Todoist in Shannon's view: confetti!

  • How we all deserve confetti

  • A side discussion on trophies

  • Finding a "good enough" task management system

  ]]>Shannon and Janine love talking about task management. In the past we have both used Todoist, then we both used Trello. Now Shannon's back to Todoist for her task management while Janine remains fervently loyal to Trello. In this episode, we talk about how success with task management isn't about the system you use, but more about knowing what you need.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our love for our task management systems

  • Shannon's on-again-off-again-back-on-again relationship with Todoist for task management

  • Todoist's gamification (streaks and Karma Points!)

  • How task management systems fail when you stop paying attention to them

  • How there's no such thing as a perfect task management system

  • Shannon's description of her Todoist projects

  • Todoist's new board view

  • Shannon's Could, Should, Want, and Will lists

  • Shannon's daily spotlight routine (focusing on a different project each day)

  • The key to success: Figuring out what you need and what isn't working for you in your current system

  • Recognizing that what we need in a task management system can change

  • Shannon's "quick wins" tasks

  • The only thing missing from Todoist in Shannon's view: confetti!

  • How we all deserve confetti

  • A side discussion on trophies

  • Finding a "good enough" task management system

  ]]>GTP54KEZ-UBX1ORThu, 15 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -070024:13falsefull31511513Shannon and Janine love talking about task management. In the past we have both used Todoist, then we both used Trello. Now Shannon's back to Todoist for her task management while Janine remains fervently loyal to Trello. In this episode, we talk about how success with task management isn't about the system you use, but more about knowing what you need. Discussion topics include: • Our love for our task management systems • Shannon's on-again-off-again-back-on-again relationship with Todoist for task management • Todoist's gamification (streaks and Karma Points!) • How task management systems fail when you stop paying attention to them • How there's no such thing as a perfect task management system • Shannon's description of her Todoist projects • Todoist's new board view • Shannon's Could, Should, Want, and Will lists • Shannon's daily spotlight routine (focusing on a different project each day) • The key to success: Figuring out what you need and what isn't working for you in your current system • Recognizing that what we need in a task management system can change • Shannon's "quick wins" tasks • The only thing missing from Todoist in Shannon's view: confetti! • How we all deserve confetti • A side discussion on trophies • Finding a "good enough" task management system Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for screen shots and links!Episode 150: Creating Helpful Work BoundariesIn this, our 150th episode (!), Janine and Shannon discuss how easy it is to blur the boundaries between work and home life, particularly when working from home. We talk about strategies to help create helpful work boundaries to make our work and home lives more distinct (and more enjoyable).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our 150th episode!

  • Janine's lament over the fact that she seems to be always working

  • Shannon's working beach trip that could have been improved with better boundaries

  • What she wished she'd done: Get clear up front--and have a clear list--about what work felt important to do while she was at the beach

  • The value of time blocking for boundaries

  • Janine's simplified version of her daily task management that she uses when traveling to be clear on what work she needs to do

  • The blurred lines between work and personal life when working from home

  • The difficulty in turning off work when technology makes it accessible 24/7

  • Creating rituals to end the work day (and make starting the next day easier)

  • How putting a stop to the work day can actually make you a more effective worker

  • The challenge of having natural working rhythms that don't coincide with the family's

  • Creating mental and physical boundaries that separate work and personal time

  ]]>In this, our 150th episode (!), Janine and Shannon discuss how easy it is to blur the boundaries between work and home life, particularly when working from home. We talk about strategies to help create helpful work boundaries to make our work and home lives more distinct (and more enjoyable).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our 150th episode!

  • Janine's lament over the fact that she seems to be always working

  • Shannon's working beach trip that could have been improved with better boundaries

  • What she wished she'd done: Get clear up front--and have a clear list--about what work felt important to do while she was at the beach

  • The value of time blocking for boundaries

  • Janine's simplified version of her daily task management that she uses when traveling to be clear on what work she needs to do

  • The blurred lines between work and personal life when working from home

  • The difficulty in turning off work when technology makes it accessible 24/7

  • Creating rituals to end the work day (and make starting the next day easier)

  • How putting a stop to the work day can actually make you a more effective worker

  • The challenge of having natural working rhythms that don't coincide with the family's

  • Creating mental and physical boundaries that separate work and personal time

  ]]>C6V34F9J-5TMAEMIThu, 08 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -070023:52falsefull31501503In this, our 150th episode (!), Janine and Shannon discuss how easy it is to blur the boundaries between work and home life, particularly when working from home. We talk about strategies to help create helpful work boundaries to make our work and home lives more distinct (and more enjoyable). Discussion topics include: • Our 150th episode! • Janine's lament over the fact that she seems to be always working • Shannon's working beach trip that could have been improved with better boundaries • What she wished she'd done: Get clear up front--and have a clear list--about what work felt important to do while she was at the beach • The value of time blocking for boundaries • Janine's simplified version of her daily task management that she uses when traveling to be clear on what work she needs to do • The blurred lines between work and personal life when working from home • The difficulty in turning off work when technology makes it accessible 24/7 • Creating rituals to end the work day (and make starting the next day easier) • How putting a stop to the work day can actually make you a more effective worker • The challenge of having natural working rhythms that don't coincide with the family's • Creating mental and physical boundaries that separate work and personal timeEpisode 149: Making Thoughtful ChoicesIt can be challenging to make thoughtful choices--whether they're large or small decisions. In this episode, Shannon shares a process that she uses to make decisions and how it helped she and her husband decide whether or not to buy a new car. (Spoiler alert: They decided not to!) This simple process can be helpful in all sorts of situations.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The two important questions that are basis of this process: (1) What problem are you trying to solve as you make a choice? and (2) What are you hoping to gain?

  • How Shannon and her husband disagreed about whether or not to buy a car because they were coming at it with different goals

  • How once they figured out what they were trying to achieve, the question became much more clear

  • The adorable car that Mike decided to wait for: The 2024 electric Volkswagen Microbus

  • Pressing pause on spending until you can make a thoughtful decision

  • How this process can apply to any decision, not just financial ones

  • Separating complicated decisions into smaller components

  • Applying the process to decluttering projects, like Shannon's bar/cookbook nook that she just decluttered

  • Another application of this process: deciding whether to take a course

  ]]>It can be challenging to make thoughtful choices--whether they're large or small decisions. In this episode, Shannon shares a process that she uses to make decisions and how it helped she and her husband decide whether or not to buy a new car. (Spoiler alert: They decided not to!) This simple process can be helpful in all sorts of situations.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The two important questions that are basis of this process: (1) What problem are you trying to solve as you make a choice? and (2) What are you hoping to gain?

  • How Shannon and her husband disagreed about whether or not to buy a car because they were coming at it with different goals

  • How once they figured out what they were trying to achieve, the question became much more clear

  • The adorable car that Mike decided to wait for: The 2024 electric Volkswagen Microbus

  • Pressing pause on spending until you can make a thoughtful decision

  • How this process can apply to any decision, not just financial ones

  • Separating complicated decisions into smaller components

  • Applying the process to decluttering projects, like Shannon's bar/cookbook nook that she just decluttered

  • Another application of this process: deciding whether to take a course

  ]]>DLSUZAGN-N6ZUXRThu, 01 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -070023:18falsefull31491493It can be challenging to make thoughtful choices--whether they're large or small decisions. In this episode, Shannon shares a process that she uses to make decisions and how it helped she and her husband decide whether or not to buy a new car. (Spoiler alert: They decided not to!) This simple process can be helpful in all sorts of situations. Discussion topics include: • The two important questions that are basis of this process: (1) What problem are you trying to solve as you make a choice? and (2) What are you hoping to gain? • How Shannon and her husband disagreed about whether or not to buy a car because they were coming at it with different goals • How once they figured out what they were trying to achieve, the question became much more clear • The adorable car that Mike decided to wait for: The 2024 electric Volkswagen Microbus • Pressing pause on spending until you can make a thoughtful decision • How this process can apply to any decision, not just financial ones • Separating complicated decisions into smaller components • Applying the process to decluttering projects, like Shannon's bar/cookbook nook that she just decluttered • Another application of this process: deciding whether to take a course Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 148: Living with LessAs the teachers of a class on decluttering, Janine and Shannon know that living with less leads to more ease. This week, they discuss how the pandemic has affected people's decluttering efforts and not letting perfectionism get in the way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Happy birthday to Shannon! (Her second pandemic birthday.)

  • The pandemic's strange effect of making some people want to hang on to more tangible items because they've lost so many intangible things during the last year

  • The great feeling of a lean closet

  • Janine's excitement over getting some new accessories to wear with her 100-day dress and the second wool dress she's getting from Wool&

  • How Shannon's once-lean closet has crept into feeling crowded again

  • Shannon's renewed desire to live with less stuff in her closet (and goal to work on that before this episode airs)

  • Janine's encouragement to Shannon to declutter her closet live during the April Declutter Happy Hour

  • The decluttering benefits that Shannon and Janine experienced during the March Declutter Happy Hour

  • Shannon's reframing of decluttering: Rather than thinking of it as letting go, she's thinking of it as giving herself something

  • Benefitting others by letting go of stuff that no longer serves you

  • Letting go of perfectionism around how to donate the items you're ready to release

  • The ease of living that goes along with letting go of excess

  • Janine's goal of getting her taxes to the accountant by the time this episode airs

  • Shannon's re-embracing of Todoist for her task management (which we promise to cover in a future episode)

  ]]>As the teachers of a class on decluttering, Janine and Shannon know that living with less leads to more ease. This week, they discuss how the pandemic has affected people's decluttering efforts and not letting perfectionism get in the way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Happy birthday to Shannon! (Her second pandemic birthday.)

  • The pandemic's strange effect of making some people want to hang on to more tangible items because they've lost so many intangible things during the last year

  • The great feeling of a lean closet

  • Janine's excitement over getting some new accessories to wear with her 100-day dress and the second wool dress she's getting from Wool&

  • How Shannon's once-lean closet has crept into feeling crowded again

  • Shannon's renewed desire to live with less stuff in her closet (and goal to work on that before this episode airs)

  • Janine's encouragement to Shannon to declutter her closet live during the April Declutter Happy Hour

  • The decluttering benefits that Shannon and Janine experienced during the March Declutter Happy Hour

  • Shannon's reframing of decluttering: Rather than thinking of it as letting go, she's thinking of it as giving herself something

  • Benefitting others by letting go of stuff that no longer serves you

  • Letting go of perfectionism around how to donate the items you're ready to release

  • The ease of living that goes along with letting go of excess

  • Janine's goal of getting her taxes to the accountant by the time this episode airs

  • Shannon's re-embracing of Todoist for her task management (which we promise to cover in a future episode)

  ]]>1LBJLBDF-SLWHFRThu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -070023:41falsefull31481483As the teachers of a class on decluttering, Janine and Shannon know that living with less leads to more ease. This week, they discuss how the pandemic has affected people's decluttering efforts and not letting perfectionism get in the way. Discussion topics include: • Happy birthday to Shannon! (Her second pandemic birthday.) • The pandemic's strange effect of making some people want to hang on to more tangible items because they've lost so many intangible things during the last year • The great feeling of a lean closet • Janine's excitement over getting some new accessories to wear with her 100-day dress and the second wool dress she's getting from Wool& • How Shannon's once-lean closet has crept into feeling crowded again • Shannon's renewed desire to live with less stuff in her closet (and goal to work on that before this episode airs) • Janine's encouragement to Shannon to declutter her closet live during the April Declutter Happy Hour • The decluttering benefits that Shannon and Janine experienced during the March Declutter Happy Hour • Shannon's reframing of decluttering: Rather than thinking of it as letting go, she's thinking of it as giving herself something • Benefitting others by letting go of stuff that no longer serves you • Letting go of perfectionism around how to donate the items you're ready to release • The ease of living that goes along with letting go of excess • Janine's goal of getting her taxes to the accountant by the time this episode airs • Shannon's re-embracing of Todoist for her task management (which we promise to cover in a future episode) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for updates and links!Episode 147: Post-Pandemic PlanningNow that more and more of the U.S. population is getting vaccinated, it feels like the light is shining at the end of the tunnel. In this episode, recorded shortly after Janine got her first vaccination, Shannon and Janine talk about planning for how we want our lives to be once things feel more "normal."

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's elation over unexpectedly getting her first COVID vaccination

  • How the light seems to be shining at the end of pandemic tunnel

  • The impact of COVID vaccinations on a personal level (it made Shannon cry!)

  • How the vaccination made Janine ponder what might happen with her business now

  • How being vaccinated might alter our behavior in public

  • The good behavior changes brought on by the pandemic and how we hope some of them stick when it's over

  • How the pandemic has somewhat paradoxically allowed us to spend more time with friends

  • Our dislike of large Zoom calls (except for Janine's birthday scavenger hunt over Zoom)

  • An aside about Shannon's gigantic hands on Zoom

  • Taking stock of what has been nice about the pandemic and what the pandemic has taught you never to do again

  • Some of the shifts and behavior changes brought by the pandemic

  • Recognizing that it's not like a switch will get flipped and the pandemic will be over

  • The value of knowing what is important to you as you fashion your post-pandemic lifestyle

  ]]>Now that more and more of the U.S. population is getting vaccinated, it feels like the light is shining at the end of the tunnel. In this episode, recorded shortly after Janine got her first vaccination, Shannon and Janine talk about planning for how we want our lives to be once things feel more "normal."

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's elation over unexpectedly getting her first COVID vaccination

  • How the light seems to be shining at the end of pandemic tunnel

  • The impact of COVID vaccinations on a personal level (it made Shannon cry!)

  • How the vaccination made Janine ponder what might happen with her business now

  • How being vaccinated might alter our behavior in public

  • The good behavior changes brought on by the pandemic and how we hope some of them stick when it's over

  • How the pandemic has somewhat paradoxically allowed us to spend more time with friends

  • Our dislike of large Zoom calls (except for Janine's birthday scavenger hunt over Zoom)

  • An aside about Shannon's gigantic hands on Zoom

  • Taking stock of what has been nice about the pandemic and what the pandemic has taught you never to do again

  • Some of the shifts and behavior changes brought by the pandemic

  • Recognizing that it's not like a switch will get flipped and the pandemic will be over

  • The value of knowing what is important to you as you fashion your post-pandemic lifestyle

  ]]>EVICSMJS-7Q4CXRThu, 18 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -070023:09falsefull31471473Now that more and more of the U.S. population is getting vaccinated, it feels like the light is shining at the end of the tunnel. In this episode, recorded shortly after Janine got her first vaccination, Shannon and Janine talk about planning for how we want our lives to be once things feel more "normal." Discussion topics include: • Janine's elation over unexpectedly getting her first COVID vaccination • How the light seems to be shining at the end of pandemic tunnel • The impact of COVID vaccinations on a personal level (it made Shannon cry!) • How the vaccination made Janine ponder what might happen with her business now • How being vaccinated might alter our behavior in public • The good behavior changes brought on by the pandemic and how we hope some of them stick when it's over • How the pandemic has somewhat paradoxically allowed us to spend more time with friends • Our dislike of large Zoom calls (except for Janine's birthday scavenger hunt over Zoom) • An aside about Shannon's gigantic hands on Zoom • Taking stock of what has been nice about the pandemic and what the pandemic has taught you never to do again • Some of the shifts and behavior changes brought by the pandemic • Recognizing that it's not like a switch will get flipped and the pandemic will be over • The value of knowing what is important to you as you fashion your post-pandemic lifestyleEpisode 146: Closet Curation (Redux)Back in January 2019, Janine and Shannon had a long conversation about decluttering our wardrobes, with lots of advice on the how's and why's of the process. We're re-running it this week, as we anticipate our next session of Declutter Happy Hour, coming again in the month of April. If you enjoy this episode, please consider joining us for four live-on-Zoom sessions of the April Declutter Happy Hour! (Register at http://bit.ly/declutterhh.)

  Most people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed (and putting away laundry) is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes

  • The domino effect of a crowded closet

  • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet

  • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet

  • Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge

  • How Janine really likes wearing the same thing all the time

  • How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School

  • Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs

  • Organizing clothes by color

  • Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years)

  • How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe

  • Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method

  • Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a part

  ]]>Back in January 2019, Janine and Shannon had a long conversation about decluttering our wardrobes, with lots of advice on the how's and why's of the process. We're re-running it this week, as we anticipate our next session of Declutter Happy Hour, coming again in the month of April. If you enjoy this episode, please consider joining us for four live-on-Zoom sessions of the April Declutter Happy Hour! (Register at http://bit.ly/declutterhh.)

  Most people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed (and putting away laundry) is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes

  • The domino effect of a crowded closet

  • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet

  • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet

  • Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge

  • How Janine really likes wearing the same thing all the time

  • How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School

  • Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs

  • Organizing clothes by color

  • Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years)

  • How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe

  • Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method

  • Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a part

  ]]>9VW8ODD3-T5U3DIThu, 11 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -070050:19falsefull31461463Back in January 2019, Janine and Shannon had a long conversation about decluttering our wardrobes, with lots of advice on the how's and why's of the process. We're re-running it this week, as we anticipate our next session of Declutter Happy Hour, coming again in the month of April. If you enjoy this episode, please consider joining us for four live-on-Zoom sessions of the April Declutter Happy Hour! (Register at http://bit.ly/declutterhh.) Most people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed (and putting away laundry) is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say! Discussion topics include: • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes • The domino effect of a crowded closet • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet • Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge • How Janine really likes wearing the same thing all the time • How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School • Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs • Organizing clothes by color • Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years) • How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe • Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method • Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a part Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links!Episode 145: Making Imperfect CommitmentsCommitments don't have to be all-or-nothing propositions. In fact, if you allow yourself to make imperfect commitments, it can be easier to commit yourself. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the power of imperfect commitments (like our commitment to this podcast).

  Discussion topics include:

  • How committing to something can be easier if you allow yourself to make an imperfect commitment

  • A study that says that people who believe in soulmates struggle more in their relationships

  • Imperfect commitments are about creating space to be imperfect, experiment and take risks

  • The paradox of how accepting that something is going to be imperfect can give you more satisfaction

  • A flashback to Shannon's marathoning days and the difference between training to see if she could do it versus training to meet her Boston marathon qualifying time (Hint: the first one was more fun!)

  • How making an imperfect commitment makes knitting a lot more fun for Janine

  • Imperfect commitment + yoga = an enjoyable, beneficial practice

  • Exploring the least you can do that still counts

  • If you make what you have to do to meet your commit ridiculously easy, then you can trust yourself more and feel comfortable making more of these small commitments.

  • The tendency to feel like volunteer commitments are all or nothing when making a small imperfect commitment may allow you to actually do more

  • Surprise! Shannon jinxed us and this episode isn't Episode 144

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.

  ]]>Commitments don't have to be all-or-nothing propositions. In fact, if you allow yourself to make imperfect commitments, it can be easier to commit yourself. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the power of imperfect commitments (like our commitment to this podcast).

  Discussion topics include:

  • How committing to something can be easier if you allow yourself to make an imperfect commitment

  • A study that says that people who believe in soulmates struggle more in their relationships

  • Imperfect commitments are about creating space to be imperfect, experiment and take risks

  • The paradox of how accepting that something is going to be imperfect can give you more satisfaction

  • A flashback to Shannon's marathoning days and the difference between training to see if she could do it versus training to meet her Boston marathon qualifying time (Hint: the first one was more fun!)

  • How making an imperfect commitment makes knitting a lot more fun for Janine

  • Imperfect commitment + yoga = an enjoyable, beneficial practice

  • Exploring the least you can do that still counts

  • If you make what you have to do to meet your commit ridiculously easy, then you can trust yourself more and feel comfortable making more of these small commitments.

  • The tendency to feel like volunteer commitments are all or nothing when making a small imperfect commitment may allow you to actually do more

  • Surprise! Shannon jinxed us and this episode isn't Episode 144

  Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.

  ]]>JQZ48X4K-QHYQFRThu, 04 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -070021:00falsefull31451453Commitments don't have to be all-or-nothing propositions. In fact, if you allow yourself to make imperfect commitments, it can be easier to commit yourself. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the power of imperfect commitments (like our commitment to this podcast). Discussion topics include: • How committing to something can be easier if you allow yourself to make an imperfect commitment • A study that says that people who believe in soulmates struggle more in their relationships • Imperfect commitments are about creating space to be imperfect, experiment and take risks • The paradox of how accepting that something is going to be imperfect can give you more satisfaction • A flashback to Shannon's marathoning days and the difference between training to see if she could do it versus training to meet her Boston marathon qualifying time (Hint: the first one was more fun!) • How making an imperfect commitment makes knitting a lot more fun for Janine • Imperfect commitment + yoga = an enjoyable, beneficial practice • Exploring the least you can do that still counts • If you make what you have to do to meet your commit ridiculously easy, then you can trust yourself more and feel comfortable making more of these small commitments. • The tendency to feel like volunteer commitments are all or nothing when making a small imperfect commitment may allow you to actually do more • Surprise! Shannon jinxed us and this episode isn't Episode 144 Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 144: Stopping ShoppingIt is so easy to shop online. And that's not a problem, unless it is a problem. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss some ideas for pressing pause on the urge to shop.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The online shopping Shannon's been doing, thanks to targeted Instagram ads, and how she's stepping it back

  • Creating a pause to stop online impulse shopping

  • How Janine has bought very little in recent months, thanks to the 100-day dress challenge she's participating in

  • Easing the urge to shop by shopping in your closet (or elsewhere in your house)

  • The temptation of single-use gadgets

  • Looking at the deeper need you're trying to satisfy with purchases

  • Trying on the feeling you're trying to get by shopping without actually making the purchase

  • The secret weapon that stops us from needless shopping: You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • How YNAB can help you save for something valuable and stop you from frittering away money on small purchases

  • Creating space to think clearly about what you're seeking, the problem you're trying to solve, what you're trying to feel and if there's some other way for you to accomplish it

  • Shannon's one-in-one-out policy with regard to her collection of graphic tees

  • How it's harder to get rid of something you already have than it is to choose to get something new

  • An important thing to remember: There's nothing wrong with shopping if shopping isn't a problem

  ]]>It is so easy to shop online. And that's not a problem, unless it is a problem. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss some ideas for pressing pause on the urge to shop.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The online shopping Shannon's been doing, thanks to targeted Instagram ads, and how she's stepping it back

  • Creating a pause to stop online impulse shopping

  • How Janine has bought very little in recent months, thanks to the 100-day dress challenge she's participating in

  • Easing the urge to shop by shopping in your closet (or elsewhere in your house)

  • The temptation of single-use gadgets

  • Looking at the deeper need you're trying to satisfy with purchases

  • Trying on the feeling you're trying to get by shopping without actually making the purchase

  • The secret weapon that stops us from needless shopping: You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • How YNAB can help you save for something valuable and stop you from frittering away money on small purchases

  • Creating space to think clearly about what you're seeking, the problem you're trying to solve, what you're trying to feel and if there's some other way for you to accomplish it

  • Shannon's one-in-one-out policy with regard to her collection of graphic tees

  • How it's harder to get rid of something you already have than it is to choose to get something new

  • An important thing to remember: There's nothing wrong with shopping if shopping isn't a problem

  ]]>7X8MAOKE-ZVQ85MIThu, 25 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -070021:24falsefull31441443It is so easy to shop online. And that's not a problem, unless it is a problem. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss some ideas for pressing pause on the urge to shop. Discussion topics include: • The online shopping Shannon's been doing, thanks to targeted Instagram ads, and how she's stepping it back • Creating a pause to stop online impulse shopping • How Janine has bought very little in recent months, thanks to the 100-day dress challenge she's participating in • Easing the urge to shop by shopping in your closet (or elsewhere in your house) • The temptation of single-use gadgets • Looking at the deeper need you're trying to satisfy with purchases • Trying on the feeling you're trying to get by shopping without actually making the purchase • The secret weapon that stops us from needless shopping: You Need a Budget (YNAB) • How YNAB can help you save for something valuable and stop you from frittering away money on small purchases • Creating space to think clearly about what you're seeking, the problem you're trying to solve, what you're trying to feel and if there's some other way for you to accomplish it • Shannon's one-in-one-out policy with regard to her collection of graphic tees • How it's harder to get rid of something you already have than it is to choose to get something new • An important thing to remember: There's nothing wrong with shopping if shopping isn't a problem Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for linksEpisode 143: Progress Not PerfectionMaking progress, any progress, on a project is so much better than being paralyzed by perfectionism. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the many ways that it can benefit you to let go of perfectionism and make imperfect progress on those things you want to get done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How seeking perfectionism can be paralyzing

  • How Janine is experiencing this right now as she struggles to make progress on a slide deck for a presentation she is going to make

  • The benefit of creating an imperfect first draft so you can make it better (if you want)

  • Shannon's idea that Janine might create a powerpoint and give herself permission not to use it

  • How it's impossible to bring a creative project into the world in perfect form

  • Different kinds of progress, like getting started or coming up with a draft to improve upon

  • How several iterations are sometimes necessary in decluttering and organizing

  • How perfectionism can make it really hard to finish a project

  • Rewarding progress rather than waiting to reward until a project is completed

  • The way that rewards can help you keep going

  • How progress can be rewarding in and of itself

  • Taking a "progress not perfection" approach to doing taxes

  • Shannon's happy surprise while doing her mother's taxes

  • A diversion into a discussion of shoveling snow

  ]]>Making progress, any progress, on a project is so much better than being paralyzed by perfectionism. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the many ways that it can benefit you to let go of perfectionism and make imperfect progress on those things you want to get done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How seeking perfectionism can be paralyzing

  • How Janine is experiencing this right now as she struggles to make progress on a slide deck for a presentation she is going to make

  • The benefit of creating an imperfect first draft so you can make it better (if you want)

  • Shannon's idea that Janine might create a powerpoint and give herself permission not to use it

  • How it's impossible to bring a creative project into the world in perfect form

  • Different kinds of progress, like getting started or coming up with a draft to improve upon

  • How several iterations are sometimes necessary in decluttering and organizing

  • How perfectionism can make it really hard to finish a project

  • Rewarding progress rather than waiting to reward until a project is completed

  • The way that rewards can help you keep going

  • How progress can be rewarding in and of itself

  • Taking a "progress not perfection" approach to doing taxes

  • Shannon's happy surprise while doing her mother's taxes

  • A diversion into a discussion of shoveling snow

  ]]>GIF84ETK-SH5MIThu, 18 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -070025:32falsefull31431433Making progress, any progress, on a project is so much better than being paralyzed by perfectionism. This week Shannon and Janine discuss the many ways that it can benefit you to let go of perfectionism and make imperfect progress on those things you want to get done. Discussion topics include: • How seeking perfectionism can be paralyzing • How Janine is experiencing this right now as she struggles to make progress on a slide deck for a presentation she is going to make • The benefit of creating an imperfect first draft so you can make it better (if you want) • Shannon's idea that Janine might create a powerpoint and give herself permission not to use it • How it's impossible to bring a creative project into the world in perfect form • Different kinds of progress, like getting started or coming up with a draft to improve upon • How several iterations are sometimes necessary in decluttering and organizing • How perfectionism can make it really hard to finish a project • Rewarding progress rather than waiting to reward until a project is completed • The way that rewards can help you keep going • How progress can be rewarding in and of itself • Taking a "progress not perfection" approach to doing taxes • Shannon's happy surprise while doing her mother's taxes • A diversion into a discussion of shoveling snowEpisode 142: Getting ZZZZZsA good night's sleep is very important, but, unfortunately, it can be elusive. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss our efforts to get a good night's sleep (including some solutions that have actually worked for us) and the benefit of letting go of perfectionism when trying to get a good night's sleep.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Spring flowers in Portland that are already blooming

  • The early birthday present that has helped Shannon sleep better: a weighted blanket

  • Temperature: The most elusive and important factor in our good night's sleep

  • Janine's more expensive sleep solution, a fancy new Sleep Number Smart Bed replace their 21-year-old mattress

  • The app Shannon uses to measure her sleep, AutoSleep (it's attached to her Apple Watch)

  • How Shannon sleeps much better since changing her sleep goal from 8 hours to 7 hours

  • The value of creating an interim goal and then increasing it (for sleep or other things!)

  • How a new bed came make a big difference (no more waking up in pain!)

  • Other factors affecting sleep: light and noise

  • Shannon's glamorous bedtime appearance

  • The smaller solutions you can try to improve your sleep on a budget

  • How a Kindle Paperwhite can contribute to good sleep

  • Janine's favorite meditation apps that she goes to sleep to

  • Shannon's "fake naps"

  • Progress over perfection when it comes to sleep

  ]]>A good night's sleep is very important, but, unfortunately, it can be elusive. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss our efforts to get a good night's sleep (including some solutions that have actually worked for us) and the benefit of letting go of perfectionism when trying to get a good night's sleep.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Spring flowers in Portland that are already blooming

  • The early birthday present that has helped Shannon sleep better: a weighted blanket

  • Temperature: The most elusive and important factor in our good night's sleep

  • Janine's more expensive sleep solution, a fancy new Sleep Number Smart Bed replace their 21-year-old mattress

  • The app Shannon uses to measure her sleep, AutoSleep (it's attached to her Apple Watch)

  • How Shannon sleeps much better since changing her sleep goal from 8 hours to 7 hours

  • The value of creating an interim goal and then increasing it (for sleep or other things!)

  • How a new bed came make a big difference (no more waking up in pain!)

  • Other factors affecting sleep: light and noise

  • Shannon's glamorous bedtime appearance

  • The smaller solutions you can try to improve your sleep on a budget

  • How a Kindle Paperwhite can contribute to good sleep

  • Janine's favorite meditation apps that she goes to sleep to

  • Shannon's "fake naps"

  • Progress over perfection when it comes to sleep

  ]]>E8LL21FT-F0QKT9Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -070030:39falsefull31421423A good night's sleep is very important, but, unfortunately, it can be elusive. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss our efforts to get a good night's sleep (including some solutions that have actually worked for us) and the benefit of letting go of perfectionism when trying to get a good night's sleep. Discussion topics include: • Spring flowers in Portland that are already blooming • The early birthday present that has helped Shannon sleep better: a weighted blanket • Temperature: The most elusive and important factor in our good night's sleep • Janine's more expensive sleep solution, a fancy new Sleep Number Smart Bed replace their 21-year-old mattress • The app Shannon uses to measure her sleep, AutoSleep (it's attached to her Apple Watch) • How Shannon sleeps much better since changing her sleep goal from 8 hours to 7 hours • The value of creating an interim goal and then increasing it (for sleep or other things!) • How a new bed came make a big difference (no more waking up in pain!) • Other factors affecting sleep: light and noise • Shannon's glamorous bedtime appearance • The smaller solutions you can try to improve your sleep on a budget • How a Kindle Paperwhite can contribute to good sleep • Janine's favorite meditation apps that she goes to sleep to • Shannon's "fake naps" • Progress over perfection when it comes to sleep See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for copious links to the products mentioned in this episodeEpisode 141: Daily EaseWe all need a little ease, right? (In fact, "ease" is Janine's word of the year for 2021!) This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how daily effort makes creating ease all the easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's revelation during her daily yoga practice about how doing it daily has made it so much easier

  • How daily action makes so many things easier, like keeping your desk clear

  • How Janine's financial life has been made infinitely better through daily interaction with You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • The miracle of Janine being caught up in Quickbooks for her business, thanks to her linking doing data entry in Quickbooks with YNAB

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of creating a daily practice (and how rewarding it is to work through the perfectionism)

  • Another daily practice that's making Janine's life easier: The 100-day dress challenge (she's on Day 63 of wearing the same dress every day)

  • The physical benefits that Shannon has experienced from 30 straight days of yoga + the benefits of having a yoga buddy at home

  • Janine's concern about being overwhelmed by her many daily tasks

  • How Shannon has been able to learn Portuguese just by doing Duolingo three minutes a day

  • Some advice on dealing with an email backlog on a daily basis

  • A simple shift that has allowed Janine to drink more water and take her supplements every morning without fail

  ]]>We all need a little ease, right? (In fact, "ease" is Janine's word of the year for 2021!) This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how daily effort makes creating ease all the easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine's revelation during her daily yoga practice about how doing it daily has made it so much easier

  • How daily action makes so many things easier, like keeping your desk clear

  • How Janine's financial life has been made infinitely better through daily interaction with You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • The miracle of Janine being caught up in Quickbooks for her business, thanks to her linking doing data entry in Quickbooks with YNAB

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of creating a daily practice (and how rewarding it is to work through the perfectionism)

  • Another daily practice that's making Janine's life easier: The 100-day dress challenge (she's on Day 63 of wearing the same dress every day)

  • The physical benefits that Shannon has experienced from 30 straight days of yoga + the benefits of having a yoga buddy at home

  • Janine's concern about being overwhelmed by her many daily tasks

  • How Shannon has been able to learn Portuguese just by doing Duolingo three minutes a day

  • Some advice on dealing with an email backlog on a daily basis

  • A simple shift that has allowed Janine to drink more water and take her supplements every morning without fail

  ]]>36NT14VD-LC70HPVThu, 04 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -070027:53falsefull31411413We all need a little ease, right? (In fact, "ease" is Janine's word of the year for 2021!) This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how daily effort makes creating ease all the easier. Discussion topics include: • Janine's revelation during her daily yoga practice about how doing it daily has made it so much easier • How daily action makes so many things easier, like keeping your desk clear • How Janine's financial life has been made infinitely better through daily interaction with You Need a Budget (YNAB) • The miracle of Janine being caught up in Quickbooks for her business, thanks to her linking doing data entry in Quickbooks with YNAB • How perfectionism can get in the way of creating a daily practice (and how rewarding it is to work through the perfectionism) • Another daily practice that's making Janine's life easier: The 100-day dress challenge (she's on Day 63 of wearing the same dress every day) • The physical benefits that Shannon has experienced from 30 straight days of yoga + the benefits of having a yoga buddy at home • Janine's concern about being overwhelmed by her many daily tasks • How Shannon has been able to learn Portuguese just by doing Duolingo three minutes a day • Some advice on dealing with an email backlog on a daily basis • A simple shift that has allowed Janine to drink more water and take her supplements every morning without fail Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links!Episode 140: Hobbies (Redux)Two years ago (almost to the day), we published an episode on hobbies, which has been one of our favorites. Hobbies are so important to self-care and so prone to falling prey to perfectionism that wanted to present it again.

  Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>Two years ago (almost to the day), we published an episode on hobbies, which has been one of our favorites. Hobbies are so important to self-care and so prone to falling prey to perfectionism that wanted to present it again.

  Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>7YO9QTMO-URF6RThu, 28 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -070041:46falsefull31401403Two years ago (almost to the day), we published an episode on hobbies, which has been one of our favorites. Hobbies are so important to self-care and so prone to falling prey to perfectionism that wanted to present it again. Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies. Discussion topics include: • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting) • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting) • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier Be sure to check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for great links and photos!Episode 139: Coping ImperfectlyWe've all had a whole lot to cope with in the past year. Shannon's year was made even more difficult at the end of 2020 when her mother passed away. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to cope imperfectly during difficult times (big hint: grant yourself some kindness and grace).

  Discussion topics include:

  • The passing of Shannon's mother several weeks ago

  • The difficulty of going through the mourning process during a pandemic and all the other recent tragic events

  • How we've kept the podcast going imperfectly during this difficult time by repeating episodes

  • Finding gentle ways to copy without worrying about living up to a preconceived standard

  • How Shannon didn't anticipate what would be important to her after her mother's death

  • Shannon's "No Regrets" mantra and how it worked out well for her

  • Coping imperfectly by giving yourself a lot of grace

  • Remembering that we might not feel like we think we're going to feel when something bad happens

  • The importance of making pre-death decisions and arrangements

  • The magic question to ask yourself when coping: "What do I need in this moment?"

  • Shannon's imperfect way of coping with her tendency not to eat when she's experiencing stress

  • Using wine to cope (or not)

  • Allowing yourself to have fun and laugh even during tough times

  • The bottom line: No matter what you're coping with, allow yourself to navigate in the moment and set yourself up for what you think you might need

  ]]>We've all had a whole lot to cope with in the past year. Shannon's year was made even more difficult at the end of 2020 when her mother passed away. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to cope imperfectly during difficult times (big hint: grant yourself some kindness and grace).

  Discussion topics include:

  • The passing of Shannon's mother several weeks ago

  • The difficulty of going through the mourning process during a pandemic and all the other recent tragic events

  • How we've kept the podcast going imperfectly during this difficult time by repeating episodes

  • Finding gentle ways to copy without worrying about living up to a preconceived standard

  • How Shannon didn't anticipate what would be important to her after her mother's death

  • Shannon's "No Regrets" mantra and how it worked out well for her

  • Coping imperfectly by giving yourself a lot of grace

  • Remembering that we might not feel like we think we're going to feel when something bad happens

  • The importance of making pre-death decisions and arrangements

  • The magic question to ask yourself when coping: "What do I need in this moment?"

  • Shannon's imperfect way of coping with her tendency not to eat when she's experiencing stress

  • Using wine to cope (or not)

  • Allowing yourself to have fun and laugh even during tough times

  • The bottom line: No matter what you're coping with, allow yourself to navigate in the moment and set yourself up for what you think you might need

  ]]>1JEJ4WP6-H37N9UDThu, 21 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -070024:31falsefull31391393We've all had a whole lot to cope with in the past year. Shannon's year was made even more difficult at the end of 2020 when her mother passed away. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how to cope imperfectly during difficult times (big hint: grant yourself some kindness and grace). Discussion topics include: • The passing of Shannon's mother several weeks ago • The difficulty of going through the mourning process during a pandemic and all the other recent tragic events • How we've kept the podcast going imperfectly during this difficult time by repeating episodes • Finding gentle ways to copy without worrying about living up to a preconceived standard • How Shannon didn't anticipate what would be important to her after her mother's death • Shannon's "No Regrets" mantra and how it worked out well for her • Coping imperfectly by giving yourself a lot of grace • Remembering that we might not feel like we think we're going to feel when something bad happens • The importance of making pre-death decisions and arrangements • The magic question to ask yourself when coping: "What do I need in this moment?" • Shannon's imperfect way of coping with her tendency not to eat when she's experiencing stress • Using wine to cope (or not) • Allowing yourself to have fun and laugh even during tough times • The bottom line: No matter what you're coping with, allow yourself to navigate in the moment and set yourself up for what you think you might needEpisode 138: Starting a Good Enough PodcastWay back in Episode 5, we published an episode entitled Good Enough In Practice, in which we discussed how we walked the walk and embraced good enough when we set up this podcast. We think it's full of useful information, so we've decided to publish it again!

  Janine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of “good enough” when creating this podcast. In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It’s been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism.

  We let it be easy when it came to:

  • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast (we’re using Cast — it’s a super simple way to get started!)

  • Selecting topics

  • Selecting the name of the podcast

  • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch

  • Creating a logo for the podcast

  • Rehearsing our conversations (or not)

  Listen to the inside scoop on how putting “good enough” into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!

  ]]>Way back in Episode 5, we published an episode entitled Good Enough In Practice, in which we discussed how we walked the walk and embraced good enough when we set up this podcast. We think it's full of useful information, so we've decided to publish it again!

  Janine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of “good enough” when creating this podcast. In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It’s been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism.

  We let it be easy when it came to:

  • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast (we’re using Cast — it’s a super simple way to get started!)

  • Selecting topics

  • Selecting the name of the podcast

  • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch

  • Creating a logo for the podcast

  • Rehearsing our conversations (or not)

  Listen to the inside scoop on how putting “good enough” into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!

  ]]>9KPESPOP-GZXGVIThu, 14 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -070028:39falsefull31381383Way back in Episode 5, we published an episode entitled Good Enough In Practice, in which we discussed how we walked the walk and embraced good enough when we set up this podcast. We think it's full of useful information, so we've decided to publish it again! Janine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of “good enough” when creating this podcast. In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It’s been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism. We let it be easy when it came to: • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast (we’re using Cast — it’s a super simple way to get started!) • Selecting topics • Selecting the name of the podcast • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch • Creating a logo for the podcast • Rehearsing our conversations (or not) Listen to the inside scoop on how putting “good enough” into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!Episode 137: Superpowers and KryptoniteWe all have superpowers and kryptonite. (You might call them strengths and weaknesses.) In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how the things that you struggle with can also be your superpowers and how your superpowers gone too far can turn into your kryptonite.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How personality traits can be on a continuum

  • Case in point: perfectionism can be paralyzing but it can also help you do things well

  • Similarly, a good-enough mentality may make life easier but it may also promote mistakes

  • Looking at things that are  challenges for you to see what strengths you can find in them.

  • Ask yourself: What do you have to be good at to have the challenges you're having? And how can you apply that information to help you get past the challenge?

  • The inspiration for this episode: The CliftonStrengths Assessment

  • Shannon's top strengths from the CliftonStrengths Assessment and how they reveal her superpowers and kryptonite (spoiler alert: perfectionism is part of it)

  • The good news: How you are isn't good or bad; you may just be able to shift the needle a little bit on the continuum

  • A great exercise: Take a look at the things you struggle with and consider what you need to be good at to do those things. Then use those superpowers in other areas of your life so they feel beneficial.

  • Recognizing that the things you are good can have negative effects if taken too far

  • A side note: We're resurrecting Declutter Happy Hour in February! Stay tuned.

  ]]>We all have superpowers and kryptonite. (You might call them strengths and weaknesses.) In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how the things that you struggle with can also be your superpowers and how your superpowers gone too far can turn into your kryptonite.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How personality traits can be on a continuum

  • Case in point: perfectionism can be paralyzing but it can also help you do things well

  • Similarly, a good-enough mentality may make life easier but it may also promote mistakes

  • Looking at things that are  challenges for you to see what strengths you can find in them.

  • Ask yourself: What do you have to be good at to have the challenges you're having? And how can you apply that information to help you get past the challenge?

  • The inspiration for this episode: The CliftonStrengths Assessment

  • Shannon's top strengths from the CliftonStrengths Assessment and how they reveal her superpowers and kryptonite (spoiler alert: perfectionism is part of it)

  • The good news: How you are isn't good or bad; you may just be able to shift the needle a little bit on the continuum

  • A great exercise: Take a look at the things you struggle with and consider what you need to be good at to do those things. Then use those superpowers in other areas of your life so they feel beneficial.

  • Recognizing that the things you are good can have negative effects if taken too far

  • A side note: We're resurrecting Declutter Happy Hour in February! Stay tuned.

  ]]>54OWJQSB-RDX6RThu, 07 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -070024:08falsefull31371373We all have superpowers and kryptonite. (You might call them strengths and weaknesses.) In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how the things that you struggle with can also be your superpowers and how your superpowers gone too far can turn into your kryptonite. Discussion topics include: • How personality traits can be on a continuum • Case in point: perfectionism can be paralyzing but it can also help you do things well • Similarly, a good-enough mentality may make life easier but it may also promote mistakes • Looking at things that are challenges for you to see what strengths you can find in them. • Ask yourself: What do you have to be good at to have the challenges you're having? And how can you apply that information to help you get past the challenge? • The inspiration for this episode: The CliftonStrengths Assessment • Shannon's top strengths from the CliftonStrengths Assessment and how they reveal her superpowers and kryptonite (spoiler alert: perfectionism is part of it) • The good news: How you are isn't good or bad; you may just be able to shift the needle a little bit on the continuum • A great exercise: Take a look at the things you struggle with and consider what you need to be good at to do those things. Then use those superpowers in other areas of your life so they feel beneficial. • Recognizing that the things you are good can have negative effects if taken too far • A side note: We're resurrecting Declutter Happy Hour in February! Stay tuned. Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for linksEpisode 136: What's Wrong with Perfectionism (Redux)This week, we’re re-running Episode 68 from September 2019. The premise of our podcast is that we want to help you let go of perfectionism. We think this episode about why that's important bears repeating.

  Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton

  • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves

  • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect

  • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for)

  • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection

  • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below)

  • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth

  • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism

  • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her)

  • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals

  • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one

  • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards)

  • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy

  ]]>This week, we’re re-running Episode 68 from September 2019. The premise of our podcast is that we want to help you let go of perfectionism. We think this episode about why that's important bears repeating.

  Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton

  • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves

  • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect

  • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for)

  • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection

  • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below)

  • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth

  • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism

  • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her)

  • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals

  • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one

  • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards)

  • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy

  ]]>EAEV4JV2-KAWCDIThu, 31 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -070031:40falsefull31361363This week, we’re re-running Episode 68 from September 2019. The premise of our podcast is that we want to help you let go of perfectionism. We think this episode about why that's important bears repeating. Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for) • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below) • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her) • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards) • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy For links and photos, see the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 135: Keeping Challenges EasyBoth Shannon and Janine love taking on time-limited challenges they find on the internet. In this episode, they discuss some of their favorites  while offering some advice on keeping these challenges easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of our favorite challenges: Yoga with Adriene's annual 30 day yoga journey

  • Janine's 30 x 30 challenge on her genealogy blog

  • National Novel Writing Month (write a novel in 30 days)

  • Keeping the stakes low, but interesting enough that you care to do it

  • Selecting challenges you want, not those you think you should do

  • Janine's progress on her personal 50-books-a-year challenge

  • How these challenges are a great way to get started on a new habit

  • Avoiding perfectionism: How even a little progress is beneficial with these challenges

  • Creating a range of goals within a challenge

  • Keeping it easy by figuring out what counts (and being really kind in your criteria)

  • The hiatus Shannon has taken in cartooning and how doing a challenge might help her resume it (if she decides she wants to)

  • The key to success with a challenge: Keep it doable, be kind to yourself, have fun!

  • The power of community

  • The 100-day dress challenge Janine recently took on

  ]]>Both Shannon and Janine love taking on time-limited challenges they find on the internet. In this episode, they discuss some of their favorites  while offering some advice on keeping these challenges easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of our favorite challenges: Yoga with Adriene's annual 30 day yoga journey

  • Janine's 30 x 30 challenge on her genealogy blog

  • National Novel Writing Month (write a novel in 30 days)

  • Keeping the stakes low, but interesting enough that you care to do it

  • Selecting challenges you want, not those you think you should do

  • Janine's progress on her personal 50-books-a-year challenge

  • How these challenges are a great way to get started on a new habit

  • Avoiding perfectionism: How even a little progress is beneficial with these challenges

  • Creating a range of goals within a challenge

  • Keeping it easy by figuring out what counts (and being really kind in your criteria)

  • The hiatus Shannon has taken in cartooning and how doing a challenge might help her resume it (if she decides she wants to)

  • The key to success with a challenge: Keep it doable, be kind to yourself, have fun!

  • The power of community

  • The 100-day dress challenge Janine recently took on

  ]]>9ZT7ONRW-869A4IThu, 24 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -070026:14falsefull31351353Both Shannon and Janine love taking on time-limited challenges they find on the internet. In this episode, they discuss some of their favorites while offering some advice on keeping these challenges easy. Discussion topics include: • One of our favorite challenges: Yoga with Adriene's annual 30 day yoga journey • Janine's 30 x 30 challenge on her genealogy blog • National Novel Writing Month (write a novel in 30 days) • Keeping the stakes low, but interesting enough that you care to do it • Selecting challenges you want, not those you think you should do • Janine's progress on her personal 50-books-a-year challenge • How these challenges are a great way to get started on a new habit • Avoiding perfectionism: How even a little progress is beneficial with these challenges • Creating a range of goals within a challenge • Keeping it easy by figuring out what counts (and being really kind in your criteria) • The hiatus Shannon has taken in cartooning and how doing a challenge might help her resume it (if she decides she wants to) • The key to success with a challenge: Keep it doable, be kind to yourself, have fun! • The power of community • The 100-day dress challenge Janine recently took onEpisode 134: Pandemic Clothing QuandariesSince our work and social lives have been curtailed by the pandemic, it seems like it should be easy to get dressed. Not so much. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss their challenges around clothing during this special time. Spoiler alert: There's lots of laughter in this one.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How much we're enjoying pandemic-friendly comfy clothes

  • The paradox that it's difficult to get dressed even though we're going nowhere

  • Shannon's pull between wanting to be comfortable and wanting to look professional

  • How Janine's standards in clothing seem to have plummeted

  • How Janine's problem isn't wearing the same thing every day, it's that what she has to choose from isn't very attractive and the pandemic prevents her from shopping

  • Shannon's "house fleece"

  • The cowl that Janine knit specifically to wear with her bathrobe

  • Shannon's layering tips for warmth

  • The Wool& 100-day dress challenge

  • Project 333

  • How perfectionism is part of this problem

  • Shannon's desire to dress more professionally when she's working, even though she's on Zoom

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you right now to get past the perfectionism around this issue

  • Cutting ourselves slack

  • The decision fatigue caused by the pandemic

  • How a little bit of action now can help us feel better about what we're wearing and make it easier to get dressed in the morning

  Note from Janine: I bought the Wool& Rowena dress and have taken on the 100-day challenge. It is fantastically freeing and I'm feeling comfortable and cute every day! Shannon ordered the dress, but unfortunately the wool was too itchy for her sensitive skin.

  ]]>Since our work and social lives have been curtailed by the pandemic, it seems like it should be easy to get dressed. Not so much. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss their challenges around clothing during this special time. Spoiler alert: There's lots of laughter in this one.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How much we're enjoying pandemic-friendly comfy clothes

  • The paradox that it's difficult to get dressed even though we're going nowhere

  • Shannon's pull between wanting to be comfortable and wanting to look professional

  • How Janine's standards in clothing seem to have plummeted

  • How Janine's problem isn't wearing the same thing every day, it's that what she has to choose from isn't very attractive and the pandemic prevents her from shopping

  • Shannon's "house fleece"

  • The cowl that Janine knit specifically to wear with her bathrobe

  • Shannon's layering tips for warmth

  • The Wool& 100-day dress challenge

  • Project 333

  • How perfectionism is part of this problem

  • Shannon's desire to dress more professionally when she's working, even though she's on Zoom

  • Getting in touch with what's important to you right now to get past the perfectionism around this issue

  • Cutting ourselves slack

  • The decision fatigue caused by the pandemic

  • How a little bit of action now can help us feel better about what we're wearing and make it easier to get dressed in the morning

  Note from Janine: I bought the Wool& Rowena dress and have taken on the 100-day challenge. It is fantastically freeing and I'm feeling comfortable and cute every day! Shannon ordered the dress, but unfortunately the wool was too itchy for her sensitive skin.

  ]]>HBNB29GB-HZOLXRThu, 17 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -070025:57falsefull31341343Since our work and social lives have been curtailed by the pandemic, it seems like it should be easy to get dressed. Not so much. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss their challenges around clothing during this special time. Spoiler alert: There's lots of laughter in this one. Discussion topics include: • How much we're enjoying pandemic-friendly comfy clothes • The paradox that it's difficult to get dressed even though we're going nowhere • Shannon's pull between wanting to be comfortable and wanting to look professional • How Janine's standards in clothing seem to have plummeted • How Janine's problem isn't wearing the same thing every day, it's that what she has to choose from isn't very attractive and the pandemic prevents her from shopping • Shannon's "house fleece" • The cowl that Janine knit specifically to wear with her bathrobe • Shannon's layering tips for warmth • The Wool& 100-day dress challenge • Project 333 • How perfectionism is part of this problem • Shannon's desire to dress more professionally when she's working, even though she's on Zoom • Getting in touch with what's important to you right now to get past the perfectionism around this issue • Cutting ourselves slack • The decision fatigue caused by the pandemic • How a little bit of action now can help us feel better about what we're wearing and make it easier to get dressed in the morning Note from Janine: I bought the Wool& Rowena dress and have taken on the 100-day challenge. It is fantastically freeing and I'm feeling comfortable and cute every day! Shannon ordered the dress, but unfortunately the wool was too itchy for her sensitive skin. Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links (and a picture of Janine in her dress)Episode 133: Getting Clear on Your GoalsIt's the last month of the year and we have some goal-setting resources for you! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance getting clear on your goals, especially after a year like 2020. And we talk about the workshop Shannon is teaching on Saturday, as well as our Good Enough Goal Setting kit.

  Discussion topics include:

  • We’re looking forward to turning the page on a new year!

  • How the challenges of 2020 might affect our planning for 2021

  • The (virtual) class Shannon is leading on December 12: New Year Reset

  • How some goals (like Shannon’s goals to travel more) were negatively affected by the pandemic

  • The benefit of thinking about what you want, rather than about what you don’t want

  • Tricky goals like “quit smoking” and “lose weight"

  • How knowing what you want guides you in the direction you want to go

  • The perils of creating SMART goals that you don’t have any control over 

  • Our Good Enough Goal Setting kit

  • Getting clear on what you want: the secret ingredient to goal setting 

  • The lessons of 2020 and the pandemic

  • One of Janine’s goals: preparing for the worst 

  • Some details on how LastPass helps you share passwords in an emergency

  • Some of the simple pleasures that 2020 brought us

  • Thinking about goals as pointing yourself in the right direction

  • Being kind to yourself when you evaluate progress on your goals

  • Paying attention to what ended up not mattering to you

  ]]>It's the last month of the year and we have some goal-setting resources for you! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance getting clear on your goals, especially after a year like 2020. And we talk about the workshop Shannon is teaching on Saturday, as well as our Good Enough Goal Setting kit.

  Discussion topics include:

  • We’re looking forward to turning the page on a new year!

  • How the challenges of 2020 might affect our planning for 2021

  • The (virtual) class Shannon is leading on December 12: New Year Reset

  • How some goals (like Shannon’s goals to travel more) were negatively affected by the pandemic

  • The benefit of thinking about what you want, rather than about what you don’t want

  • Tricky goals like “quit smoking” and “lose weight"

  • How knowing what you want guides you in the direction you want to go

  • The perils of creating SMART goals that you don’t have any control over 

  • Our Good Enough Goal Setting kit

  • Getting clear on what you want: the secret ingredient to goal setting 

  • The lessons of 2020 and the pandemic

  • One of Janine’s goals: preparing for the worst 

  • Some details on how LastPass helps you share passwords in an emergency

  • Some of the simple pleasures that 2020 brought us

  • Thinking about goals as pointing yourself in the right direction

  • Being kind to yourself when you evaluate progress on your goals

  • Paying attention to what ended up not mattering to you

  ]]>JOTSTE88-4D9529Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -070027:08falsefull31331333It's the last month of the year and we have some goal-setting resources for you! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance getting clear on your goals, especially after a year like 2020. And we talk about the workshop Shannon is teaching on Saturday, as well as our Good Enough Goal Setting kit. Discussion topics include: • We’re looking forward to turning the page on a new year! • How the challenges of 2020 might affect our planning for 2021 • The (virtual) class Shannon is leading on December 12: New Year Reset • How some goals (like Shannon’s goals to travel more) were negatively affected by the pandemic • The benefit of thinking about what you want, rather than about what you don’t want • Tricky goals like “quit smoking” and “lose weight" • How knowing what you want guides you in the direction you want to go • The perils of creating SMART goals that you don’t have any control over • Our Good Enough Goal Setting kit • Getting clear on what you want: the secret ingredient to goal setting • The lessons of 2020 and the pandemic • One of Janine’s goals: preparing for the worst • Some details on how LastPass helps you share passwords in an emergency • Some of the simple pleasures that 2020 brought us • Thinking about goals as pointing yourself in the right direction • Being kind to yourself when you evaluate progress on your goals • Paying attention to what ended up not mattering to you Important links: • Shannon's New Year Reset workshop on December 12, 2020: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-year-reset-with-shannon-wilkinson-tickets-121753250249 • Our Good Enough Goal Setting kit: https://www.e-junkie.com/i/ycy8?card Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for more links!Episode 132: Quieting Your MindThese are stressful times. With the holidays, the global pandemic, passionate politics and everything else that's going on, your mind might be anything but quiet. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of quieting your thoughts and provide some strategies to try. (Spoiler alert: The secret ingredient is breathing!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • How quieting your mind isn’t about emptying your head of thoughts, but rather about turning down the volume on them

  • Brains are brains and they’re designed to have thoughts.

  • Avoiding perseverating on your thoughts

  • It’s not just thinking negative thoughts that is problematic; you can also latch onto thoughts that have no impact

  • How it takes energy when you get caught up in thinking about things that don’t matter much

  • How daily yoga helps Janine quiet her mind

  • One mind-quieting strategy: Turning your attention specifically to something else (like breathing)

  • Box breathing, which can calm your nervous system

  • A question to ask yourself, “What’s next?"

  • How our brains think worrying about something counts toward taking action, when actually it usually prevents you from taking action

  • How our bodies react to worry as if the thing you’re worrying about is actually happening

  • How if you are worrying about something you are not in danger

  • Shannon’s awesome flow chart for responding to worry

  • Some visual metaphors for letting thoughts pass through your mind

  ]]>These are stressful times. With the holidays, the global pandemic, passionate politics and everything else that's going on, your mind might be anything but quiet. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of quieting your thoughts and provide some strategies to try. (Spoiler alert: The secret ingredient is breathing!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • How quieting your mind isn’t about emptying your head of thoughts, but rather about turning down the volume on them

  • Brains are brains and they’re designed to have thoughts.

  • Avoiding perseverating on your thoughts

  • It’s not just thinking negative thoughts that is problematic; you can also latch onto thoughts that have no impact

  • How it takes energy when you get caught up in thinking about things that don’t matter much

  • How daily yoga helps Janine quiet her mind

  • One mind-quieting strategy: Turning your attention specifically to something else (like breathing)

  • Box breathing, which can calm your nervous system

  • A question to ask yourself, “What’s next?"

  • How our brains think worrying about something counts toward taking action, when actually it usually prevents you from taking action

  • How our bodies react to worry as if the thing you’re worrying about is actually happening

  • How if you are worrying about something you are not in danger

  • Shannon’s awesome flow chart for responding to worry

  • Some visual metaphors for letting thoughts pass through your mind

  ]]>IINENBP3-VFS9K9Thu, 03 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -070024:30falsefull31321323These are stressful times. With the holidays, the global pandemic, passionate politics and everything else that's going on, your mind might be anything but quiet. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of quieting your thoughts and provide some strategies to try. (Spoiler alert: The secret ingredient is breathing!) Discussion topics include: • How quieting your mind isn’t about emptying your head of thoughts, but rather about turning down the volume on them • Brains are brains and they’re designed to have thoughts. • Avoiding perseverating on your thoughts • It’s not just thinking negative thoughts that is problematic; you can also latch onto thoughts that have no impact • How it takes energy when you get caught up in thinking about things that don’t matter much • How daily yoga helps Janine quiet her mind • One mind-quieting strategy: Turning your attention specifically to something else (like breathing) • Box breathing, which can calm your nervous system • A question to ask yourself, “What’s next?" • How our brains think worrying about something counts toward taking action, when actually it usually prevents you from taking action • How our bodies react to worry as if the thing you’re worrying about is actually happening • How if you are worrying about something you are not in danger • Shannon’s awesome flow chart for responding to worry • Some visual metaphors for letting thoughts pass through your mind Visit the show notes at https://wp.me/pa4yl3-lt to see Shannon's flow chart and for links.Episode 131: Trying Something NewIt can be uncomfortable to try new things if perfectionism makes you worry about getting them right. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss a recent class they took together and how it provided a great lesson in letting go of perfectionism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The class on flowcharting that Shannon and Janine took together

  •How perfectionism came up during this class for Janine but not Shannon

  • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Janine to get a lot out of the class

  • Applying flow charting to Shannon’s question, “Is is time to meditate?"

  • The question Janine flow charted, “How can I design my schedule to write more?"

  • How Janine was glad she let go of her discomfort over not knowing what to expect and signed up for the class

  • “Everything you want is on the other side of fear."

  • How the technique of flow charting can help you let go of a concern about getting things right

  • The imperfections inherent in flow charting

  • The benefit of these reminders about the value of embracing good enough

  • How handmade things are enhanced by their imperfections

  ]]>It can be uncomfortable to try new things if perfectionism makes you worry about getting them right. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss a recent class they took together and how it provided a great lesson in letting go of perfectionism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The class on flowcharting that Shannon and Janine took together

  •How perfectionism came up during this class for Janine but not Shannon

  • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Janine to get a lot out of the class

  • Applying flow charting to Shannon’s question, “Is is time to meditate?"

  • The question Janine flow charted, “How can I design my schedule to write more?"

  • How Janine was glad she let go of her discomfort over not knowing what to expect and signed up for the class

  • “Everything you want is on the other side of fear."

  • How the technique of flow charting can help you let go of a concern about getting things right

  • The imperfections inherent in flow charting

  • The benefit of these reminders about the value of embracing good enough

  • How handmade things are enhanced by their imperfections

  ]]>3SMYYA7J-X3WHFRThu, 26 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -070021:19falsefull31311313It can be uncomfortable to try new things if perfectionism makes you worry about getting them right. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss a recent class they took together and how it provided a great lesson in letting go of perfectionism. Discussion topics include: • The class on flowcharting that Shannon and Janine took together •How perfectionism came up during this class for Janine but not Shannon • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Janine to get a lot out of the class • Applying flow charting to Shannon’s question, “Is is time to meditate?" • The question Janine flow charted, “How can I design my schedule to write more?" • How Janine was glad she let go of her discomfort over not knowing what to expect and signed up for the class • “Everything you want is on the other side of fear." • How the technique of flow charting can help you let go of a concern about getting things right • The imperfections inherent in flow charting • The benefit of these reminders about the value of embracing good enough • How handmade things are enhanced by their imperfections Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and for photos of our flow charts!Episode 130: Making the Best of the SeasonThe holiday season in 2020 is destined to be strange, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode Janine and Shannon talk about making the best of an unprecedented Thanksgiving holiday. In listening to the episode, we realized that we didn't directly address some important advice: Think about why the holidays are important to you, and what makes them special, and consider how you can bring some of that into your life, even when you can't celebrate as usual.

  Topics we did address include:

  • The importance of keeping everybody safe by limiting social gatherings, even on Thanksgiving

  • Shannon’s “traditional” Popeye’s Thanksgiving

  • How Janine’s decades-long Thanksgiving tradition is impossible this year

  • Our compassion for people who aren’t able to see their loved ones this year

  • Creating 2020 holiday memories and stories 

  • Using the extra time you might gain this year to reach out to others

  • Making yourself feel better by reaching out to someone else

  • The plan Shannon and Janine hatched to play Yahtzee or Scattergories over the internet on Thanksgiving

  • Cutting yourself infinite slack if you can’t do the traditional things you do at the holidays

  • Remembering what we have to be grateful for

  • Accepting the way things things are to reduce stress

  • Recognizing that there’s no perfect or ideal way to spend your time during the pandemic

  • The value of embracing good enough, especially now

  • The wonderful sense of community created by Yoga with Adriene

  • Inviting a friend to do things with you (the internet makes that easy!)

  ]]>The holiday season in 2020 is destined to be strange, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode Janine and Shannon talk about making the best of an unprecedented Thanksgiving holiday. In listening to the episode, we realized that we didn't directly address some important advice: Think about why the holidays are important to you, and what makes them special, and consider how you can bring some of that into your life, even when you can't celebrate as usual.

  Topics we did address include:

  • The importance of keeping everybody safe by limiting social gatherings, even on Thanksgiving

  • Shannon’s “traditional” Popeye’s Thanksgiving

  • How Janine’s decades-long Thanksgiving tradition is impossible this year

  • Our compassion for people who aren’t able to see their loved ones this year

  • Creating 2020 holiday memories and stories 

  • Using the extra time you might gain this year to reach out to others

  • Making yourself feel better by reaching out to someone else

  • The plan Shannon and Janine hatched to play Yahtzee or Scattergories over the internet on Thanksgiving

  • Cutting yourself infinite slack if you can’t do the traditional things you do at the holidays

  • Remembering what we have to be grateful for

  • Accepting the way things things are to reduce stress

  • Recognizing that there’s no perfect or ideal way to spend your time during the pandemic

  • The value of embracing good enough, especially now

  • The wonderful sense of community created by Yoga with Adriene

  • Inviting a friend to do things with you (the internet makes that easy!)

  ]]>HP6I3XO9-8Q6W29Thu, 19 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -070022:08falsefull31301303The holiday season in 2020 is destined to be strange, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode Janine and Shannon talk about making the best of an unprecedented Thanksgiving holiday. In listening to the episode, we realized that we didn't directly address some important advice: Think about why the holidays are important to you, and what makes them special, and consider how you can bring some of that into your life, even when you can't celebrate as usual. Topics we did address include: • The importance of keeping everybody safe by limiting social gatherings, even on Thanksgiving • Shannon’s “traditional” Popeye’s Thanksgiving • How Janine’s decades-long Thanksgiving tradition is impossible this year • Our compassion for people who aren’t able to see their loved ones this year • Creating 2020 holiday memories and stories • Using the extra time you might gain this year to reach out to others • Making yourself feel better by reaching out to someone else • The plan Shannon and Janine hatched to play Yahtzee or Scattergories over the internet on Thanksgiving • Cutting yourself infinite slack if you can’t do the traditional things you do at the holidays • Remembering what we have to be grateful for • Accepting the way things things are to reduce stress • Recognizing that there’s no perfect or ideal way to spend your time during the pandemic • The value of embracing good enough, especially now • The wonderful sense of community created by Yoga with Adriene • Inviting a friend to do things with you (the internet makes that easy!) See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for linksEpisode 129: Know Your Why (Redux)This week, we're re-running Episode 21 from October 2018. It gets to the heart one of our most important recurring themes, so we thought it would be worthwhile to revisit.

  The bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The importance of knowing your core values

  • Evaluating what’s important to you

  • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?”

  • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you

  • Trying a Word of the Year exercise

  • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier

  • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals

  • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changes

  ]]>This week, we're re-running Episode 21 from October 2018. It gets to the heart one of our most important recurring themes, so we thought it would be worthwhile to revisit.

  The bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The importance of knowing your core values

  • Evaluating what’s important to you

  • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?”

  • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you

  • Trying a Word of the Year exercise

  • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier

  • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals

  • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changes

  ]]>3XSVIL2C-2WT57B9Thu, 12 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -070036:28falsefull31291293This week, we're re-running Episode 21 from October 2018. It gets to the heart one of our most important recurring themes, so we thought it would be worthwhile to revisit. The bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough. Discussion topics include: • The importance of knowing your core values • Evaluating what’s important to you • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?” • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you • Trying a Word of the Year exercise • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changes Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for show links.Episode 128: What Is Good Enough (Redux)This week, we're re-running Episode 7, from way back in July 2018. It presents a core message of our podcast that we thought was worth another listen. Enjoy!

  It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on

  • How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard)

  • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours

  • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases

  • How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient ways

  ]]>This week, we're re-running Episode 7, from way back in July 2018. It presents a core message of our podcast that we thought was worth another listen. Enjoy!

  It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on

  • How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard)

  • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours

  • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases

  • How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient ways

  ]]>A3FET6OP-8B5U3DIThu, 05 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -070036:32falsefull31281283This week, we're re-running Episode 7, from way back in July 2018. It presents a core message of our podcast that we thought was worth another listen. Enjoy! It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal. Discussion topics include: • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on • How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard) • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases • How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient waysEpisode 127: Changing HabitsThe prospect of changing a habit can feel difficult--but it doesn't have to be. The pandemic has given most of us a crash course in habit changing! In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some of the habits we've changed recently, along with some ways to make habit changing easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How under the right circumstances, habit change can be easy

  • Some of the many habits the pandemic has required us to create

  • How the pandemic has changed the way we feed ourselves (and our families)

  • Shannon’s strategy for creating a meal-planning habit

  • How Janine’s using her Trello daily task management board to re-create a habit of taking her supplements twice daily

  • The difficulty in remembering whether you’ve done certain daily tasks (and some solutions for that)

  • How the pandemic revealed our capacity to change

  • How these new habits are probably here to stay (and that’s probably for the better)

  • The importance of time of day for certain habits — it can be worthwhile to play with that

  • The value of attaching a habit to an existing one

  ]]>The prospect of changing a habit can feel difficult--but it doesn't have to be. The pandemic has given most of us a crash course in habit changing! In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some of the habits we've changed recently, along with some ways to make habit changing easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How under the right circumstances, habit change can be easy

  • Some of the many habits the pandemic has required us to create

  • How the pandemic has changed the way we feed ourselves (and our families)

  • Shannon’s strategy for creating a meal-planning habit

  • How Janine’s using her Trello daily task management board to re-create a habit of taking her supplements twice daily

  • The difficulty in remembering whether you’ve done certain daily tasks (and some solutions for that)

  • How the pandemic revealed our capacity to change

  • How these new habits are probably here to stay (and that’s probably for the better)

  • The importance of time of day for certain habits — it can be worthwhile to play with that

  • The value of attaching a habit to an existing one

  ]]>78CWREEE-PTRCNMIThu, 29 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -070025:52falsefull31271273The prospect of changing a habit can feel difficult--but it doesn't have to be. The pandemic has given most of us a crash course in habit changing! In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss some of the habits we've changed recently, along with some ways to make habit changing easier. Discussion topics include: • How under the right circumstances, habit change can be easy • Some of the many habits the pandemic has required us to create • How the pandemic has changed the way we feed ourselves (and our families) • Shannon’s strategy for creating a meal-planning habit • How Janine’s using her Trello daily task management board to re-create a habit of taking her supplements twice daily • The difficulty in remembering whether you’ve done certain daily tasks (and some solutions for that) • How the pandemic revealed our capacity to change • How these new habits are probably here to stay (and that’s probably for the better) • The importance of time of day for certain habits — it can be worthwhile to play with that • The value of attaching a habit to an existing oneEpisode 126: Choosing ImperfectionThe notion of choosing imperfection (rather than striving for perfection) is counter-intuitive to folks with perfectionistic tendencies. But it can be a helpful way to approach things. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of choosing imperfection and the joys of welcoming imperfection into our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine chose imperfection when she made a flyer recently

  • The lasting impact of the confetti reward in our Trello task management boards

  • How choosing imperfection allowed Shannon to start communicating regularly with her email list subscribers

  • How Janine has chosen imperfection in her monthly newsletter for more than a dozen years with no ill effects

  • The fact that inaction, as well as imperfection, can sometimes be a choice

  • How Shannon is choosing inaction (as well as imperfection) when it comes to her creaky old website

  • How this topic relates to Janine’s childhood garage burning down

  • Requiring imperfection in our upcoming Zoom presentation, “The Power of Enough"

  • The joy of welcoming imperfection into our lives

  • Choosing imperfection in Shannon’s Vote Forward letters

  • The value of choosing imperfection before starting a project rather than settling for it at the end of a project

  ]]>The notion of choosing imperfection (rather than striving for perfection) is counter-intuitive to folks with perfectionistic tendencies. But it can be a helpful way to approach things. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of choosing imperfection and the joys of welcoming imperfection into our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine chose imperfection when she made a flyer recently

  • The lasting impact of the confetti reward in our Trello task management boards

  • How choosing imperfection allowed Shannon to start communicating regularly with her email list subscribers

  • How Janine has chosen imperfection in her monthly newsletter for more than a dozen years with no ill effects

  • The fact that inaction, as well as imperfection, can sometimes be a choice

  • How Shannon is choosing inaction (as well as imperfection) when it comes to her creaky old website

  • How this topic relates to Janine’s childhood garage burning down

  • Requiring imperfection in our upcoming Zoom presentation, “The Power of Enough"

  • The joy of welcoming imperfection into our lives

  • Choosing imperfection in Shannon’s Vote Forward letters

  • The value of choosing imperfection before starting a project rather than settling for it at the end of a project

  ]]>DOM0PXCM-LO3L3DIThu, 22 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -070026:16falsefull31261263The notion of choosing imperfection (rather than striving for perfection) is counter-intuitive to folks with perfectionistic tendencies. But it can be a helpful way to approach things. In this episode Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits of choosing imperfection and the joys of welcoming imperfection into our lives. Discussion topics include: • How Janine chose imperfection when she made a flyer recently • The lasting impact of the confetti reward in our Trello task management boards • How choosing imperfection allowed Shannon to start communicating regularly with her email list subscribers • How Janine has chosen imperfection in her monthly newsletter for more than a dozen years with no ill effects • The fact that inaction, as well as imperfection, can sometimes be a choice • How Shannon is choosing inaction (as well as imperfection) when it comes to her creaky old website • How this topic relates to Janine’s childhood garage burning down • Requiring imperfection in our upcoming Zoom presentation, “The Power of Enough" • The joy of welcoming imperfection into our lives • Choosing imperfection in Shannon’s Vote Forward letters • The value of choosing imperfection before starting a project rather than settling for it at the end of a project Go to the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 125: AuthenticityShannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public

  • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others.

  • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves

  • How this podcast helps us be authentic

  • The value of being approachable and human

  • How Janine came terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer

  • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast

  • How being authentic is much less stressful!

  • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created

  • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it

  • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking

  • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask"

  • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic

  • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was dating

  ]]>Shannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public

  • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others.

  • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves

  • How this podcast helps us be authentic

  • The value of being approachable and human

  • How Janine came terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer

  • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast

  • How being authentic is much less stressful!

  • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created

  • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it

  • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking

  • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask"

  • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic

  • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was dating

  ]]>5S38IH5O-NEIDX6RThu, 15 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -070023:54falsefull31251253Shannon and Janine both embrace being authentic. But we understand that if you have a tendency toward perfectionism that it can be hard not to strive to appear perfect. In this episode, we discuss the value of authenticity and how it can make your life easier. Discussion topics include: • How perfectionism can make it harder to show up authentically and be your true self in public • How sharing your own imperfections can help you help others. • Shannon and Janine’s “warts and all” approach to presenting themselves • How this podcast helps us be authentic • The value of being approachable and human • How Janine came terms with being authentic about being messy as a professional organizer • The imperfection that is baked into our podcast • How being authentic is much less stressful! • The self recrimination behind not living up to a persona that you created • Saying what you think even if you think the other person won’t want to hear it • Making (sometimes false) assumptions about what people are asking • Shannon’s trick: She assumes that anyone who asks her something is thinking, “Doesn’t hurt to ask" • The freedom of not caring how you’re perceived as long as you’re being authentic • Shannon’s approach to authenticity when she was datingEpisode 124: Incremental ImprovementLittle by little, we can make big strides toward our goals. The trouble is sometimes it's hard to even notice the tiny progress that we make. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss incremental improvement and how it can make a huge difference in our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The power of noticing small improvements

  • How it can be hard to take a step back and look at how far you’ve come

  • The incremental improvement that can come with practice and age

  • Shannon’s metamorphosis from a shy person to an outgoing one

  • A tip for feeling more comfortable at a party or event

  • How making one small change can shift things

  • The Mark Twain quote that inspired this episode, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection."

  • Getting past the frustration of not getting everything you want right away by acknowledging the value of small improvements

  • How Shannon is learning Portuguese by making small (very) consistent improvements

  • Some of the unexpected Portuguese phrases that Shannon now knows

  • The incremental improvement Janine’s seen in her daily yoga practice.

  • How you can experience incremental improvement without even expecting (or seeking) improvement

  • The 30-day plank challenge that took Janine from a twenty-second to a five-minute plank in 30 days

  • Our challenge to you: Think about something that you have improved on that maybe you didn’t realize you have improved on

  ]]>Little by little, we can make big strides toward our goals. The trouble is sometimes it's hard to even notice the tiny progress that we make. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss incremental improvement and how it can make a huge difference in our lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The power of noticing small improvements

  • How it can be hard to take a step back and look at how far you’ve come

  • The incremental improvement that can come with practice and age

  • Shannon’s metamorphosis from a shy person to an outgoing one

  • A tip for feeling more comfortable at a party or event

  • How making one small change can shift things

  • The Mark Twain quote that inspired this episode, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection."

  • Getting past the frustration of not getting everything you want right away by acknowledging the value of small improvements

  • How Shannon is learning Portuguese by making small (very) consistent improvements

  • Some of the unexpected Portuguese phrases that Shannon now knows

  • The incremental improvement Janine’s seen in her daily yoga practice.

  • How you can experience incremental improvement without even expecting (or seeking) improvement

  • The 30-day plank challenge that took Janine from a twenty-second to a five-minute plank in 30 days

  • Our challenge to you: Think about something that you have improved on that maybe you didn’t realize you have improved on

  ]]>70QE318W-TA3V7VIThu, 08 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -070024:25falsefull31241243Little by little, we can make big strides toward our goals. The trouble is sometimes it's hard to even notice the tiny progress that we make. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss incremental improvement and how it can make a huge difference in our lives. Discussion topics include: • The power of noticing small improvements • How it can be hard to take a step back and look at how far you’ve come • The incremental improvement that can come with practice and age • Shannon’s metamorphosis from a shy person to an outgoing one • A tip for feeling more comfortable at a party or event • How making one small change can shift things • The Mark Twain quote that inspired this episode, “Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection." • Getting past the frustration of not getting everything you want right away by acknowledging the value of small improvements • How Shannon is learning Portuguese by making small (very) consistent improvements • Some of the unexpected Portuguese phrases that Shannon now knows • The incremental improvement Janine’s seen in her daily yoga practice. • How you can experience incremental improvement without even expecting (or seeking) improvement • The 30-day plank challenge that took Janine from a twenty-second to a five-minute plank in 30 days • Our challenge to you: Think about something that you have improved on that maybe you didn’t realize you have improved on Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 123: Adapt with EaseShannon and Janine recorded this episode after experiencing some pretty significant unanticipated events on our September trips. Shannon's eastern Oregon RV trip was disrupted by heavy smoke from the wildfires and Janine, whose stay in Walla Walla was also affected by the smoke, had to grapple with her computer becoming inoperable during her big driving trip. This week we discuss how our careful preparation--and knowing what's important to us--allowed us to adapt with ease when faced with the unexpected.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The high levels of wildfire-related smoke that Shannon and Janine were experiencing at the time we recorded this episode

  • How Shannon’s trip to eastern Oregon was affected by the smoke and the ways she and her husband adapted their itinerary to accommodate it

  • The considerations they made to allow them to have a successful trip despite the disruptions

  • Once again, the importance of knowing what is important to you

  • Janine’s computer malfunction that threw her for a big loop

  • The 90th birthday video gift for her father that was imperiled by her computer meltdown

  • How Janine had to embrace good enough to be able to present her gift to her father (it turned out to be a wild success!)

  • The hand-made thank-you note Shannon left for park rangers to thank them for the cleanliness of the pit toilets

  • The silver linings of the adaptations

  Janine’s decision not to visit Mount Rushmore, despite spending the night in Rapid City

  Note: We delayed publishing this episode by a week because the Get Out the Vote episode felt more urgent. So Episode 123 was actually recorded before Episode 122.

  
  

  Go to www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.

  ]]>Shannon and Janine recorded this episode after experiencing some pretty significant unanticipated events on our September trips. Shannon's eastern Oregon RV trip was disrupted by heavy smoke from the wildfires and Janine, whose stay in Walla Walla was also affected by the smoke, had to grapple with her computer becoming inoperable during her big driving trip. This week we discuss how our careful preparation--and knowing what's important to us--allowed us to adapt with ease when faced with the unexpected.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The high levels of wildfire-related smoke that Shannon and Janine were experiencing at the time we recorded this episode

  • How Shannon’s trip to eastern Oregon was affected by the smoke and the ways she and her husband adapted their itinerary to accommodate it

  • The considerations they made to allow them to have a successful trip despite the disruptions

  • Once again, the importance of knowing what is important to you

  • Janine’s computer malfunction that threw her for a big loop

  • The 90th birthday video gift for her father that was imperiled by her computer meltdown

  • How Janine had to embrace good enough to be able to present her gift to her father (it turned out to be a wild success!)

  • The hand-made thank-you note Shannon left for park rangers to thank them for the cleanliness of the pit toilets

  • The silver linings of the adaptations

  Janine’s decision not to visit Mount Rushmore, despite spending the night in Rapid City

  Note: We delayed publishing this episode by a week because the Get Out the Vote episode felt more urgent. So Episode 123 was actually recorded before Episode 122.

  
  

  Go to www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.

  ]]>J48HGX06-ROOGVIThu, 01 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -070031:44falsefull31231233Shannon and Janine recorded this episode after experiencing some pretty significant unanticipated events on our September trips. Shannon's eastern Oregon RV trip was disrupted by heavy smoke from the wildfires and Janine, whose stay in Walla Walla was also affected by the smoke, had to grapple with her computer becoming inoperable during her big driving trip. This week we discuss how our careful preparation--and knowing what's important to us--allowed us to adapt with ease when faced with the unexpected. Discussion topics include: • The high levels of wildfire-related smoke that Shannon and Janine were experiencing at the time we recorded this episode • How Shannon’s trip to eastern Oregon was affected by the smoke and the ways she and her husband adapted their itinerary to accommodate it • The considerations they made to allow them to have a successful trip despite the disruptions • Once again, the importance of knowing what is important to you • Janine’s computer malfunction that threw her for a big loop • The 90th birthday video gift for her father that was imperiled by her computer meltdown • How Janine had to embrace good enough to be able to present her gift to her father (it turned out to be a wild success!) • The hand-made thank-you note Shannon left for park rangers to thank them for the cleanliness of the pit toilets • The silver linings of the adaptations Janine’s decision not to visit Mount Rushmore, despite spending the night in Rapid City Note: We delayed publishing this episode by a week because the Get Out the Vote episode felt more urgent. So Episode 123 was actually recorded before Episode 122. Go to www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 122: Get Out the VoteJanine and Shannon agree that this November's election feels like the most important in our lifetime. We're committed to helping get out the vote and want to help you make sure you're able to vote. We also want to help you help others vote, so we've put together some resources to help make taking action easier.

  We discuss the following steps with resources for each in the Links section below:

  • Level 1: Make sure you’re able to vote

  • Level 2: Promote voting among your friends, associates and neighbors

  • Level 3: Volunteer to help

  • Level 4: Give money to candidates and causes

  Links:

  
  

  Level 1:

  • One-stop voting registration and poll information: https://www.vote.org/

  Level 3:

  • Postcards to Voters (order postcards of your choice, completely handwritten): https://postcardstovoters.org/

  • Blue Wave Postcard Movement (they provide postcards, part of which are preprinted) https://www.bluewavepostcards.org/

  • Letters to Voters: https://votefwd.org/

  • Send texts: https://resistancelabs.com/

  • Volunteer at the polls https://www.workelections.com/

  
  

  Level 4:

  • Donate to the fund established by Shannon's friends (with matching funds!): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/takethesenate2020

  
  

  We are sincere in our desire to help you figure out how to vote and how to help others vote. If you need any help, please reach out at gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com or give us a call at 413-424-GTGE (4843).

  ]]>Janine and Shannon agree that this November's election feels like the most important in our lifetime. We're committed to helping get out the vote and want to help you make sure you're able to vote. We also want to help you help others vote, so we've put together some resources to help make taking action easier.

  We discuss the following steps with resources for each in the Links section below:

  • Level 1: Make sure you’re able to vote

  • Level 2: Promote voting among your friends, associates and neighbors

  • Level 3: Volunteer to help

  • Level 4: Give money to candidates and causes

  Links:

  
  

  Level 1:

  • One-stop voting registration and poll information: https://www.vote.org/

  Level 3:

  • Postcards to Voters (order postcards of your choice, completely handwritten): https://postcardstovoters.org/

  • Blue Wave Postcard Movement (they provide postcards, part of which are preprinted) https://www.bluewavepostcards.org/

  • Letters to Voters: https://votefwd.org/

  • Send texts: https://resistancelabs.com/

  • Volunteer at the polls https://www.workelections.com/

  
  

  Level 4:

  • Donate to the fund established by Shannon's friends (with matching funds!): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/takethesenate2020

  
  

  We are sincere in our desire to help you figure out how to vote and how to help others vote. If you need any help, please reach out at gettingtogoodenough@gmail.com or give us a call at 413-424-GTGE (4843).

  ]]>JF3HV34H-10PB9Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -070027:18falsefull31221223Janine and Shannon agree that this November's election feels like the most important in our lifetime. We're committed to helping get out the vote and want to help you make sure you're able to vote. We also want to help you help others vote, so we've put together some resources to help make taking action easier. We discuss the following steps with resources for each in the Links section below: • Level 1: Make sure you’re able to vote • Level 2: Promote voting among your friends, associates and neighbors Level 3: Volunteer to help • Level 4: Give money to candidates and causes Links: Level 1: • One-stop voting registration and poll information: https://www.vote.org/ Level 3: • Postcards to Voters (order postcards of your choice, completely handwritten): https://postcardstovoters.org/ • Blue Wave Postcard Movement (they provide postcards, part of which are preprinted) https://www.bluewavepostcards.org/ • Letters to Voters: https://votefwd.org/ • Send texts: https://resistancelabs.com/ • Volunteer at the polls https://www.workelections.com/ Level 4: • Donate to the fund established by Shannon's friends (with matching funds!): https://secure.actblue.com/donate/takethesenate2020 We are sincere in our desire to help you figure out how to vote and how to help others vote. If you need any help, please reach out at hello@gettingtogoodenough.com or give us a call at 413-424-GTGE (4843).Episode 121: Productive PreparationShannon and Janine are both taking road trips the first week in September that require a good deal of preparation. This week we discuss how we've been trying to be plan productively without letting perfectionism hold us up.

  Discussion topics include: 

  • The paradox of 2020: How can it only be September and also how is it September already?

  • How we're trying not to let perfectionism get in the of planning our upcoming trips

  • Shannon's trip next week from Portland to eastern Oregon towing an RV behind her SUV

  • Janine's upcoming 29-hour drive from St. Louis to eastern Washington for her father's 90th birthday

  • How Janine is using Trello to help her plan what to pack for her journey

  • How taking away the unknowns and breaking down the trip into days helped Janine get her arms around the long trip

  • How it's so easy to spin your wheels while trying to prepare when there's uncertainty involved

  • Shannon's Post-it note trip planning method

  • Planning routes based on elevation (so smart!)

  • Covering contingencies with a paper road map!

  • The difference between worrying about things you can't control and thinking about those things you can control

  • How one's perception of a situation can influence its reality

  ]]>Shannon and Janine are both taking road trips the first week in September that require a good deal of preparation. This week we discuss how we've been trying to be plan productively without letting perfectionism hold us up.

  Discussion topics include: 

  • The paradox of 2020: How can it only be September and also how is it September already?

  • How we're trying not to let perfectionism get in the of planning our upcoming trips

  • Shannon's trip next week from Portland to eastern Oregon towing an RV behind her SUV

  • Janine's upcoming 29-hour drive from St. Louis to eastern Washington for her father's 90th birthday

  • How Janine is using Trello to help her plan what to pack for her journey

  • How taking away the unknowns and breaking down the trip into days helped Janine get her arms around the long trip

  • How it's so easy to spin your wheels while trying to prepare when there's uncertainty involved

  • Shannon's Post-it note trip planning method

  • Planning routes based on elevation (so smart!)

  • Covering contingencies with a paper road map!

  • The difference between worrying about things you can't control and thinking about those things you can control

  • How one's perception of a situation can influence its reality

  ]]>G9X753K9-E1M7VIThu, 17 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -070031:02falsefull31211213Shannon and Janine are both taking road trips the first week in September that require a good deal of preparation. This week we discuss how we've been trying to be plan productively without letting perfectionism hold us up. Discussion topics include: * The paradox of 2020: How can it only be September and also how is it September already? * How we're trying not to let perfectionism get in the of planning our upcoming trips * Shannon's trip next week from Portland to eastern Oregon towing an RV behind her SUV * Janine's upcoming 29-hour drive from St. Louis to eastern Washington for her father's 90th birthday * How Janine is using Trello to help her plan what to pack for her journey * How taking away the unknowns and breaking down the trip into days helped Janine get her arms around the long trip * How it's so easy to spin your wheels while trying to prepare when there's uncertainty involved * Shannon's Post-it note trip planning method * Planning routes based on elevation (so smart!) * Covering contingencies with a paper road map! * The difference between worrying about things you can't control and thinking about those things you can control * How one's perception of a situation can influence its reality Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 120: Sneaky PerfectionismSometimes perfectionism can hide from view so we don't even realize it's happening. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss that sneaky perfectionism, how it can show up and how "good enough" can be helpful.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon’s flying her “recovering perfectionist” flag high in this episode!

  • She discovered in a coaching session that perfectionism was lurking sneakily behind a reluctance to do something

  • How something can feel perfect in your head before you start taking action but becomes imperfect when you start taking action, which can stop you from taking action

  • The clue that perfectionism is at play: thinking you should (or even could) do something in a particular way

  • How should can come up around the finished product, not necessarily around how to go about doing something

  • The value of realizing that what you are already doing is good enough.

  • The provocative question Shannon asked on Facebook: “If you knew you were going to be successful, what would you try?” 

  • How Janine’s lack of perfectionism helps her pursue the things that she’s interested in

  • The idea that came to Janine during the recording to help deaf people in Missouri vote

  • The impact of combining your whys

  • “All right is the new awesome!"

  ]]>Sometimes perfectionism can hide from view so we don't even realize it's happening. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss that sneaky perfectionism, how it can show up and how "good enough" can be helpful.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon’s flying her “recovering perfectionist” flag high in this episode!

  • She discovered in a coaching session that perfectionism was lurking sneakily behind a reluctance to do something

  • How something can feel perfect in your head before you start taking action but becomes imperfect when you start taking action, which can stop you from taking action

  • The clue that perfectionism is at play: thinking you should (or even could) do something in a particular way

  • How should can come up around the finished product, not necessarily around how to go about doing something

  • The value of realizing that what you are already doing is good enough.

  • The provocative question Shannon asked on Facebook: “If you knew you were going to be successful, what would you try?” 

  • How Janine’s lack of perfectionism helps her pursue the things that she’s interested in

  • The idea that came to Janine during the recording to help deaf people in Missouri vote

  • The impact of combining your whys

  • “All right is the new awesome!"

  ]]>D18NW1AD-31SJORThu, 10 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -070024:56falsefull31201203Sometimes perfectionism can hide from view so we don't even realize it's happening. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss that sneaky perfectionism, how it can show up and how "good enough" can be helpful. Discussion topics include: • Shannon’s flying her “recovering perfectionist” flag high in this episode! • She discovered in a coaching session that perfectionism was lurking sneakily behind a reluctance to do something • How something can feel perfect in your head before you start taking action but becomes imperfect when you start taking action, which can stop you from taking action • The clue that perfectionism is at play: thinking you should (or even could) do something in a particular way • How should can come up around the finished product, not necessarily around how to go about doing something • The value of realizing that what you are already doing is good enough. • The provocative question Shannon asked on Facebook: “If you knew you were going to be successful, what would you try?” • How Janine’s lack of perfectionism helps her pursue the things that she’s interested in • The idea that came to Janine during the recording to help deaf people in Missouri vote • The impact of combining your whys • “All right is the new awesome!" See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a link to Shannon's Facebook post!Episode 119: Process vs ProductFor some people, the process of doing something is more important than the finished product and for other folks it's the other way around. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss process vs product and how it might be helpful to look at it from the other perspective.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inspiration for this episode: a story about a ceramics teacher who graded half the class on quantity and the other half on quality

  • The surprising result: The highest quality work came from the people who were graded on quantity

  • How being on the process (quantity) side might get you where you want to go more easily than being on the product (quality) side.

  • Process vs product in knitting

  • The Mystery Knit Along project that Janine is knitting

  • How sometimes the product is the process

  • How it can be useful to engage in the process even if you are not sure of the product or sure that you can achieve the quality that you want

  • Janine’s fervent love for You Need a Budget (YNAB) and how it took her awhile to get there

  • The value of noticing whether you’re thinking about what you want to do as process vs product, then consider it the other way around

  • How process vs product isn’t a matter of good or bad, it’s just a matter of what works for you

  ]]>For some people, the process of doing something is more important than the finished product and for other folks it's the other way around. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss process vs product and how it might be helpful to look at it from the other perspective.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inspiration for this episode: a story about a ceramics teacher who graded half the class on quantity and the other half on quality

  • The surprising result: The highest quality work came from the people who were graded on quantity

  • How being on the process (quantity) side might get you where you want to go more easily than being on the product (quality) side.

  • Process vs product in knitting

  • The Mystery Knit Along project that Janine is knitting

  • How sometimes the product is the process

  • How it can be useful to engage in the process even if you are not sure of the product or sure that you can achieve the quality that you want

  • Janine’s fervent love for You Need a Budget (YNAB) and how it took her awhile to get there

  • The value of noticing whether you’re thinking about what you want to do as process vs product, then consider it the other way around

  • How process vs product isn’t a matter of good or bad, it’s just a matter of what works for you

  ]]>5MXW2LAK-M7SNHFRThu, 03 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -070024:04falsefull31191193For some people, the process of doing something is more important than the finished product and for other folks it's the other way around. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss process vs product and how it might be helpful to look at it from the other perspective. Discussion topics include: • The inspiration for this episode: a story about a ceramics teacher who graded half the class on quantity and the other half on quality • The surprising result: The highest quality work came from the people who were graded on quantity • How being on the process (quantity) side might get you where you want to go more easily than being on the product (quality) side. • Process vs product in knitting • The Mystery Knit Along project that Janine is knitting • How sometimes the product is the process • How it can be useful to engage in the process even if you are not sure of the product or sure that you can achieve the quality that you want • Janine’s fervent love for You Need a Budget (YNAB) and how it took her awhile to get there • The value of noticing whether you’re thinking about what you want to do as process vs product, then consider it the other way around • How process vs product isn’t a matter of good or bad, it’s just a matter of what works for you Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for show notes and links.Episode 118: Trello for Task ManagementBoth Janine and Shannon have bounced around using various task-management systems over the years. But Janine's been using a specific Trello task-management  board every day now for the past four months and is bursting with excitement to talk about it. Shannon's using it too and in this episode we break down the benefits of the Daily Task Management Trello board.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s excitement over her Trello task management system and how she cajoled Shannon into trying it

  • The importance of setting up the system so that it’s easy to use

  • The secret sauce of this system: Trello’s Butler automation

  • Janine’s description of her system and the automations involved

  • Shannon’s favorite part of the system: It shoots confetti when you accomplish something!

  • The power of the confetti

  • Some of the automations that Janine uses

  • The downside to the intense use of automations: Janine had to upgrade to Trello Business Class and now pays $10 a month (but she thinks it's worth it!)

  • How perfectionism made Shannon reluctant to try out the system

  • The visual nature of this system that has allowed Shannon to resist going back to pen and paper

  • The power of getting credit for doing your daily tasks

  • The iOS shortcut that allows for easy entry of new tasks from the phone, which make this system so viable

  • How this system feels like one that will stick (though it’s completely reasonable if it doesn’t)

  ]]>Both Janine and Shannon have bounced around using various task-management systems over the years. But Janine's been using a specific Trello task-management  board every day now for the past four months and is bursting with excitement to talk about it. Shannon's using it too and in this episode we break down the benefits of the Daily Task Management Trello board.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s excitement over her Trello task management system and how she cajoled Shannon into trying it

  • The importance of setting up the system so that it’s easy to use

  • The secret sauce of this system: Trello’s Butler automation

  • Janine’s description of her system and the automations involved

  • Shannon’s favorite part of the system: It shoots confetti when you accomplish something!

  • The power of the confetti

  • Some of the automations that Janine uses

  • The downside to the intense use of automations: Janine had to upgrade to Trello Business Class and now pays $10 a month (but she thinks it's worth it!)

  • How perfectionism made Shannon reluctant to try out the system

  • The visual nature of this system that has allowed Shannon to resist going back to pen and paper

  • The power of getting credit for doing your daily tasks

  • The iOS shortcut that allows for easy entry of new tasks from the phone, which make this system so viable

  • How this system feels like one that will stick (though it’s completely reasonable if it doesn’t)

  ]]>HRGB51IT-SUG14IThu, 27 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -070026:16falsefull31181183Both Janine and Shannon have bounced around using various task-management systems over the years. But Janine's been using a specific Trello task-management board every day now for the past four months and is bursting with excitement to talk about it. Shannon's using it too and in this episode we break down the benefits of the Daily Task Management Trello board. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s excitement over her Trello task management system and how she cajoled Shannon into trying it • The importance of setting up the system so that it’s easy to use • The secret sauce of this system: Trello’s Butler automation • Janine’s description of her system and the automations involved • Shannon’s favorite part of the system: It shoots confetti when you accomplish something! • The power of the confetti • Some of the automations that Janine uses • The downside to the intense use of automations: Janine had to upgrade to Trello Business Class and now pays $10 a month (but she thinks it's worth it!) • How perfectionism made Shannon reluctant to try out the system • The visual nature of this system that has allowed Shannon to resist going back to pen and paper • The power of getting credit for doing your daily tasks • The iOS shortcut that allows for easy entry of new tasks from the phone, which make this system so viable • How this system feels like one that will stick (though it’s completely reasonable if it doesn’t) See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for an update from Shannon and links.Episode 117: Setting BoundariesSetting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries

  • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why

  • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us

  • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation

  • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video

  • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries

  • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries

  • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on

  • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it

  • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go

  • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved)

  ]]>Setting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries

  • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why

  • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us

  • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation

  • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video

  • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries

  • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries

  • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on

  • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it

  • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go

  • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved)

  ]]>JVKATZQ2-TLZ0K9Thu, 20 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -070022:55falsefull31171173Setting boundaries allows you to live a life based on your core values. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss getting in touch with what's important to you as a way to help you set boundaries that ensure you're doing the things that align with your why. They use a recent real-life example to illustrate how they recently benefited from boundary setting. Discussion topics include: • How it can be hard for people-pleasing perfectionists to set boundaries • How boundaries can help ensure that you’re doing the thing that most aligns with your why • The keystone of the getting-to-good-enough mentality: getting in touch with what’s important to you • How Janine and Shannon harnessed our boundary-setting skills to make an invitation to present together work for us • Our surprise that there were no objections from the program organizer to our request for an informal presentation • How strange it feels sometimes to podcast without video • The many ways it can be useful to get comfortable setting good-enough boundaries • Getting in touch with what’s important to you as a guideline for setting boundaries • Letting go of a fear of missing out or disappointing people with your boundaries • How having boundaries can save you from committing to something you can’t follow through on • Remembering that when you pass on something you don’t like to do, you’re giving an opportunity to someone who does like to do it • Considering boundaries as gutter bumpers that keep you headed in the direction you want to go • Shannon’s sweet spot in bowling (there’s beer involved)Episode 116: Marginal ValueOur lives these days are shrouded in uncertainty. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building in some margin to make life--and decision-making--a little easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Creating a margin in your life so you have some flexibility

  • How this is particularly important during times of uncertainty (like now)

  • What we mean by margin

  • How things often don’t go as planned, even if (or especially if) they’re planned to the detail

  • The value of building margins in travel

  • The margin Shannon built into planning her low-stress wedding

  • A great example of imperfection: Shannon and Mike celebrated their wedding anniversary on the wrong day this year

  • Basing decisions on those things that you can be certain about

  • How giving yourself margin provides flexibility to deal with circumstances that do arise

  • Remember: Not making a decision is making a decision

  • Janine’s challenge in trying to plan a trip to Washington state for her father’s 90th birthday in September

  • The mental and emotional bandwidth taken up by living in a global pandemic during a time of social unrest and economic and political uncertainty—and the benefit of building in a margin for our own mental health

  • An important reminder: Keep cutting yourself slack!

  ]]>Our lives these days are shrouded in uncertainty. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building in some margin to make life--and decision-making--a little easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Creating a margin in your life so you have some flexibility

  • How this is particularly important during times of uncertainty (like now)

  • What we mean by margin

  • How things often don’t go as planned, even if (or especially if) they’re planned to the detail

  • The value of building margins in travel

  • The margin Shannon built into planning her low-stress wedding

  • A great example of imperfection: Shannon and Mike celebrated their wedding anniversary on the wrong day this year

  • Basing decisions on those things that you can be certain about

  • How giving yourself margin provides flexibility to deal with circumstances that do arise

  • Remember: Not making a decision is making a decision

  • Janine’s challenge in trying to plan a trip to Washington state for her father’s 90th birthday in September

  • The mental and emotional bandwidth taken up by living in a global pandemic during a time of social unrest and economic and political uncertainty—and the benefit of building in a margin for our own mental health

  • An important reminder: Keep cutting yourself slack!

  ]]>6O8EM9S2-V3RF6RThu, 13 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -070028:28falsefull31161163Our lives these days are shrouded in uncertainty. This week Janine and Shannon discuss building in some margin to make life--and decision-making--a little easier. Discussion topics include: • Creating a margin in your life so you have some flexibility • How this is particularly important during times of uncertainty (like now) • What we mean by margin • How things often don’t go as planned, even if (or especially if) they’re planned to the detail • The value of building margins in travel • The margin Shannon built into planning her low-stress wedding • A great example of imperfection: Shannon and Mike celebrated their wedding anniversary on the wrong day this year • Basing decisions on those things that you can be certain about • How giving yourself margin provides flexibility to deal with circumstances that do arise • Remember: Not making a decision is making a decision • Janine’s challenge in trying to plan a trip to Washington state for her father’s 90th birthday in September • The mental and emotional bandwidth taken up by living in a global pandemic during a time of social unrest and economic and political uncertainty—and the benefit of building in a margin for our own mental health • An important reminder: Keep cutting yourself slack! Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for show notes and linksEpisode 115: Difficult ConversationsShannon attended protests in Portland in support of Black Lives Matter just a few days before we recorded this episode. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about the challenges of having difficult conversations around systemic racism and Shannon shares what she's learned in recent weeks of activism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The reason Shannon’s throat is scratchy: She participated in Black Lives Matter protests in Portland and was pepper sprayed and tear gassed by federal agents

  • How protesting has opened Shannon’s eyes to a lot of things that she’s never had to think about before

  • A big lesson: Don’t get defensive in discussions about racism but rather take away the message for further thought

  • How perfectionism can be a problem in these conversations because it can lead to paralysis or defensiveness

  • How Shannon is trying to take what she’s learning and help other white women learn about ways they may unknowingly be behaving in a racist manner

  • It doesn’t matter what your intention was if something you say is perceived as harmful. Learning that without getting defensive is valuable.

  • A navigational tool: The Ring Theory that helps you not say the wrong thing: 

  • Getting used to just saying, “Thank you for letting me know."

  • How Shannon’s trying to navigate these discussions in social media

  • The other big thing that happened in Shannon’s life on Saturday: She and her husband found a baby mouse in their car and had to figure out what to do for it.

  • Supporting the BLM movement without being on the front lines

  ]]>Shannon attended protests in Portland in support of Black Lives Matter just a few days before we recorded this episode. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about the challenges of having difficult conversations around systemic racism and Shannon shares what she's learned in recent weeks of activism.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The reason Shannon’s throat is scratchy: She participated in Black Lives Matter protests in Portland and was pepper sprayed and tear gassed by federal agents

  • How protesting has opened Shannon’s eyes to a lot of things that she’s never had to think about before

  • A big lesson: Don’t get defensive in discussions about racism but rather take away the message for further thought

  • How perfectionism can be a problem in these conversations because it can lead to paralysis or defensiveness

  • How Shannon is trying to take what she’s learning and help other white women learn about ways they may unknowingly be behaving in a racist manner

  • It doesn’t matter what your intention was if something you say is perceived as harmful. Learning that without getting defensive is valuable.

  • A navigational tool: The Ring Theory that helps you not say the wrong thing: 

  • Getting used to just saying, “Thank you for letting me know."

  • How Shannon’s trying to navigate these discussions in social media

  • The other big thing that happened in Shannon’s life on Saturday: She and her husband found a baby mouse in their car and had to figure out what to do for it.

  • Supporting the BLM movement without being on the front lines

  ]]>31T14YED-8GXPQFRThu, 06 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -070027:34falsefull31151153Shannon attended protests in Portland in support of Black Lives Matter just a few days before we recorded this episode. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about the challenges of having difficult conversations around systemic racism and Shannon shares what she's learned in recent weeks of activism. Discussion topics include: • The reason Shannon’s throat is scratchy: She participated in Black Lives Matter protests in Portland and was pepper sprayed and tear gassed by federal agents • How protesting has opened Shannon’s eyes to a lot of things that she’s never had to think about before • A big lesson: Don’t get defensive in discussions about racism but rather take away the message for further thought • How perfectionism can be a problem in these conversations because it can lead to paralysis or defensiveness • How Shannon is trying to take what she’s learning and help other white women learn about ways they may unknowingly be behaving in a racist manner • It doesn’t matter what your intention was if something you say is perceived as harmful. Learning that without getting defensive is valuable. • A navigational tool: The Ring Theory that helps you not say the wrong thing: • Getting used to just saying, “Thank you for letting me know." • How Shannon’s trying to navigate these discussions in social media • The other big thing that happened in Shannon’s life on Saturday: She and her husband found a baby mouse in their car and had to figure out what to do for it. • Supporting the BLM movement without being on the front lines See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 114: Productivity BlocksFor many of us, the pandemic has made a tendency to procrastinate painfully obvious. We're not as busy, yet we're still procrastinating. But there's hope! This week Janine and Shannon talk about the four main productivity blocks and how they can be easy to get past.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The summer heat!

  • How these days we can’t blame being busy for not getting stuff done

  • The four main productivity blocks: confidence, reward, focus and enjoyment

  • How people tend to fall into one of those categories

  • Curious what yours is? Check out the quiz on Shannon’s website to find out

  • The workbook and follow-up emails available to the quiz-takers

  • The project that Janine is procrastinating on (writing a genealogy guide) and how she plans to test out Shannon’s tips

  • Janine’s hope that by the time this episode is published she will have finished the guide

  • A surprise live coaching session to help Janine get past her enjoyment productivity block

  • Some ideas for making the process of writing her guides more enjoyable

  • Shannon’s sincere offer for people to email her with feedback on getting past their productivity blocks (take her quiz first!)

  • How checking something off your list can be such a huge reward that is very helpful for those whose productivity block is reward

  • The value of a timer for folks whose productivity block is focus

  • Remembering that there’s not something inherently wrong with you if you’re procrastinating; we’re naturally drawn to do the things that feel most doable

  Update from Janine: We ended up publishing this episode a week earlier than expected and I am not finished with the Orderly Roots guide I'm working on. But the good news is that I'm making daily progress!

  ]]>For many of us, the pandemic has made a tendency to procrastinate painfully obvious. We're not as busy, yet we're still procrastinating. But there's hope! This week Janine and Shannon talk about the four main productivity blocks and how they can be easy to get past.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The summer heat!

  • How these days we can’t blame being busy for not getting stuff done

  • The four main productivity blocks: confidence, reward, focus and enjoyment

  • How people tend to fall into one of those categories

  • Curious what yours is? Check out the quiz on Shannon’s website to find out

  • The workbook and follow-up emails available to the quiz-takers

  • The project that Janine is procrastinating on (writing a genealogy guide) and how she plans to test out Shannon’s tips

  • Janine’s hope that by the time this episode is published she will have finished the guide

  • A surprise live coaching session to help Janine get past her enjoyment productivity block

  • Some ideas for making the process of writing her guides more enjoyable

  • Shannon’s sincere offer for people to email her with feedback on getting past their productivity blocks (take her quiz first!)

  • How checking something off your list can be such a huge reward that is very helpful for those whose productivity block is reward

  • The value of a timer for folks whose productivity block is focus

  • Remembering that there’s not something inherently wrong with you if you’re procrastinating; we’re naturally drawn to do the things that feel most doable

  Update from Janine: We ended up publishing this episode a week earlier than expected and I am not finished with the Orderly Roots guide I'm working on. But the good news is that I'm making daily progress!

  ]]>3OJOA0B2-E5KLNMIThu, 30 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -070025:36falsefull31141143For many of us, the pandemic has made a tendency to procrastinate painfully obvious. We're not as busy, yet we're still procrastinating. But there's hope! This week Janine and Shannon talk about the four main productivity blocks and how they can be easy to get past. Discussion topics include: • The summer heat! • How these days we can’t blame being busy for not getting stuff done • The four main productivity blocks: confidence, reward, focus and enjoyment • How people tend to fall into one of those categories • Curious what yours is? Check out the quiz on Shannon’s website to find out • The workbook and follow-up emails available to the quiz-takers • The project that Janine is procrastinating on (writing a genealogy guide) and how she plans to test out Shannon’s tips • Janine’s hope that by the time this episode is published she will have finished the guide • A surprise live coaching session to help Janine get past her enjoyment productivity block • Some ideas for making the process of writing her guides more enjoyable • Shannon’s sincere offer for people to email her with feedback on getting past their productivity blocks (take her quiz first!) • How checking something off your list can be such a huge reward that is very helpful for those whose productivity block is reward • The value of a timer for folks whose productivity block is focus • Remembering that there’s not something inherently wrong with you if you’re procrastinating; we’re naturally drawn to do the things that feel most doable Update from Janine: We ended up publishing this episode a week earlier than expected and I am not finished with the Orderly Roots guide I'm working on. But the good news is that I'm making daily progress! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 113: Good Enough on ZoomWhether we like it or not, Zoom has become a part of the lives of many (if not most) of us, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode, Shannon and Janine letting go of perfectionism around Zoom to make it less stressful. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • The challenging transition from phone coaching to Zoom coaching for Shannon

  • Shannon’s iPad + computer set up that allows her to take notes on her laptop while providing a flattering camera angle

  • Blue-light filtering glasses to help lessen the negative effects of screen time

  • The benefit of Zooming from an iPad rather than a computer

  • Letting go of stress around your background when Zooming

  • The photo-booth strip of Janine and Shannon that keen-eyed people who Zoom with Janine can see

  • Adjusting what you’re paying attention to based on your audience

  • Zoom goofs seen on the internet

  ]]>Whether we like it or not, Zoom has become a part of the lives of many (if not most) of us, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode, Shannon and Janine letting go of perfectionism around Zoom to make it less stressful. 

  Discussion topics include:

  • The challenging transition from phone coaching to Zoom coaching for Shannon

  • Shannon’s iPad + computer set up that allows her to take notes on her laptop while providing a flattering camera angle

  • Blue-light filtering glasses to help lessen the negative effects of screen time

  • The benefit of Zooming from an iPad rather than a computer

  • Letting go of stress around your background when Zooming

  • The photo-booth strip of Janine and Shannon that keen-eyed people who Zoom with Janine can see

  • Adjusting what you’re paying attention to based on your audience

  • Zoom goofs seen on the internet

  ]]>GHJHA0VH-Z5XW29Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -070021:10falsefull31131133Whether we like it or not, Zoom has become a part of the lives of many (if not most) of us, thanks to COVID-19. In this episode, Shannon and Janine letting go of perfectionism around Zoom to make it less stressful. Discussion topics include: • The challenging transition from phone coaching to Zoom coaching for Shannon • Shannon’s iPad + computer set up that allows her to take notes on her laptop while providing a flattering camera angle • Blue-light filtering glasses to help lessen the negative effects of screen time • The benefit of Zooming from an iPad rather than a computer • Letting go of stress around your background when Zooming • The photo-booth strip of Janine and Shannon that keen-eyed people who Zoom with Janine can see • Adjusting what you’re paying attention to based on your audience • Zoom goofs seen on the internet Be sure and check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for photos and links!Episode 112: Mid-Year RefreshIt's July already (finally?) and Janine and Shannon revisited the goals they set way back at the end of 2019. This week we discuss the value of taking some time to visit, and perhaps refresh, our goals in this year that took such an unexpected turn.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The paradox of 2020: It seems impossible that it’s the middle of the year already, yet the first half of the year feels like it lasted for years.

  • Checking out goals set at the end of 2019 (for first time since 2019)

  • Janine’s surprise that the majority of her goals are being accomplished without her intentional action

  • The value of putting goals into cogent enough form that they can be written down

  • Taking the time to revisit and/or refresh your goals to help you achieve them

  • How some of our goals have to be retired (or reframed) because of the pandemic

  • How Shannon’s word for the year, Cultivate, was unexpectedly manifested in the form of cultivating a garden!

  • My Virtual Journey, the app Shannon used to adapt her travel goal in the current reality

  • It’s not too late to set goals now if you didn’t set any at the beginning of the year

  • Setting specific goals and tasks vs setting goals for how you want to feel

  ]]>It's July already (finally?) and Janine and Shannon revisited the goals they set way back at the end of 2019. This week we discuss the value of taking some time to visit, and perhaps refresh, our goals in this year that took such an unexpected turn.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The paradox of 2020: It seems impossible that it’s the middle of the year already, yet the first half of the year feels like it lasted for years.

  • Checking out goals set at the end of 2019 (for first time since 2019)

  • Janine’s surprise that the majority of her goals are being accomplished without her intentional action

  • The value of putting goals into cogent enough form that they can be written down

  • Taking the time to revisit and/or refresh your goals to help you achieve them

  • How some of our goals have to be retired (or reframed) because of the pandemic

  • How Shannon’s word for the year, Cultivate, was unexpectedly manifested in the form of cultivating a garden!

  • My Virtual Journey, the app Shannon used to adapt her travel goal in the current reality

  • It’s not too late to set goals now if you didn’t set any at the beginning of the year

  • Setting specific goals and tasks vs setting goals for how you want to feel

  ]]>I996JJJ0-BFBT9Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -070022:43falsefull31121123It's July already (finally?) and Janine and Shannon revisited the goals they set way back at the end of 2019. This week we discuss the value of taking some time to visit, and perhaps refresh, our goals in this year that took such an unexpected turn. Discussion topics include: • The paradox of 2020: It seems impossible that it’s the middle of the year already, yet the first half of the year feels like it lasted for years. • Checking out goals set at the end of 2019 (for first time since 2019) • Janine’s surprise that the majority of her goals are being accomplished without her intentional action • The value of putting goals into cogent enough form that they can be written down • Taking the time to revisit and/or refresh your goals to help you achieve them • How some of our goals have to be retired (or reframed) because of the pandemic • How Shannon’s word for the year, Cultivate, was unexpectedly manifested in the form of cultivating a garden! • My Virtual Journey, the app Shannon used to adapt her travel goal in the current reality • It’s not too late to set goals now if you didn’t set any at the beginning of the year • Setting specific goals and tasks vs setting goals for how you want to feel Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 111: Perfect FlounderingIf you're uncomfortable with doing something imperfectly it's hard to learn new skills. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss opening yourself up to "perfect floundering" so that you can go ahead and do things that you don't already know how to do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The discomfort of floundering, especially for perfectionists

  • The amazing prospect of striving to flounder perfectly

  • How embracing perfect floundering can allow you to do stuff even if you don’t know what you’re doing

  • How not being willing to flounder can hold you back

  • Having more fun by letting your brain flounder more

  • The fact that if you’re always comfortable with your skill level, you’re not learning

  • How this can apply to not just learning something new, but also to modifying how you’re already doing things

  • Inviting feedback on being anti-racist and being willing to do it imperfectly

  • How making floundering a goal shifts your relationship with what you’re trying to do (it's no longer about you)

  • Getting clear about what you’re trying to achieve before embarking on perfect floundering so you know what you’re working toward

  • Why it’s valuable to label something a “practice"

  • The challenge of changing ingrained habits and behaviors

  • An important reminder: Always cut yourself slack

  ]]>If you're uncomfortable with doing something imperfectly it's hard to learn new skills. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss opening yourself up to "perfect floundering" so that you can go ahead and do things that you don't already know how to do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The discomfort of floundering, especially for perfectionists

  • The amazing prospect of striving to flounder perfectly

  • How embracing perfect floundering can allow you to do stuff even if you don’t know what you’re doing

  • How not being willing to flounder can hold you back

  • Having more fun by letting your brain flounder more

  • The fact that if you’re always comfortable with your skill level, you’re not learning

  • How this can apply to not just learning something new, but also to modifying how you’re already doing things

  • Inviting feedback on being anti-racist and being willing to do it imperfectly

  • How making floundering a goal shifts your relationship with what you’re trying to do (it's no longer about you)

  • Getting clear about what you’re trying to achieve before embarking on perfect floundering so you know what you’re working toward

  • Why it’s valuable to label something a “practice"

  • The challenge of changing ingrained habits and behaviors

  • An important reminder: Always cut yourself slack

  ]]>696TRRWL-IIFI529Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -070022:57falsefull31111113If you're uncomfortable with doing something imperfectly it's hard to learn new skills. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss opening yourself up to "perfect floundering" so that you can go ahead and do things that you don't already know how to do. Discussion topics include: • The discomfort of floundering, especially for perfectionists • The amazing prospect of striving to flounder perfectly • How embracing perfect floundering can allow you to do stuff even if you don’t know what you’re doing • How not being willing to flounder can hold you back • Having more fun by letting your brain flounder more • The fact that if you’re always comfortable with your skill level, you’re not learning • How this can apply to not just learning something new, but also to modifying how you’re already doing things • Inviting feedback on being anti-racist and being willing to do it imperfectly • How making floundering a goal shifts your relationship with what you’re trying to do (it's no longer about you) • Getting clear about what you’re trying to achieve before embarking on perfect floundering so you know what you’re working toward • Why it’s valuable to label something a “practice" • The challenge of changing ingrained habits and behaviors • An important reminder: Always cut yourself slackEpisode 110: {GEIP} Vanessa FoersterWhat if you were able to shed your perfectionistic tendencies so that you could create something BIG in the service of doing GOOD? That's what our amazing guest, Vanessa Foerster, did less than a month ago when she created the Diversify Triathlon Movement. Janine and Shannon were thrilled to talk with her about the movement and how she had to let go of perfectionism in order to create it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Introducing our guest Vanessa Foerster, a life coach for driven triathletes who helps triathletes qualify for the Iron Man World Championships (aka Kona). She is currently helping beginner BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) athletes make their way into the triathlon world, through the Diversify Triathlon Movement

  • How creating the Diversify Triathlon Movement was the perfect practice for Vanessa to throw perfectionism out the window

  • Vanessa’s history with perfectionism and how it would paralyze her

  • How Vanessa was able to move forward when with her idea of trying to diversify triathlons so more BIPOC athletes could get involved.

  • Deciding to become a leader in this movement when no other leader emerged.

  • The two deals Vanessa made with herself: (1) Be willing to mess it up and (2) Keep it simple

  • The Diversify Triathlon Movement: BIPOC athletes who have an interest in triathlons are paired with triathlon coaches who are providing three months of triathlon coaching to knock down the barriers to getting started in the sport.

  • The art of the triathlon (and the trial and error involved)

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of a successful triathlon

  • The support that the movement has received from companies within every realm of the sport

  • The value of letting go of specific outcomes

  • How Vanessa’s guiding principles helped her put some constraints on the program when it became popular very quickly

  • Trusting your feelings to help make decisions—and sticking to your guns

  • The serendipitous confluence of Vanessa and GTGE’s message: (1) Getting clear on your why and (2) Let it be easy

  • How “good enough” has infiltrated other aspects of Vanessa’s life and work

  • Vanessa’s hopes for the Diversify Triathlon Movement

  Learn more about the Diversify Triathlon Movement at www.diversifytriathlonmovement.com.

  ]]>What if you were able to shed your perfectionistic tendencies so that you could create something BIG in the service of doing GOOD? That's what our amazing guest, Vanessa Foerster, did less than a month ago when she created the Diversify Triathlon Movement. Janine and Shannon were thrilled to talk with her about the movement and how she had to let go of perfectionism in order to create it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Introducing our guest Vanessa Foerster, a life coach for driven triathletes who helps triathletes qualify for the Iron Man World Championships (aka Kona). She is currently helping beginner BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) athletes make their way into the triathlon world, through the Diversify Triathlon Movement

  • How creating the Diversify Triathlon Movement was the perfect practice for Vanessa to throw perfectionism out the window

  • Vanessa’s history with perfectionism and how it would paralyze her

  • How Vanessa was able to move forward when with her idea of trying to diversify triathlons so more BIPOC athletes could get involved.

  • Deciding to become a leader in this movement when no other leader emerged.

  • The two deals Vanessa made with herself: (1) Be willing to mess it up and (2) Keep it simple

  • The Diversify Triathlon Movement: BIPOC athletes who have an interest in triathlons are paired with triathlon coaches who are providing three months of triathlon coaching to knock down the barriers to getting started in the sport.

  • The art of the triathlon (and the trial and error involved)

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of a successful triathlon

  • The support that the movement has received from companies within every realm of the sport

  • The value of letting go of specific outcomes

  • How Vanessa’s guiding principles helped her put some constraints on the program when it became popular very quickly

  • Trusting your feelings to help make decisions—and sticking to your guns

  • The serendipitous confluence of Vanessa and GTGE’s message: (1) Getting clear on your why and (2) Let it be easy

  • How “good enough” has infiltrated other aspects of Vanessa’s life and work

  • Vanessa’s hopes for the Diversify Triathlon Movement

  Learn more about the Diversify Triathlon Movement at www.diversifytriathlonmovement.com.

  ]]>7579T5US-3AC3DIThu, 02 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -070041:47falsefull31101103What if you were able to shed your perfectionistic tendencies so that you could create something BIG in the service of doing GOOD? That's what our amazing guest, Vanessa Foerster, did less than a month ago when she created the Diversify Triathlon Movement. Janine and Shannon were thrilled to talk with her about the movement and how she had to let go of perfectionism in order to create it. Discussion topics include: • Introducing our guest Vanessa Foerster, a life coach for driven triathletes who helps triathletes qualify for the Iron Man World Championships (aka Kona). She is currently helping beginner BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) athletes make their way into the triathlon world, through the Diversify Triathlon Movement • How creating the Diversify Triathlon Movement was the perfect practice for Vanessa to throw perfectionism out the window • Vanessa’s history with perfectionism and how it would paralyze her • How Vanessa was able to move forward when with her idea of trying to diversify triathlons so more BIPOC athletes could get involved. • Deciding to become a leader in this movement when no other leader emerged. • The two deals Vanessa made with herself: (1) Be willing to mess it up and (2) Keep it simple • The Diversify Triathlon Movement: BIPOC athletes who have an interest in triathlons are paired with triathlon coaches who are providing three months of triathlon coaching to knock down the barriers to getting started in the sport. • The art of the triathlon (and the trial and error involved) • How perfectionism can get in the way of a successful triathlon • The support that the movement has received from companies within every realm of the sport • The value of letting go of specific outcomes • How Vanessa’s guiding principles helped her put some constraints on the program when it became popular very quickly • Trusting your feelings to help make decisions—and sticking to your guns • The serendipitous confluence of Vanessa and GTGE’s message: (1) Getting clear on your why and (2) Let it be easy • How “good enough” has infiltrated other aspects of Vanessa’s life and work • Vanessa’s hopes for the Diversify Triathlon Movement Learn more about the Diversify Triathlon Movement at www.diversifytriathlonmovement.com. For more links and photos, visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com.Episode 109: Just One ThingIf you feel overwhelmed by everything that's going on around you, it can be hard to do anything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how choosing just one thing to do can allow you to move forward.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Taking delight in little things in nature

  • Choosing just one thing to do—and doing it—when you’re feeling overwhelmed

  • How the current climate can be paralyzing 

  • Applying the just one thing principle to self care

  • How Janine’s yoga practice now feels cemented into her daily routine (and is great self care)

  • Choosing just one thing to help you become an anti-racist

  • That just one thing doesn’t have to be a gateway to doing more things. You can do just one thing.

  • How Janine’s one thing (writing postcards to voters) has turned into 3,000 things.

  • Shannon’s major desk clean: it started with just one thing

  • How sometimes clearing a physical space can help clear our mental space too

  • How small things are still important even when big things are going on

  • An important zen proverb: “Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.” 

  • The ineffectiveness of so-called multitasking

  ]]>If you feel overwhelmed by everything that's going on around you, it can be hard to do anything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how choosing just one thing to do can allow you to move forward.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Taking delight in little things in nature

  • Choosing just one thing to do—and doing it—when you’re feeling overwhelmed

  • How the current climate can be paralyzing 

  • Applying the just one thing principle to self care

  • How Janine’s yoga practice now feels cemented into her daily routine (and is great self care)

  • Choosing just one thing to help you become an anti-racist

  • That just one thing doesn’t have to be a gateway to doing more things. You can do just one thing.

  • How Janine’s one thing (writing postcards to voters) has turned into 3,000 things.

  • Shannon’s major desk clean: it started with just one thing

  • How sometimes clearing a physical space can help clear our mental space too

  • How small things are still important even when big things are going on

  • An important zen proverb: “Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.” 

  • The ineffectiveness of so-called multitasking

  ]]>BAGG1PUB-6BT9Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -070020:35falsefull31091093If you feel overwhelmed by everything that's going on around you, it can be hard to do anything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss how choosing just one thing to do can allow you to move forward. Discussion topics include: • Taking delight in little things in nature • Choosing just one thing to do—and doing it—when you’re feeling overwhelmed • How the current climate can be paralyzing • Applying the just one thing principle to self care • How Janine’s yoga practice now feels cemented into her daily routine (and is great self care) • Choosing just one thing to help you become an anti-racist • That just one thing doesn’t have to be a gateway to doing more things. You can do just one thing. • How Janine’s one thing (writing postcards to voters) has turned into 3,000 things. • Shannon’s major desk clean: it started with just one thing • How sometimes clearing a physical space can help clear our mental space too • How small things are still important even when big things are going on • An important zen proverb: “Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.” • The ineffectiveness of so-called multitasking Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 108: Ready to Vote?Voting is always important. But this year, at least in the U.S., being able to vote feels more important than ever. And because of the COVID crisis, voting might present a challenge this year. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the value of planning ahead to vote and getting past any perfectionistic tendencies that might be getting in the way of that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our two-year podcasting anniversary!

  • Our gratitude that we can address some more serious issues on the podcast

  • The importance of voting right now

  • Making yourself aware of what your voting options and requirements are this year so you’re not taken by surprise

  • How easy it is to put something off when you’re not sure you’re going to do it right

  • Oregon’s history of voting exclusively by mail for 20 years

  • How we can spend more time dreading something than actually doing it

  • An NLP coaching technique Shannon uses: Shrinking down a dreaded task in your imagination to make it easier to do

  • How Shannon completed her mom’s taxes in 90 minutes after dreading doing them for six months

  • Our plea to take action: Voting is too important to put off!

  ]]>Voting is always important. But this year, at least in the U.S., being able to vote feels more important than ever. And because of the COVID crisis, voting might present a challenge this year. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the value of planning ahead to vote and getting past any perfectionistic tendencies that might be getting in the way of that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our two-year podcasting anniversary!

  • Our gratitude that we can address some more serious issues on the podcast

  • The importance of voting right now

  • Making yourself aware of what your voting options and requirements are this year so you’re not taken by surprise

  • How easy it is to put something off when you’re not sure you’re going to do it right

  • Oregon’s history of voting exclusively by mail for 20 years

  • How we can spend more time dreading something than actually doing it

  • An NLP coaching technique Shannon uses: Shrinking down a dreaded task in your imagination to make it easier to do

  • How Shannon completed her mom’s taxes in 90 minutes after dreading doing them for six months

  • Our plea to take action: Voting is too important to put off!

  ]]>O414VIP-T0W45CDIThu, 18 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -070025:35falsefull31081083Voting is always important. But this year, at least in the U.S., being able to vote feels more important than ever. And because of the COVID crisis, voting might present a challenge this year. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the value of planning ahead to vote and getting past any perfectionistic tendencies that might be getting in the way of that. Discussion topics include: • Our two-year podcasting anniversary! • Our gratitude that we can address some more serious issues on the podcast • The importance of voting right now • Making yourself aware of what your voting options and requirements are this year so you’re not taken by surprise • How easy it is to put something off when you’re not sure you’re going to do it right • Oregon’s history of voting exclusively by mail for 20 years • How we can spend more time dreading something than actually doing it • An NLP coaching technique Shannon uses: Shrinking down a dreaded task in your imagination to make it easier to do • How Shannon completed her mom’s taxes in 90 minutes after dreading doing them for six months • Our plea to take action: Voting is too important to put off! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to voting resources.Episode 107: Balancing DiscomfortProtests over police brutality being met by police brutality. A global pandemic. Coming to terms with the fact that not being racist is not enough--we need to be anti-racist. All of these things can lead to a lot of discomfort. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss balancing the discomfort with the need to take action and the need to take care of ourselves.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficulty of knowing how to respond to the greater events of the world

  • How our perceptions of racist behavior are shifting

  • That it’s not enough to not be racist; we need to be anti-racist

  • The discomfort of talking about this stuff

  • Figuring out how we can make a difference

  • Our desire to encourage people to look at things from a different perspective

  • Using kindness when speaking up

  • The language Shannon used on social media when she spoke up about a (perhaps inadvertently) racist comment

  • How hard it is to know what the right thing to do is

  • Self care during this difficult time

  • Keeping up with events without letting it take over your day

  • Productive discomfort vs debilitating pain

  • Finding the balance of taking care of emotions while still taking action

  • Getting conscious of where your discomfort is and pushing against those boundaries a bit

  • Extending grace to others

  ]]>Protests over police brutality being met by police brutality. A global pandemic. Coming to terms with the fact that not being racist is not enough--we need to be anti-racist. All of these things can lead to a lot of discomfort. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss balancing the discomfort with the need to take action and the need to take care of ourselves.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficulty of knowing how to respond to the greater events of the world

  • How our perceptions of racist behavior are shifting

  • That it’s not enough to not be racist; we need to be anti-racist

  • The discomfort of talking about this stuff

  • Figuring out how we can make a difference

  • Our desire to encourage people to look at things from a different perspective

  • Using kindness when speaking up

  • The language Shannon used on social media when she spoke up about a (perhaps inadvertently) racist comment

  • How hard it is to know what the right thing to do is

  • Self care during this difficult time

  • Keeping up with events without letting it take over your day

  • Productive discomfort vs debilitating pain

  • Finding the balance of taking care of emotions while still taking action

  • Getting conscious of where your discomfort is and pushing against those boundaries a bit

  • Extending grace to others

  ]]>A658FO19-P7RPB9Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -070020:19falsefull31071073Protests over police brutality being met by police brutality. A global pandemic. Coming to terms with the fact that not being racist is not enough--we need to be anti-racist. All of these things can lead to a lot of discomfort. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss balancing the discomfort with the need to take action and the need to take care of ourselves. Discussion topics include: • The difficulty of knowing how to respond to the greater events of the world • How our perceptions of racist behavior are shifting • That it’s not enough to not be racist; we need to be anti-racist • The discomfort of talking about this stuff • Figuring out how we can make a difference • Our desire to encourage people to look at things from a different perspective • Using kindness when speaking up • The language Shannon used on social media when she spoke up about a (perhaps inadvertently) racist comment • How hard it is to know what the right thing to do is • Self care during this difficult time • Keeping up with events without letting it take over your day • Productive discomfort vs debilitating pain • Finding the balance of taking care of emotions while still taking action • Getting conscious of where your discomfort is and pushing against those boundaries a bit • Extending grace to othersEpisode 106: #TheShowMustBePausedWe are taking this week to amplify black voices and share resources to learn more about becoming an ally and anti-racist. We are learning how to do this. We’ll make mistakes, listen, learn and keep trying to do better. Join us. To our black and brown listeners, we’re sorry it took us so long to get here. To our white listeners, here are our resources to help you be an ally and learn about anti-racism.

  • If you are unsure what the difference is between not being racist and being anti-racist, please start by watching this video: https://youtu.be/kzLT54QjclA

  • www.theshowmustbepaused.com

  • Comprehensive Google doc with scaffolded anti-racist resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrAq4iBNb4nVIcTsLcNlW8zjaQXBLkWayL8EaPlh0bc/

  • When you’re ready to do something, here is a comprehensive and regularly updated resource of 75 things white people can do for racial justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

  • The Obama Foundation has a page Anquish and Action with resources for learning, actions to take, voices to listen to: https://www.obama.org/anguish-and-action

  • Are you a leader in an organization? Consider attending this free webinar: https://www.equityatwork.us/whiteness-at-work

  ]]>We are taking this week to amplify black voices and share resources to learn more about becoming an ally and anti-racist. We are learning how to do this. We’ll make mistakes, listen, learn and keep trying to do better. Join us. To our black and brown listeners, we’re sorry it took us so long to get here. To our white listeners, here are our resources to help you be an ally and learn about anti-racism.

  • If you are unsure what the difference is between not being racist and being anti-racist, please start by watching this video: https://youtu.be/kzLT54QjclA

  • www.theshowmustbepaused.com

  • Comprehensive Google doc with scaffolded anti-racist resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrAq4iBNb4nVIcTsLcNlW8zjaQXBLkWayL8EaPlh0bc/

  • When you’re ready to do something, here is a comprehensive and regularly updated resource of 75 things white people can do for racial justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

  • The Obama Foundation has a page Anquish and Action with resources for learning, actions to take, voices to listen to: https://www.obama.org/anguish-and-action

  • Are you a leader in an organization? Consider attending this free webinar: https://www.equityatwork.us/whiteness-at-work

  ]]>2E2QY9WC-DR4WJYVThu, 04 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -070000:32falsefull31061063We are taking this week to amplify black voices and share resources to learn more about becoming an ally and anti-racist. We are learning how to do this. We’ll make mistakes, listen, learn and keep trying to do better. Join us. To our black and brown listeners, we’re sorry it took us so long to get here. To our white listeners, here are our resources to help you be an ally and learn about anti-racism. • If you are unsure what the difference is between not being racist and being anti-racist, please start by watching this video: https://youtu.be/kzLT54QjclA • www.theshowmustbepaused.com • Comprehensive Google doc with scaffolded anti-racist resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrAq4iBNb4nVIcTsLcNlW8zjaQXBLkWayL8EaPlh0bc/ • When you’re ready to do something, here is a comprehensive and regularly updated resource of 75 things white people can do for racial justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234 • The Obama Foundation has a page Anquish and Action with resources for learning, actions to take, voices to listen to: https://www.obama.org/anguish-and-action • Are you a leader in an organization? Consider attending this free webinar: https://www.equityatwork.us/whiteness-at-workEpisode 105: Enjoying ImperfectionJust think how much easier life would be if you could enjoy imperfection rather than fretting about it. Shannon and Janine's discussion on enjoying imperfection this episode was sparked by some wonderful observations from Deborah Underwood, a children's book author.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The lovely words in a Facebook post from a successful children’s book author that sparked this post

  • Enjoying rather than criticizing imperfection

  • How what’s perceived as imperfection is what gives things character

  • How less-perfect things can be more charming

  • One reason Janine loves hand lettering: it’s supposed to look imperfect

  • The beauty of Janine’s very natural and undisciplined (though professionally designed) rain garden

  • Formal vs less formal gardens

  • Cobbling together imperfect solutions at home rather than going out and buying closer-to-perfect stuff

  • How our imperfect homemade masks will be an artifact of this time

  • Visible mending and how it highlights imperfection

  • Wabi-sabi, the Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of imperfection

  • The relief of enjoying the natural imperfection of things

  • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Shannon to plan the imperfect vegetable garden that she is now enjoying

  • Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough and how great that shift feels

  • Getting to Good Enough hitting the charts in several countries (Austria, South Africa and the Czech Republic)!

  ]]>Just think how much easier life would be if you could enjoy imperfection rather than fretting about it. Shannon and Janine's discussion on enjoying imperfection this episode was sparked by some wonderful observations from Deborah Underwood, a children's book author.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The lovely words in a Facebook post from a successful children’s book author that sparked this post

  • Enjoying rather than criticizing imperfection

  • How what’s perceived as imperfection is what gives things character

  • How less-perfect things can be more charming

  • One reason Janine loves hand lettering: it’s supposed to look imperfect

  • The beauty of Janine’s very natural and undisciplined (though professionally designed) rain garden

  • Formal vs less formal gardens

  • Cobbling together imperfect solutions at home rather than going out and buying closer-to-perfect stuff

  • How our imperfect homemade masks will be an artifact of this time

  • Visible mending and how it highlights imperfection

  • Wabi-sabi, the Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of imperfection

  • The relief of enjoying the natural imperfection of things

  • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Shannon to plan the imperfect vegetable garden that she is now enjoying

  • Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough and how great that shift feels

  • Getting to Good Enough hitting the charts in several countries (Austria, South Africa and the Czech Republic)!

  ]]>JKO77ICD-U1SJORThu, 28 May 2020 14:00:00 -070027:16falsefull21051052Just think how much easier life would be if you could enjoy imperfection rather than fretting about it. Shannon and Janine's discussion on enjoying imperfection this episode was sparked by some wonderful observations from Deborah Underwood, a children's book author. Discussion topics include: • The lovely words in a Facebook post from a successful children’s book author that sparked this post • Enjoying rather than criticizing imperfection • How what’s perceived as imperfection is what gives things character • How less-perfect things can be more charming • One reason Janine loves hand lettering: it’s supposed to look imperfect • The beauty of Janine’s very natural and undisciplined (though professionally designed) rain garden • Formal vs less formal gardens • Cobbling together imperfect solutions at home rather than going out and buying closer-to-perfect stuff • How our imperfect homemade masks will be an artifact of this time • Visible mending and how it highlights imperfection • Wabi-sabi, the Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of imperfection • The relief of enjoying the natural imperfection of things • How letting go of perfectionism allowed Shannon to plan the imperfect vegetable garden that she is now enjoying • Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough and how great that shift feels • Getting to Good Enough hitting the charts in several countries (Austria, South Africa and the Czech Republic)! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for a photo and links!Episode 104: Try CompassionWhat's the opposite of judgment? It's compassion. That profound realization is what sparked this episode. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to compassionate about our own perfectionism (and imperfections). And we discuss the importance of having compassion for others.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s efforts to let go of perfectionism prior to her first Zoom presentation

  • A revelation: The opposite of judgment is compassion

  • How part of the problem with perfectionism is how hard we can be on ourselves

  • Looking at what you’re dealing with through a lens of compassion (rather than apathy) 

  • Bringing in compassion whenever perfectionism comes up (for you or others) to open up your options 

  • How easy it is to be on hard on yourself (even when you’re always kind to others)

  • The cultural idea that we must be hard on ourselves to keep from repeating a mistake

  • How self compassion can help you seek new paths

  • The techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves

  • That now is a great time to start practicing compassion for yourself

  • How we can’t underestimate the energy it takes to deal with the ambient anxiety of living with uncertainty

  • The effect of pandemic-related anxiety on Shannon’s heart rate variability

  • Extending compassion to those around us

  Janine’s excitement about a little treat she bought herself: Black Post-it® Notes!

  ]]>What's the opposite of judgment? It's compassion. That profound realization is what sparked this episode. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to compassionate about our own perfectionism (and imperfections). And we discuss the importance of having compassion for others.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s efforts to let go of perfectionism prior to her first Zoom presentation

  • A revelation: The opposite of judgment is compassion

  • How part of the problem with perfectionism is how hard we can be on ourselves

  • Looking at what you’re dealing with through a lens of compassion (rather than apathy) 

  • Bringing in compassion whenever perfectionism comes up (for you or others) to open up your options 

  • How easy it is to be on hard on yourself (even when you’re always kind to others)

  • The cultural idea that we must be hard on ourselves to keep from repeating a mistake

  • How self compassion can help you seek new paths

  • The techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves

  • That now is a great time to start practicing compassion for yourself

  • How we can’t underestimate the energy it takes to deal with the ambient anxiety of living with uncertainty

  • The effect of pandemic-related anxiety on Shannon’s heart rate variability

  • Extending compassion to those around us

  Janine’s excitement about a little treat she bought herself: Black Post-it® Notes!

  ]]>GV1S3RMY-XKO6RThu, 21 May 2020 14:00:00 -070021:27falsefull21041042What's the opposite of judgment? It's compassion. That profound realization is what sparked this episode. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the need to compassionate about our own perfectionism (and imperfections). And we discuss the importance of having compassion for others. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s efforts to let go of perfectionism prior to her first Zoom presentation • A revelation: The opposite of judgment is compassion • How part of the problem with perfectionism is how hard we can be on ourselves • Looking at what you’re dealing with through a lens of compassion (rather than apathy) • Bringing in compassion whenever perfectionism comes up (for you or others) to open up your options • How easy it is to be on hard on yourself (even when you’re always kind to others) • The cultural idea that we must be hard on ourselves to keep from repeating a mistake • How self compassion can help you seek new paths • The techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves • That now is a great time to start practicing compassion for yourself • How we can’t underestimate the energy it takes to deal with the ambient anxiety of living with uncertainty • The effect of pandemic-related anxiety on Shannon’s heart rate variability • Extending compassion to those around us Janine’s excitement about a little treat she bought herself: Black Post-it® Notes! See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 103: Dealing with ImperfectionistsNegotiations can be difficult when one person is a perfectionist and the other isn't. In this episode, Shannon and Janine address a question from a listener who is trying to work with an imperfectionist neighbor to replace a fence between their yards.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The gifts that our pets give us

  • The challenges of maximizers working with satisficers

  • How Shannon and her neighbor dealt with a similar situation through clear communication and knowing what was important to them

  • The value of thinking through what really matters and writing them down

  • Another fence situation Shannon had with a different neighbor that also hinged on clear communication

  • Recognizing when entering negotiations with people of differing sensibilities that you can’t expect to get 100% of what you want

  • Knowing the top two or three things that are most important to you and communicating them up front

  • Shannon’s advice to write down your top concerns, but not hide behind the written word

  • Would you rather be right or happy?

  • Communicating from a place of kindness

  • Finding out what’s important to the other person so everyone’s needs are met

  ]]>Negotiations can be difficult when one person is a perfectionist and the other isn't. In this episode, Shannon and Janine address a question from a listener who is trying to work with an imperfectionist neighbor to replace a fence between their yards.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The gifts that our pets give us

  • The challenges of maximizers working with satisficers

  • How Shannon and her neighbor dealt with a similar situation through clear communication and knowing what was important to them

  • The value of thinking through what really matters and writing them down

  • Another fence situation Shannon had with a different neighbor that also hinged on clear communication

  • Recognizing when entering negotiations with people of differing sensibilities that you can’t expect to get 100% of what you want

  • Knowing the top two or three things that are most important to you and communicating them up front

  • Shannon’s advice to write down your top concerns, but not hide behind the written word

  • Would you rather be right or happy?

  • Communicating from a place of kindness

  • Finding out what’s important to the other person so everyone’s needs are met

  ]]>K8WXHDGQ-9L766RThu, 14 May 2020 14:00:00 -070024:10falsefull21031032Negotiations can be difficult when one person is a perfectionist and the other isn't. In this episode, Shannon and Janine address a question from a listener who is trying to work with an imperfectionist neighbor to replace a fence between their yards. Discussion topics include: • The gifts that our pets give us • The challenges of maximizers working with satisficers • How Shannon and her neighbor dealt with a similar situation through clear communication and knowing what was important to them • The value of thinking through what really matters and writing them down • Another fence situation Shannon had with a different neighbor that also hinged on clear communication • Recognizing when entering negotiations with people of differing sensibilities that you can’t expect to get 100% of what you want • Knowing the top two or three things that are most important to you and communicating them up front • Shannon’s advice to write down your top concerns, but not hide behind the written word • Would you rather be right or happy? • Communicating from a place of kindness • Finding out what’s important to the other person so everyone’s needs are metEpisode 102: The Good Enough DecisionMaking decisions can be particularly challenging for people who have perfectionistic tendencies. And with so much uncertainty right now, decision making is even harder. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss striving for good enough, rather than perfect, when making decisions.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Satisficers vs maximizers

  • How the maximizer likes to weigh all possible options in order to make the best possible decision

  • How the satisficer, by contrast, makes faster decisions with less research and struggle

  • The fact that, paradoxically, satisfiers tend to have more satisfaction with their decisions

  • How perfectionism can play into being a maximizer

  • How this played out in Janine’s recent rug purchase

  • Shannon’s strategy for making decisions easier (key ingredient: she figures out why the decision is important to her)

  • How this played out in Shannon and Janine’s recent purchase of a podcasting microphone

  • Viewing decisions as “for now” rather than forever

  • How the current uncertainty because of COVID-19 makes decision-making even harder

  • Shannon’s strategy of healthily postponing decisions during times of uncertainty

  • How postponing decisions can actually create a little comforting certainty

  • Janine’s approach to easy decisions

  • The two-out-of-three rule for making good enough decisions

  • Avoiding regret by recognizing you made the best decision you could at the time (and learning from it)

  • How Shannon makes choosing from a menu at a restaurant easier

  • Janine’s tried-and-true strategy for ordering at a restaurant

  ]]>Making decisions can be particularly challenging for people who have perfectionistic tendencies. And with so much uncertainty right now, decision making is even harder. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss striving for good enough, rather than perfect, when making decisions.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Satisficers vs maximizers

  • How the maximizer likes to weigh all possible options in order to make the best possible decision

  • How the satisficer, by contrast, makes faster decisions with less research and struggle

  • The fact that, paradoxically, satisfiers tend to have more satisfaction with their decisions

  • How perfectionism can play into being a maximizer

  • How this played out in Janine’s recent rug purchase

  • Shannon’s strategy for making decisions easier (key ingredient: she figures out why the decision is important to her)

  • How this played out in Shannon and Janine’s recent purchase of a podcasting microphone

  • Viewing decisions as “for now” rather than forever

  • How the current uncertainty because of COVID-19 makes decision-making even harder

  • Shannon’s strategy of healthily postponing decisions during times of uncertainty

  • How postponing decisions can actually create a little comforting certainty

  • Janine’s approach to easy decisions

  • The two-out-of-three rule for making good enough decisions

  • Avoiding regret by recognizing you made the best decision you could at the time (and learning from it)

  • How Shannon makes choosing from a menu at a restaurant easier

  • Janine’s tried-and-true strategy for ordering at a restaurant

  ]]>6INVUWTU-LUZBYB9Thu, 07 May 2020 14:00:00 -070032:21falsefull21021022Making decisions can be particularly challenging for people who have perfectionistic tendencies. And with so much uncertainty right now, decision making is even harder. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss striving for good enough, rather than perfect, when making decisions. Discussion topics include: • Satisficers vs maximizers • How the maximizer likes to weigh all possible options in order to make the best possible decision • How the satisficer, by contrast, makes faster decisions with less research and struggle • The fact that, paradoxically, satisfiers tend to have more satisfaction with their decisions • How perfectionism can play into being a maximizer • How this played out in Janine’s recent rug purchase • Shannon’s strategy for making decisions easier (key ingredient: she figures out why the decision is important to her) • How this played out in Shannon and Janine’s recent purchase of a podcasting microphone • Viewing decisions as “for now” rather than forever • How the current uncertainty because of COVID-19 makes decision-making even harder • Shannon’s strategy of healthily postponing decisions during times of uncertainty • How postponing decisions can actually create a little comforting certainty • Janine’s approach to easy decisions • The two-out-of-three rule for making good enough decisions • Avoiding regret by recognizing you made the best decision you could at the time (and learning from it) • How Shannon makes choosing from a menu at a restaurant easier • Janine’s tried-and-true strategy for ordering at a restaurant Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 101: Cultivating FriendshipsDuring this time of isolation, our friends are more important than ever. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making and keeping friends, without letting perfectionism get in your way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How a silver lining of the COVID pandemic is that we’re spending more time (virtually) with friends

  • A Zoom prank Janine and her college buddies played

  • We’re living in the future—even better than on the Jetsons in some respects

  • How social media can help maintain friendships, but can also present some challenges

  • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of contacting someone

  • Trusting that there’s no wrong way to reach out to someone

  • How perfectionism eroded Shannon’s enjoyment of Words with Friends

  • Remembering that if you’re afraid of being rejected by someone, they may be feeling the same way

  • Not taking it personally if someone doesn’t respond as you expect

  • How the more frequently you talk with friends, the easier the conversations are

  • Making new friends and creating meaningful relationships as we age

  • How starting a new friendship is like dating

  • Keeping in mind that it’s (often) not about you

  • Letting friends know you’re thinking about them (it can be as easy as sending a random Bitmoji)

  • The appeal of putting pen to paper and sending a letter these days

  • Remembering to let cultivating friendships be easy and fun!

  ]]>During this time of isolation, our friends are more important than ever. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making and keeping friends, without letting perfectionism get in your way.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How a silver lining of the COVID pandemic is that we’re spending more time (virtually) with friends

  • A Zoom prank Janine and her college buddies played

  • We’re living in the future—even better than on the Jetsons in some respects

  • How social media can help maintain friendships, but can also present some challenges

  • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of contacting someone

  • Trusting that there’s no wrong way to reach out to someone

  • How perfectionism eroded Shannon’s enjoyment of Words with Friends

  • Remembering that if you’re afraid of being rejected by someone, they may be feeling the same way

  • Not taking it personally if someone doesn’t respond as you expect

  • How the more frequently you talk with friends, the easier the conversations are

  • Making new friends and creating meaningful relationships as we age

  • How starting a new friendship is like dating

  • Keeping in mind that it’s (often) not about you

  • Letting friends know you’re thinking about them (it can be as easy as sending a random Bitmoji)

  • The appeal of putting pen to paper and sending a letter these days

  • Remembering to let cultivating friendships be easy and fun!

  ]]>DDXZ6LD8-38R529Thu, 30 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -070028:53falsefull21011012During this time of isolation, our friends are more important than ever. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making and keeping friends, without letting perfectionism get in your way. Discussion topics include: • How a silver lining of the COVID pandemic is that we’re spending more time (virtually) with friends • A Zoom prank Janine and her college buddies played • We’re living in the future—even better than on the Jetsons in some respects • How social media can help maintain friendships, but can also present some challenges • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of contacting someone • Trusting that there’s no wrong way to reach out to someone • How perfectionism eroded Shannon’s enjoyment of Words with Friends • Remembering that if you’re afraid of being rejected by someone, they may be feeling the same way • Not taking it personally if someone doesn’t respond as you expect • How the more frequently you talk with friends, the easier the conversations are • Making new friends and creating meaningful relationships as we age • How starting a new friendship is like dating • Keeping in mind that it’s (often) not about you • Letting friends know you’re thinking about them (it can be as easy as sending a random Bitmoji) • The appeal of putting pen to paper and sending a letter these days • Remembering to let cultivating friendships be easy and fun!Episode 100: Our 100th Episode!This week Janine and Shannon are lifting a glass to this podcast's 100th episode. We spend this episode celebrating and sharing the lovely feedback and greetings we received from listeners in honor of our 100th episode.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How we promised one another we’d do the podcast until it stopped being fun—and it’s still fun!

  • How the podcast has exceeded our expectations

  • We never thought we’d make it to 100 episodes

  • We never dreamed we’d be listened to in so many countries (and by so many people)

  • We encourage anyone who’s thinking of doing a podcast to go for it!

  • The celebratory messages we received from listeners

  • How we all deal with perfectionism, even if we don't call it that

  • To-do list bingo and the great way caller Amy uses it!

  • How happy we are that listener Hazel chooses to listen to us when she’s stressed out

  • “Done is better than perfect” and “let it be easy,” the two mantras that have helped listener Christy so much

  • Our assurances that you don’t have to listen to all 100 episodes of the podcast (but we’re thrilled if you do!)

  • Our delight at listener Rob’s insightful message - he’s our #1 fan in Walla Walla!

  • Our gratitude to our listeners and especially to the folks who called in this week

  ]]>This week Janine and Shannon are lifting a glass to this podcast's 100th episode. We spend this episode celebrating and sharing the lovely feedback and greetings we received from listeners in honor of our 100th episode.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How we promised one another we’d do the podcast until it stopped being fun—and it’s still fun!

  • How the podcast has exceeded our expectations

  • We never thought we’d make it to 100 episodes

  • We never dreamed we’d be listened to in so many countries (and by so many people)

  • We encourage anyone who’s thinking of doing a podcast to go for it!

  • The celebratory messages we received from listeners

  • How we all deal with perfectionism, even if we don't call it that

  • To-do list bingo and the great way caller Amy uses it!

  • How happy we are that listener Hazel chooses to listen to us when she’s stressed out

  • “Done is better than perfect” and “let it be easy,” the two mantras that have helped listener Christy so much

  • Our assurances that you don’t have to listen to all 100 episodes of the podcast (but we’re thrilled if you do!)

  • Our delight at listener Rob’s insightful message - he’s our #1 fan in Walla Walla!

  • Our gratitude to our listeners and especially to the folks who called in this week

  ]]>6J6I6HHJ-WYOJEMIThu, 23 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -070025:49falsefull21001002This week Janine and Shannon are lifting a glass to this podcast's 100th episode. We spend this episode celebrating and sharing the lovely feedback and greetings we received from listeners in honor of our 100th episode. Discussion topics include: • How we promised one another we’d do the podcast until it stopped being fun—and it’s still fun! • How the podcast has exceeded our expectations • We never thought we’d make it to 100 episodes • We never dreamed we’d be listened to in so many countries (and by so many people) • We encourage anyone who’s thinking of doing a podcast to go for it! • The celebratory messages we received from listeners • How we all deal with perfectionism, even if we don't call it that • To-do list bingo and the great way caller Amy uses it! • How happy we are that listener Hazel chooses to listen to us when she’s stressed out • “Done is better than perfect” and “let it be easy,” the two mantras that have helped listener Christy so much • Our assurances that you don’t have to listen to all 100 episodes of the podcast (but we’re thrilled if you do!) • Our delight at listener Rob’s insightful message - he’s our #1 fan in Walla Walla! • Our gratitude to our listeners and especially to the folks who called in this week Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to past episodes mentioned in this episode.Episode 99: Playing the Long GameGetting caught up in perfectionism can be short-sighted. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of tolerating the discomfort of imperfection in order to stick with something and get better at it or enjoy it more.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How things are both easier and harder these days with the stay-at-home life

  • That Shannon’s trip to Portugal has by necessity been postponed

  • How Shannon is going about rescheduling that trip

  • The hidden benefits of her having to postpone the trip

  • Shannon’s graphic pandemic journal

  • The value of keeping a journal for yourself and those who follow

  • The massive change in Shannon’s ability to get past perfectionism in starting a hobby

  • The value of the public accountability Shannon had with her cartooning class

  • Getting back to why something is important to you

  • How the long game applies to this time of the coronavirus

  • Figuring out how you want to spend time after this crisis is over

  • Being gentle with yourself during this time

  • Our upcoming 100th episode (we want to hear from you!)

  ]]>Getting caught up in perfectionism can be short-sighted. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of tolerating the discomfort of imperfection in order to stick with something and get better at it or enjoy it more.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How things are both easier and harder these days with the stay-at-home life

  • That Shannon’s trip to Portugal has by necessity been postponed

  • How Shannon is going about rescheduling that trip

  • The hidden benefits of her having to postpone the trip

  • Shannon’s graphic pandemic journal

  • The value of keeping a journal for yourself and those who follow

  • The massive change in Shannon’s ability to get past perfectionism in starting a hobby

  • The value of the public accountability Shannon had with her cartooning class

  • Getting back to why something is important to you

  • How the long game applies to this time of the coronavirus

  • Figuring out how you want to spend time after this crisis is over

  • Being gentle with yourself during this time

  • Our upcoming 100th episode (we want to hear from you!)

  ]]>JRTQ9OI0-TPRPB9Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -070033:49falsefull299992Getting caught up in perfectionism can be short-sighted. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of tolerating the discomfort of imperfection in order to stick with something and get better at it or enjoy it more. Discussion topics include: • How things are both easier and harder these days with the stay-at-home life • That Shannon’s trip to Portugal has by necessity been postponed • How Shannon is going about rescheduling that trip • The hidden benefits of her having to postpone the trip • Shannon’s graphic pandemic journal • The value of keeping a journal for yourself and those who follow • The massive change in Shannon’s ability to get past perfectionism in starting a hobby • The value of the public accountability Shannon had with her cartooning class • Getting back to why something is important to you • How the long game applies to this time of the coronavirus • Figuring out how you want to spend time after this crisis is over • Being gentle with yourself during this time • Our upcoming 100th episode (we want to hear from you!)Episode 98: Stop With the ShouldsIn this episode, recorded in early March before the COVID-19 crisis started keeping us at home, Janine and Shannon discuss one of their least favorite words, "should."

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s delight that her RootsTech talk is behind her and her admiration at how well organized RootsTech is

  • How “shoulds” can weigh you down

  • That should is one of Janine’s least favorite words, and one that she tries not to use with her clients

  • How should can sneak into one’s self talk

  • The judgmental, mean nature of the word should

  • Thinking about words you can substitute for should

  • The irony that people think that Shannon and Janine tell their clients what to do

  • Recognizing resistance when you bristle at the word should

  • Getting in touch with why something is important to you to get past resistance

  • Allowing yourself to move forward with that information

  • Newsflash: There are no bonus points for making something more difficult than it needs to be

  • Letting go of preconceived ideas about the right way to do something

  • Figuring out how you can get things done with as much ease as possible

  • Editing the shoulds out of our to-do lists

  • Choosing to do things rather than feeling you should do them

  • Putting yourself back in a place of choice

  ]]>In this episode, recorded in early March before the COVID-19 crisis started keeping us at home, Janine and Shannon discuss one of their least favorite words, "should."

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s delight that her RootsTech talk is behind her and her admiration at how well organized RootsTech is

  • How “shoulds” can weigh you down

  • That should is one of Janine’s least favorite words, and one that she tries not to use with her clients

  • How should can sneak into one’s self talk

  • The judgmental, mean nature of the word should

  • Thinking about words you can substitute for should

  • The irony that people think that Shannon and Janine tell their clients what to do

  • Recognizing resistance when you bristle at the word should

  • Getting in touch with why something is important to you to get past resistance

  • Allowing yourself to move forward with that information

  • Newsflash: There are no bonus points for making something more difficult than it needs to be

  • Letting go of preconceived ideas about the right way to do something

  • Figuring out how you can get things done with as much ease as possible

  • Editing the shoulds out of our to-do lists

  • Choosing to do things rather than feeling you should do them

  • Putting yourself back in a place of choice

  ]]>ETVO2C3O-Y66RThu, 09 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -070026:05falsefull298982In this episode, recorded in early March before the COVID-19 crisis started keeping us at home, Janine and Shannon discuss one of their least favorite words, "should." Discussion topics include: • Janine’s delight that her RootsTech talk is behind her and her admiration at how well organized RootsTech is • How “shoulds” can weigh you down • That should is one of Janine’s least favorite words, and one that she tries not to use with her clients • How should can sneak into one’s self talk • The judgmental, mean nature of the word should • Thinking about words you can substitute for should • The irony that people think that Shannon and Janine tell their clients what to do • Recognizing resistance when you bristle at the word should • Getting in touch with why something is important to you to get past resistance • Allowing yourself to move forward with that information • Newsflash: There are no bonus points for making something more difficult than it needs to be • Letting go of preconceived ideas about the right way to do something • Figuring out how you can get things done with as much ease as possible • Editing the shoulds out of our to-do lists • Choosing to do things rather than feeling you should do them • Putting yourself back in a place of choiceEpisode 97: Trying to Figure This OutNavigating the waters of life during the coronavirus pandemic is challenging to say the least. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the conflicting emotions they're feelings, along with some strategies for reducing stress and coping with the new challenges brought on by this crisis.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficulty of answering the question, "How are you doing?" these days

  • Conflicting emotions about feeling good during these trying times, even though feeling bad is not useful

  • Balancing the need for information with the need not to stress out

  • How Shannon is limiting her screen time

  • Determining whether social media is beneficial to you or not (now's a good time to curate your feed!)

  • Getting back to Yoga with Adriene

  • Tiny Habits and the Tiny Habits for Coronavirus Challenges Zoom workshops

  • The flood of resources now available for the benefit of people who can't go out

  • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of enjoying the many resources available

  • Paying attention to the media (TV, movies, books) you're consuming to make sure they aren't stressing you

  • How everything feels both really important and also irrelevant at the same time

  • Our perspective on the many emails we're receiving from companies

  • Being aware of and appreciating the small moments brought about by the quarantine

  ]]>Navigating the waters of life during the coronavirus pandemic is challenging to say the least. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the conflicting emotions they're feelings, along with some strategies for reducing stress and coping with the new challenges brought on by this crisis.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficulty of answering the question, "How are you doing?" these days

  • Conflicting emotions about feeling good during these trying times, even though feeling bad is not useful

  • Balancing the need for information with the need not to stress out

  • How Shannon is limiting her screen time

  • Determining whether social media is beneficial to you or not (now's a good time to curate your feed!)

  • Getting back to Yoga with Adriene

  • Tiny Habits and the Tiny Habits for Coronavirus Challenges Zoom workshops

  • The flood of resources now available for the benefit of people who can't go out

  • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of enjoying the many resources available

  • Paying attention to the media (TV, movies, books) you're consuming to make sure they aren't stressing you

  • How everything feels both really important and also irrelevant at the same time

  • Our perspective on the many emails we're receiving from companies

  • Being aware of and appreciating the small moments brought about by the quarantine

  ]]>5UR7VIGP-O2BJ4IThu, 02 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -070030:49falsefull297972Navigating the waters of life during the coronavirus pandemic is challenging to say the least. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the conflicting emotions they're feelings, along with some strategies for reducing stress and coping with the new challenges brought on by this crisis. Discussion topics include: • The difficulty of answering the question, "How are you doing?" these days • Conflicting emotions about feeling good during these trying times, even though feeling bad is not useful • Balancing the need for information with the need not to stress out • How Shannon is limiting her screen time • Determining whether social media is beneficial to you or not (now's a good time to curate your feed!) • Getting back to Yoga with Adriene • Tiny Habits and the Tiny Habits for Coronavirus Challenges Zoom workshops • The flood of resources now available for the benefit of people who can't go out • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of enjoying the many resources available • Paying attention to the media (TV, movies, books) you're consuming to make sure they aren't stressing you • How everything feels both really important and also irrelevant at the same time • Our perspective on the many emails we're receiving from companies • Being aware of and appreciating the small moments brought about by the quarantine Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links!Episode 96: Adjusting to the New NormalMost of us are staying home to stay healthy and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. In this episode--recorded just three days prior to posting--Janine and Shannon discuss some of the challenges we're facing working from home in these strange times, despite the fact we've been working from home for years. Most of the changes are going on inside our heads!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How quickly everything is changing these days as the novel coronavirus spreads

  • Adjusting to the changes made by the need to stay home

  • How even though Shannon’s work life hasn’t really changed, everything feels different

  • Cutting yourself (and those around you) infinite slack

  • Janine’s discomfort at time pressure being eliminated from her day (since she’s no longer seeing clients)

  • Janine’s first weekend in 25 years where she didn’t have to feel guilty about not working

  • Holding yourself to a standard of accomplishing things at home without getting caught up in perfectionism

  • To-Do List Bingo: Our secret weapon for creating some structure without creating too much structure

  • Our different approaches to bingo this time around

  • The value of staying busy and having fun tasks lists

  • Trying to avoid negativity

  • That it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions every day

  ]]>Most of us are staying home to stay healthy and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. In this episode--recorded just three days prior to posting--Janine and Shannon discuss some of the challenges we're facing working from home in these strange times, despite the fact we've been working from home for years. Most of the changes are going on inside our heads!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How quickly everything is changing these days as the novel coronavirus spreads

  • Adjusting to the changes made by the need to stay home

  • How even though Shannon’s work life hasn’t really changed, everything feels different

  • Cutting yourself (and those around you) infinite slack

  • Janine’s discomfort at time pressure being eliminated from her day (since she’s no longer seeing clients)

  • Janine’s first weekend in 25 years where she didn’t have to feel guilty about not working

  • Holding yourself to a standard of accomplishing things at home without getting caught up in perfectionism

  • To-Do List Bingo: Our secret weapon for creating some structure without creating too much structure

  • Our different approaches to bingo this time around

  • The value of staying busy and having fun tasks lists

  • Trying to avoid negativity

  • That it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions every day

  ]]>BX89J5EM-ES1C3DIThu, 26 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -070023:05falsefull296962Most of us are staying home to stay healthy and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. In this episode--recorded just three days prior to posting--Janine and Shannon discuss some of the challenges we're facing working from home in these strange times, despite the fact we've been working from home for years. Most of the changes are going on inside our heads! Discussion topics include: • How quickly everything is changing these days as the novel coronavirus spreads • Adjusting to the changes made by the need to stay home • How even though Shannon’s work life hasn’t really changed, everything feels different • Cutting yourself (and those around you) infinite slack • Janine’s discomfort at time pressure being eliminated from her day (since she’s no longer seeing clients) • Janine’s first weekend in 25 years where she didn’t have to feel guilty about not working • Holding yourself to a standard of accomplishing things at home without getting caught up in perfectionism • To-Do List Bingo: Our secret weapon for creating some structure without creating too much structure • Our different approaches to bingo this time around • The value of staying busy and having fun tasks lists • Trying to avoid negativity • That it’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions every day Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 95: Letting Go of StuffAfter talking last week about using what you have, Shannon and Janine turn this week to letting go of stuff as an alternative to using it up.  We even innovate a new monthly activity during the episode!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some terminology for letting stuff go (for example, “release it” and “pass it along”)

  • The value of figuring out language that makes it easy for you to let stuff go

  • How indecision can lead to clutter

  • Avoiding perfectionism when donating items

  • Trusting that your donated item will find a good home

  • Letting go of stuff while others can still use them

  • The up and down cycle of clearing a space and then filling it up again

  • Some strategies for keeping a clear clothes closet

  • Introducing Closet Curation Sunday (on the last Sunday of the month)

  • The three things Janine hears from clients about why they don’t want to let stuff go (and her responses)

  • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to let something go

  • The question Shannon’s asking herself in dealing with her email inbox: “Is keeping this worth having to deal with it in the future?”

  ]]>After talking last week about using what you have, Shannon and Janine turn this week to letting go of stuff as an alternative to using it up.  We even innovate a new monthly activity during the episode!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some terminology for letting stuff go (for example, “release it” and “pass it along”)

  • The value of figuring out language that makes it easy for you to let stuff go

  • How indecision can lead to clutter

  • Avoiding perfectionism when donating items

  • Trusting that your donated item will find a good home

  • Letting go of stuff while others can still use them

  • The up and down cycle of clearing a space and then filling it up again

  • Some strategies for keeping a clear clothes closet

  • Introducing Closet Curation Sunday (on the last Sunday of the month)

  • The three things Janine hears from clients about why they don’t want to let stuff go (and her responses)

  • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to let something go

  • The question Shannon’s asking herself in dealing with her email inbox: “Is keeping this worth having to deal with it in the future?”

  ]]>57R52C8-7NIH4IMSThu, 19 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -070028:37falsefull295952After talking last week about using what you have, Shannon and Janine turn this week to letting go of stuff as an alternative to using it up. We even innovate a new monthly activity during the episode! Discussion topics include: • Some terminology for letting stuff go (for example, “release it” and “pass it along”) • The value of figuring out language that makes it easy for you to let stuff go • How indecision can lead to clutter • Avoiding perfectionism when donating items • Trusting that your donated item will find a good home • Letting go of stuff while others can still use them • The up and down cycle of clearing a space and then filling it up again • Some strategies for keeping a clear clothes closet • Introducing Closet Curation Sunday (on the last Sunday of the month) • The three things Janine hears from clients about why they don’t want to let stuff go (and her responses) • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to let something go • The question Shannon’s asking herself in dealing with her email inbox: “Is keeping this worth having to deal with it in the future?” Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 94: Use What You HaveIt's tempting to hang on to items to use for a special occasion. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits using what you have rather than buying new (perhaps more perfect) stuff.

  Discussion topics include:

  The thing that sparked this episode:

  • Shannon’s decision to use up her abundant supply of gift soaps rather than buying new 

  • The value of using things instead of saving “for good.”

  • Repurposing household items rather than buying new—even if it’s not perfect

  • Ending the cycle of “more stuff, more stuff”

  • Shannon’s proposal to put her great grandmother’s china in the dishwasher so that she’ll actually use it

  • How things can go bad when you don’t use them, which defeats the purpose of saving them

  • Cultivating and managing usable collections, like dishtowels

  • Shannon’s determination to use what she has this year and let it be good enough

  ]]>It's tempting to hang on to items to use for a special occasion. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits using what you have rather than buying new (perhaps more perfect) stuff.

  Discussion topics include:

  The thing that sparked this episode:

  • Shannon’s decision to use up her abundant supply of gift soaps rather than buying new 

  • The value of using things instead of saving “for good.”

  • Repurposing household items rather than buying new—even if it’s not perfect

  • Ending the cycle of “more stuff, more stuff”

  • Shannon’s proposal to put her great grandmother’s china in the dishwasher so that she’ll actually use it

  • How things can go bad when you don’t use them, which defeats the purpose of saving them

  • Cultivating and managing usable collections, like dishtowels

  • Shannon’s determination to use what she has this year and let it be good enough

  ]]>H3JHSJED-XU5WMIThu, 12 Mar 2020 14:00:00 -070028:16falsefull294942It's tempting to hang on to items to use for a special occasion. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the benefits using what you have rather than buying new (perhaps more perfect) stuff. Discussion topics include: The thing that sparked this episode: • Shannon’s decision to use up her abundant supply of gift soaps rather than buying new • The value of using things instead of saving “for good.” • Repurposing household items rather than buying new—even if it’s not perfect • Ending the cycle of “more stuff, more stuff” • Shannon’s proposal to put her great grandmother’s china in the dishwasher so that she’ll actually use it • How things can go bad when you don’t use them, which defeats the purpose of saving them • Cultivating and managing usable collections, like dishtowels • Shannon’s determination to use what she has this year and let it be good enoughEpisode 93: Preventing PileupsBothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions

  • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes

  • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go

  • Creating systems for email

  • Automating systems as much as possible

  • Unsubscribing from email lists

  • The value of daily attention to email

  • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time

  • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life

  • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life

  • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketching notebooks

  • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems

  ]]>Bothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions

  • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes

  • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go

  • Creating systems for email

  • Automating systems as much as possible

  • Unsubscribing from email lists

  • The value of daily attention to email

  • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time

  • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life

  • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life

  • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketching notebooks

  • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems

  ]]>5X1DZC4R-GA7ZAORThu, 05 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -070033:35falsefull293932Bothered by an overabundance of paper and email? This episode is for you. Last week, Shannon and Janine discussed working through backlogs and this week we share some strategies for creating systems so those backlogs don't come back. Specifically we talk about ideas for email, snail mail and paper in general. Discussion topics include: • How having a system allows you to bounce back when stuff piles up during transitions • That it’s totally normal for systems to fail sometimes • The more successful your system, the smoother things will go • Creating systems for email • Automating systems as much as possible • Unsubscribing from email lists • The value of daily attention to email • Shannon’s strategy for handling her email by ignoring it most of the time • Freedom Filer, the filing system that changed Shannon’s life • Being very discerning about the paper you want to keep in your life • Shannon’s need for a system for storing her cartoons and urban sketching notebooks • Keeping accessibility top of mind when setting up storage systems Go to the show notes www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 92: Working Through a BacklogWhen stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The satisfaction of working through a backlog

  • Our own current backlogs

  • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog

  • Picking the low-hanging fruit first

  • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff

  • An easier way to deal with filing: Keep less paper!

  • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing

  • How a timer can help you get through your backlog

  • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible

  • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it

  • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail

  • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put away

  ]]>When stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The satisfaction of working through a backlog

  • Our own current backlogs

  • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog

  • Picking the low-hanging fruit first

  • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff

  • An easier way to deal with filing: Keep less paper!

  • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing

  • How a timer can help you get through your backlog

  • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible

  • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it

  • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail

  • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put away

  ]]>81UBFP4U-T7QFRThu, 27 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -070030:14falsefull292922When stuff piles up in your home or office it can overwhelming to contemplate plowing through it and getting rid of the backlog. Add perfectionist tendencies to the equation and it can be even more challenging. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss some strategies for working through a backlog. Stay tuned next week when we discuss preventing pileups so the backlogs don't come back. Discussion topics include: • The satisfaction of working through a backlog • Our own current backlogs • Dealing with a (tremendous!) email backlog • Picking the low-hanging fruit first • How putting like things together can help you decide to get rid of stuff • An easier way to deal with filing: Keep less paper! • The value of doing a high-level presort before filing • How a timer can help you get through your backlog • Allowing yourself to deal with a backlog with as much ease as possible • Isolating a backlog to allow you to work on it a little at a time without adding to it • Dealing with a backlog of postal mail • Remember: The job’s not done until the tools are put awayEpisode 91: No RegretsRegret feels like a negative emotion, but in this episode, recorded in person in Walla Walla, Janine and Shannon discuss how considering regret can be a helpful barometer when making a decision. And they use a recent real-life set of decisions that brought them unexpectedly face to face to illustrate!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s decision to make an emergency trip to Walla Walla when her brother became ill

  • How Shannon’s offer to drive her from Portland to Walla Walla made the decision (and the whole experience) much easier

  • Using the absence of regret to help make decisions

  • How both Shannon and Janine regularly use regret as a decision-making barometer 

  • How thinking about regret can help you think through things

  • Looking out for your future self

  • Being in touch with what’s important to you to help you know what you might regret

  • Shannon’s biggest regret: Not taking travel opportunities

  • Balancing caring for others with caring for yourself

  • How considering regret can help you live in a more positive way

  • Avoiding regret in the future

  • Cutting yourself slack when you feel regret: You were doubtless making the best decision you could make at the time.

  • Shannon’s assessment of Walla Walla’s famous (on this podcast) potstickers

  Comment from Janine: After 22 days in the hospital with severe pneumonia, my brother, Scott, was released to a nursing home in Walla Walla where he's rehabbing before going back to his home.

  ]]>Regret feels like a negative emotion, but in this episode, recorded in person in Walla Walla, Janine and Shannon discuss how considering regret can be a helpful barometer when making a decision. And they use a recent real-life set of decisions that brought them unexpectedly face to face to illustrate!

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s decision to make an emergency trip to Walla Walla when her brother became ill

  • How Shannon’s offer to drive her from Portland to Walla Walla made the decision (and the whole experience) much easier

  • Using the absence of regret to help make decisions

  • How both Shannon and Janine regularly use regret as a decision-making barometer 

  • How thinking about regret can help you think through things

  • Looking out for your future self

  • Being in touch with what’s important to you to help you know what you might regret

  • Shannon’s biggest regret: Not taking travel opportunities

  • Balancing caring for others with caring for yourself

  • How considering regret can help you live in a more positive way

  • Avoiding regret in the future

  • Cutting yourself slack when you feel regret: You were doubtless making the best decision you could make at the time.

  • Shannon’s assessment of Walla Walla’s famous (on this podcast) potstickers

  Comment from Janine: After 22 days in the hospital with severe pneumonia, my brother, Scott, was released to a nursing home in Walla Walla where he's rehabbing before going back to his home.

  ]]>5UA9ARKZ-WOY9ZFRThu, 20 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -070024:27falsefull291912Regret feels like a negative emotion, but in this episode, recorded in person in Walla Walla, Janine and Shannon discuss how considering regret can be a helpful barometer when making a decision. And they use a recent real-life set of decisions that brought them unexpectedly face to face to illustrate! Discussion topics include: • Janine’s decision to make an emergency trip to Walla Walla when her brother became ill • How Shannon’s offer to drive her from Portland to Walla Walla made the decision (and the whole experience) much easier • Using the absence of regret to help make decisions • How both Shannon and Janine regularly use regret as a decision-making barometer • How thinking about regret can help you think through things • Looking out for your future self • Being in touch with what’s important to you to help you know what you might regret • Shannon’s biggest regret: Not taking travel opportunities • Balancing caring for others with caring for yourself • How considering regret can help you live in a more positive way • Avoiding regret in the future • Cutting yourself slack when you feel regret: You were doubtless making the best decision you could make at the time. • Shannon’s assessment of Walla Walla’s famous (on this podcast) potstickers Comment from Janine: After 22 days in the hospital with severe pneumonia, my brother, Scott, was released to a nursing home in Walla Walla where he's rehabbing before going back to his home.Episode 90: Acting on Good ImpulsesGood people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.)

  • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses

  • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how.

  • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it)

  • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others

  • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost

  • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people

  • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse

  • Making it easy to act on good impulses

  • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses

  • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes

  ]]>Good people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.)

  • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses

  • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how.

  • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it)

  • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others

  • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost

  • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people

  • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse

  • Making it easy to act on good impulses

  • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses

  • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes

  ]]>BKVMQ0A5-9T9MS4IThu, 13 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -070029:18falsefull290902Good people (like our listeners) have many good impulses. But how often do you act on them? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how perfectionism can get in the way of acting on new impulses and how you can get past that. Discussion topics include: • Our excitement over breaking into the top 100 Health & Fitness podcasts in Poland! (And that we’re still on the quest for a listener in Antarctica.) • How perfectionism can stop some people from acting on their good impulses • The fact that it really is the thought that counts and most people just want to be remembered--they don’t care how. • The story that sparked this episode topic: how Shannon was able to soothe a little girl at a coffee shop (and the cartoon she drew of it) • How it’s so easy to censor yourself and not act on the impulse to help others • One easy way to make someone’s day: Give directions to someone who appears lost • The complexity of Shannon’s neighborhood that allows her to help many lost people • How Shannon’s picking up of garbage on her training walks started as a good impulse • Making it easy to act on good impulses • The challenge of letting go of perfectionism around acting on good impulses • How perfectionism can really trip us up on writing thank-you notes See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 89: Mistakes Aren't FailuresWhy do we beat ourselves up when we make mistakes? Mistakes aren't failures; in fact they can be viewed as successes. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss reframing how we view mistakes so we can we can learn from them instead of feeling bad.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Letting go of the notion that if you make a mistake you have failed

  • Thinking of mistakes as successes

  • Shannon’s monthly deep dive into non-fiction this year

  • How you handle a mistake can make the difference between it being considered a success or a failure

  • Searching for authors in podcast episodes

  • Reframing how you view not reaching a goal

  • Not getting derailed when you miss a beat in a daily routine

  • Our efforts to do daily yoga

  • How we focus on our mistakes, even when others don’t notice them

  • Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities

  • NLP’s presupposition: There is no failure, only feedback

  • Does quitting something mean you failed?

  ]]>Why do we beat ourselves up when we make mistakes? Mistakes aren't failures; in fact they can be viewed as successes. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss reframing how we view mistakes so we can we can learn from them instead of feeling bad.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Letting go of the notion that if you make a mistake you have failed

  • Thinking of mistakes as successes

  • Shannon’s monthly deep dive into non-fiction this year

  • How you handle a mistake can make the difference between it being considered a success or a failure

  • Searching for authors in podcast episodes

  • Reframing how you view not reaching a goal

  • Not getting derailed when you miss a beat in a daily routine

  • Our efforts to do daily yoga

  • How we focus on our mistakes, even when others don’t notice them

  • Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities

  • NLP’s presupposition: There is no failure, only feedback

  • Does quitting something mean you failed?

  ]]>7OW2HV23-XYFOGVIThu, 06 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -070026:27falsefull289892Why do we beat ourselves up when we make mistakes? Mistakes aren't failures; in fact they can be viewed as successes. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss reframing how we view mistakes so we can we can learn from them instead of feeling bad. Discussion topics include: • Letting go of the notion that if you make a mistake you have failed • Thinking of mistakes as successes • Shannon’s monthly deep dive into non-fiction this year • How you handle a mistake can make the difference between it being considered a success or a failure • Searching for authors in podcast episodes • Reframing how you view not reaching a goal • Not getting derailed when you miss a beat in a daily routine • Our efforts to do daily yoga • How we focus on our mistakes, even when others don’t notice them • Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities • NLP’s presupposition: There is no failure, only feedback • Does quitting something mean you failed? See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 88: Less Is MoreShannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The keys to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess

  • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff

  • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff”

  • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it

  • The natural tendency to fill up empty space

  • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing

  • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe

  • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet

  • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness

  • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is

  • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep

  • Storing items according to frequency of use

  • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying

  • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast

  • The keys to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it

  ]]>7WBHJZP0-LI8UXRThu, 30 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -070032:50falsefull288882Shannon and Janine are living the "less is more" mantra this year as Shannon makes it a focus of her 2020 goals and Janine focuses on helping her organizing clients let go of excess. In this episode, they discuss how less stuff can add up to more freedom and happiness. Discussion topics include: • One of Shannon’s focuses for 2020: Letting go of excess • How Shannon feels encumbered by her stuff • A cogent quote from one of Janine’s clients: “I feel handcuffed to my house because of this stuff” • How stuff tends to proliferate when you don’t focus on it • The natural tendency to fill up empty space • How having extra space after you finish decluttering is a good thing • Shannon’s plan to re-embrace a version of Project 333 for her wardrobe • The joy (and beauty) of a not-full closet • How excess can get in the way of people’s freedom and happiness • Janine's truism: The more you keep of a collection, the less special any of it is • Clearing out the excess so you can enjoy and access what you decide to keep • Storing items according to frequency of use • Shannon’s shopping-list strategies that stop her from overbuying • Less is more in practice: How Janine and Shannon decluttered their topics list for this podcast • The keys to less is more: Paying attention to what feels good about it and knowing why you want it Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 87: Financial PeaceMoney is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener  who needs help with YNAB!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software

  • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job!

  • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer

  • Budgeting for next month’s expenses

  • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!)

  • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments

  • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money

  • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first

  • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping

  • The peace that comes with being on top of your money

  • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff

  • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments

  • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group

  • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses

  • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful

  ]]>Money is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener  who needs help with YNAB!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software

  • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job!

  • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer

  • Budgeting for next month’s expenses

  • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!)

  • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments

  • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money

  • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first

  • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping

  • The peace that comes with being on top of your money

  • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff

  • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments

  • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group

  • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses

  • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful

  ]]>33JBII84-4AD78PVThu, 23 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -070032:40falsefull287872Money is a source of stress for so many people. One tool that both Janine and Shannon use to help them take the stress out of money and create financial peace is the software You Need a Budget (YNAB). Shannon is a YNAB master! In this episode we discuss YNAB and other strategies for creating financial peace. (And Shannon offers to help any listener who needs help with YNAB!) Discussion topics include: • The key to Shannon’s financial peace: YNAB (You Need a Budget) software • Rule 1 with YNAB: Give each dollar a job! • How YNAB can help you manage an irregular income by creating a buffer • Budgeting for next month’s expenses • Shannon’s addiction to interacting with her money every day in YNAB (it takes less than 15 minutes!) • Budgeting for annual expenses monthly to eliminate big surprise payments • How YNAB can help create peace in relationships when people share money • Reading a book about YNAB vs trying it out first • How Janine is pairing YNAB and Quickbooks to help her stay on top of her bookkeeping • The peace that comes with being on top of your money • Using Undebt.it to help with debt payoff • How YNAB can help with automatic credit card payments • Shannon’s offer to help out anyone who’s trying out YNAB in our Facebook group • A strategy for creating a buffer so that this month’s income pays next month’s expenses • Making money feel supportive rather than stressful See the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 86: Anti-perfectionist HacksIn recording this episode week after week, certain themes keep coming up in Shannon and Janine's conversations. This episode, we distill them down to four hacks: (1) getting in touch with what's important to you; (2) asking yourself, "Is it good enough?"; (3) noticing when you're in perfectionist mode and (4) recognizing that something is better than nothing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Pot stickers!

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • Avoiding overindulgence by getting in touch with what’s important to you in the near future

  • Asking yourself “Is it good enough?"

  • Noticing when you’re in perfectionist mode

  • Asking yourself, “Are you putting in more time than this project merits?"

  • Shannon’s pride over not correcting the texts she sends

  • How having a word of the year can help you get in touch with what’s important to you

  • Janine and Shannon’s 2020 words of the year

  • What a big year 2020 will be

  • How overwhelm or resistance can be clues that you’re in perfectionistic mode

  • Remembering that something is better than nothing (and done is better than perfect!)

  • Our quest for musical submissions from our users

  ]]>In recording this episode week after week, certain themes keep coming up in Shannon and Janine's conversations. This episode, we distill them down to four hacks: (1) getting in touch with what's important to you; (2) asking yourself, "Is it good enough?"; (3) noticing when you're in perfectionist mode and (4) recognizing that something is better than nothing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Pot stickers!

  • Getting in touch with what’s important to you

  • Avoiding overindulgence by getting in touch with what’s important to you in the near future

  • Asking yourself “Is it good enough?"

  • Noticing when you’re in perfectionist mode

  • Asking yourself, “Are you putting in more time than this project merits?"

  • Shannon’s pride over not correcting the texts she sends

  • How having a word of the year can help you get in touch with what’s important to you

  • Janine and Shannon’s 2020 words of the year

  • What a big year 2020 will be

  • How overwhelm or resistance can be clues that you’re in perfectionistic mode

  • Remembering that something is better than nothing (and done is better than perfect!)

  • Our quest for musical submissions from our users

  ]]>3PDKMHOU-Q0PY14IThu, 16 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -070025:07falsefull286862In recording this episode week after week, certain themes keep coming up in Shannon and Janine's conversations. This episode, we distill them down to four hacks: (1) getting in touch with what's important to you; (2) asking yourself, "Is it good enough?"; (3) noticing when you're in perfectionist mode and (4) recognizing that something is better than nothing. Discussion topics include: • Pot stickers! • Getting in touch with what’s important to you • Avoiding overindulgence by getting in touch with what’s important to you in the near future • Asking yourself “Is it good enough?" • Noticing when you’re in perfectionist mode • Asking yourself, “Are you putting in more time than this project merits?" • Shannon’s pride over not correcting the texts she sends • How having a word of the year can help you get in touch with what’s important to you • Janine and Shannon’s 2020 words of the year • What a big year 2020 will be • How overwhelm or resistance can be clues that you’re in perfectionistic mode • Remembering that something is better than nothing (and done is better than perfect!) • Our quest for musical submissions from our usersEpisode 85: Doing Good in the WorldA listener left us a voicemail with an interesting question that we address in this week's episode. Listener Casey wanted advice on choosing what to do to help the world when all the choices are so overwhelming. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ways to get past perfectionism and overwhelm in order to do good.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A listener question: How do you choose your focus when it comes to helping the world?

  • Figuring out how to take action when you’re overwhelmed by the opportunities

  • Shannon’s efforts to do good as she trains for her walk on the Camino de Santiago.

  • How perfectionism reared its head in her efforts to pick up trash during her training walks -- and how she got past it

  • East vs West in Portland

  • How much trash Shannon will pick up in Portugal

  • Finding something doable for you that has an impact on the issue you’re concerned about

  • Janine’s postcard-writing efforts that meet her needs to do good in the world

  • Identifying what you enjoy doing in order to narrow down what you might do to help

  • Shannon’s volunteer job of helping kids read

  • Newsletters that give you an idea of what to do to help the world based on your interest

  • Accepting that you’re one person with limited time and something is better than nothing

  • Picking one thing and figuring out how you can do one ridiculously easy thing to help

  • Trusting that someone else will do what you can't

  ]]>A listener left us a voicemail with an interesting question that we address in this week's episode. Listener Casey wanted advice on choosing what to do to help the world when all the choices are so overwhelming. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ways to get past perfectionism and overwhelm in order to do good.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A listener question: How do you choose your focus when it comes to helping the world?

  • Figuring out how to take action when you’re overwhelmed by the opportunities

  • Shannon’s efforts to do good as she trains for her walk on the Camino de Santiago.

  • How perfectionism reared its head in her efforts to pick up trash during her training walks -- and how she got past it

  • East vs West in Portland

  • How much trash Shannon will pick up in Portugal

  • Finding something doable for you that has an impact on the issue you’re concerned about

  • Janine’s postcard-writing efforts that meet her needs to do good in the world

  • Identifying what you enjoy doing in order to narrow down what you might do to help

  • Shannon’s volunteer job of helping kids read

  • Newsletters that give you an idea of what to do to help the world based on your interest

  • Accepting that you’re one person with limited time and something is better than nothing

  • Picking one thing and figuring out how you can do one ridiculously easy thing to help

  • Trusting that someone else will do what you can't

  ]]>8Y4UA6XL-40WWMIThu, 09 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -070028:42falsefull285852A listener left us a voicemail with an interesting question that we address in this week's episode. Listener Casey wanted advice on choosing what to do to help the world when all the choices are so overwhelming. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ways to get past perfectionism and overwhelm in order to do good. Discussion topics include: • A listener question: How do you choose your focus when it comes to helping the world? • Figuring out how to take action when you’re overwhelmed by the opportunities • Shannon’s efforts to do good as she trains for her walk on the Camino de Santiago. • How perfectionism reared its head in her efforts to pick up trash during her training walks -- and how she got past it • East vs West in Portland • How much trash Shannon will pick up in Portugal • Finding something doable for you that has an impact on the issue you’re concerned about • Janine’s postcard-writing efforts that meet her needs to do good in the world • Identifying what you enjoy doing in order to narrow down what you might do to help • Shannon’s volunteer job of helping kids read • Newsletters that give you an idea of what to do to help the world based on your interest • Accepting that you’re one person with limited time and something is better than nothing • Picking one thing and figuring out how you can do one ridiculously easy thing to help • Trusting that someone else will do what you can't Be sure to check out www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 84: OverthinkingOverthinking anything--but especially our goals--is really easy to do. And those folks with perfectionistic tendencies are particularly susceptible. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss overthinking, particularly as it pertains to end-of-the-year goal setting, and share some of their goal-setting tools as well as techniques for avoiding overthinking.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s antidote to overthinking, her mantra, “Let it be easy.”

  • The problem with overthinking: you don’t realize you’re doing it until it's too late (sometimes way too late)

  • How Janine overthought her year-end planning last year and ended up with less-clear goals

  • How perfectionism can make it easy to overthink

  • Shannon’s bon vivant year

  • How Janine tries to set herself up for success: Step away from overthinking and keep things as simple as possible

  • The PowerSheets goal setting planner that Janine (and then Shannon!) purchased

  • Starting out simple and making things (like goal planning and filing) only as complex as required

  • The power of a Word of the Year

  • How letting go of the idea that there’s a perfect way to do something can help you let go of overthinking

  • The importance of taking action rather than pondering

  • How Shannon tries not to overthink her daily cartooning practice (because it doesn’t help!)

  ]]>Overthinking anything--but especially our goals--is really easy to do. And those folks with perfectionistic tendencies are particularly susceptible. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss overthinking, particularly as it pertains to end-of-the-year goal setting, and share some of their goal-setting tools as well as techniques for avoiding overthinking.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s antidote to overthinking, her mantra, “Let it be easy.”

  • The problem with overthinking: you don’t realize you’re doing it until it's too late (sometimes way too late)

  • How Janine overthought her year-end planning last year and ended up with less-clear goals

  • How perfectionism can make it easy to overthink

  • Shannon’s bon vivant year

  • How Janine tries to set herself up for success: Step away from overthinking and keep things as simple as possible

  • The PowerSheets goal setting planner that Janine (and then Shannon!) purchased

  • Starting out simple and making things (like goal planning and filing) only as complex as required

  • The power of a Word of the Year

  • How letting go of the idea that there’s a perfect way to do something can help you let go of overthinking

  • The importance of taking action rather than pondering

  • How Shannon tries not to overthink her daily cartooning practice (because it doesn’t help!)

  ]]>BDKTAP7Z-Z3VUNMIThu, 02 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -070028:09falsefull284842Overthinking anything--but especially our goals--is really easy to do. And those folks with perfectionistic tendencies are particularly susceptible. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss overthinking, particularly as it pertains to end-of-the-year goal setting, and share some of their goal-setting tools as well as techniques for avoiding overthinking. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s antidote to overthinking, her mantra, “Let it be easy.” • The problem with overthinking: you don’t realize you’re doing it until it's too late (sometimes way too late) • How Janine overthought her year-end planning last year and ended up with less-clear goals • How perfectionism can make it easy to overthink • Shannon’s bon vivant year • How Janine tries to set herself up for success: Step away from overthinking and keep things as simple as possible • The PowerSheets goal setting planner that Janine (and then Shannon!) purchased • Starting out simple and making things (like goal planning and filing) only as complex as required • The power of a Word of the Year • How letting go of the idea that there’s a perfect way to do something can help you let go of overthinking • The importance of taking action rather than pondering • How Shannon tries not to overthink her daily cartooning practice (because it doesn’t help!) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and a peek at Shannon's cartooning!Episode 83: Good Enough Goal Setting (Redux)Janine and Shannon are off on their own personal retreat days, so we thought it would be an excellent time to rerun our end-of-the-year post about goals and resolutions! In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  ]]>Janine and Shannon are off on their own personal retreat days, so we thought it would be an excellent time to rerun our end-of-the-year post about goals and resolutions! In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  ]]>CDM5K09X-2INEWMIThu, 26 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -070031:13falsefull283832Janine and Shannon are off on their own personal retreat days, so we thought it would be an excellent time to rerun our end-of-the-year post about goals and resolutions! In this episode, we talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!) Discussion topics include: • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast. • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis! • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals "Why Resolutions Don't Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" had not been available for years, until last year when we took it out, dusted it off and renamed it "Good Enough Goal Setting." We've updated the 25-page workbook and are making it available to you for $15. When you buy the workbook, you'll automatically get a download of the 2010 teleclass, complete with guided hypnosis exercises led by Shannon, who is a certified hypnotherapist. These exercises will aid you in setting--and achieving--your goals this year. Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to purchase.Episode 82: {GEIP} Taking On a Personal ChallengeIn this Good Enough in Practice episode, Shannon shares some exciting news: She just bought a plane ticket to Portugal, where she will walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020! She'll walk 175 to 200 miles by herself over the course of ten to fourteen days. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about this personal challenge, how she's preparing for it and her advice for pursuing your own personal challenges.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some of the logistics of the trip

  • Why the heck Shannon wants to do this (it’s all about the challenge)

  • How Shannon will train (physically and mentally) to walk 10 to 15 miles a day for two weeks

  • Shannon’s concern about avoiding overtraining

  • What Shannon’s husband, Mike, thinks about this personal challenge

  • Deciding whether to book hotel rooms or be more spontaneous on this trip

  • Paying attention to what you’re wondering about and whether that might be a good challenge to take on

  • Making small commitments on the way to a larger challenge

  • Shannon’s criteria for a personal challenge: for it to be doable but not easy

  • Janine’s concerns for Shannon’s safety on this journey (and the precautions she’ll be taking)

  • Advice for starting a personal challenge: Notice the ideas that pop up over and over again and commit to something small. Then increase the commitment as you get closer to the ultimate goal.

  • The importance of taking some action on your personal challenge every day

  • How Shannon’s cartooning fits into this

  • The impact of Shannon’s trip on our podcast schedule (spoiler alert: there will be no disruption!)

  ]]>In this Good Enough in Practice episode, Shannon shares some exciting news: She just bought a plane ticket to Portugal, where she will walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020! She'll walk 175 to 200 miles by herself over the course of ten to fourteen days. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about this personal challenge, how she's preparing for it and her advice for pursuing your own personal challenges.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some of the logistics of the trip

  • Why the heck Shannon wants to do this (it’s all about the challenge)

  • How Shannon will train (physically and mentally) to walk 10 to 15 miles a day for two weeks

  • Shannon’s concern about avoiding overtraining

  • What Shannon’s husband, Mike, thinks about this personal challenge

  • Deciding whether to book hotel rooms or be more spontaneous on this trip

  • Paying attention to what you’re wondering about and whether that might be a good challenge to take on

  • Making small commitments on the way to a larger challenge

  • Shannon’s criteria for a personal challenge: for it to be doable but not easy

  • Janine’s concerns for Shannon’s safety on this journey (and the precautions she’ll be taking)

  • Advice for starting a personal challenge: Notice the ideas that pop up over and over again and commit to something small. Then increase the commitment as you get closer to the ultimate goal.

  • The importance of taking some action on your personal challenge every day

  • How Shannon’s cartooning fits into this

  • The impact of Shannon’s trip on our podcast schedule (spoiler alert: there will be no disruption!)

  ]]>GD2KJULN-XFXBT9Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -070035:16falsefull282822In this Good Enough in Practice episode, Shannon shares some exciting news: She just bought a plane ticket to Portugal, where she will walk the Camino de Santiago in 2020! She'll walk 175 to 200 miles by herself over the course of ten to fourteen days. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about this personal challenge, how she's preparing for it and her advice for pursuing your own personal challenges. Discussion topics include: • Some of the logistics of the trip • Why the heck Shannon wants to do this (it’s all about the challenge) • How Shannon will train (physically and mentally) to walk 10 to 15 miles a day for two weeks • Shannon’s concern about avoiding overtraining • What Shannon’s husband, Mike, thinks about this personal challenge • Deciding whether to book hotel rooms or be more spontaneous on this trip • Paying attention to what you’re wondering about and whether that might be a good challenge to take on • Making small commitments on the way to a larger challenge • Shannon’s criteria for a personal challenge: for it to be doable but not easy • Janine’s concerns for Shannon’s safety on this journey (and the precautions she’ll be taking) • Advice for starting a personal challenge: Notice the ideas that pop up over and over again and commit to something small. Then increase the commitment as you get closer to the ultimate goal. • The importance of taking some action on your personal challenge every day • How Shannon’s cartooning fits into this • The impact of Shannon’s trip on our podcast schedule (spoiler alert: there will be no disruption!) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to some pertinent blog posts.Episode 81: AmbivalenceSometimes when you can't get started on something or you're dragging your feet making a decision, ambivalence is the culprit. It can be sneaky, lurking in the background without your even realizing it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ambivalence and provide some guidance on clearing it up, so you can make more conscious decisions. (Because not making a decision is actually making a decision.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our relief over NaNoWriMo being over and what we’ll do with our time

  • The ambivalence we felt about the novels we wrote in November

  • The dictionary definition of ambivalence

  • The ambivalence Shannon used to feel about her goal of walking the Camino de Santiago

  • How you can feel ambivalent without even realizing it

  • A clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You use the phrase, “On the one hand…"

  • One way to clear up ambivalence: Dig into the positive intention of each side

  • Shannon’s Boring Change tool (see link), which can help you discover underlying ambivalence

  • Questions to ask yourself when clearing up ambivalence

  • How Janine is going to apply this during her annual winter goal-setting retreat

  • How you’re making a decision when you don't make a decision

  • The relief of making a decision, even if it’s “no, for now,” rather than living with ambivalence

  • The fact that “maybe” is a “no” until it’s a “yes.”

  • Another clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You’re trying to talk yourself into doing something

  • Clearing the ambivalence so you can make a decision from a conscious place

  • The importance of knowing what’s important to you in getting to the bottom of ambivalence

  • Shannon’s verbing of the noun “surface"

  • How identifying ambivalence takes away its power

  ]]>Sometimes when you can't get started on something or you're dragging your feet making a decision, ambivalence is the culprit. It can be sneaky, lurking in the background without your even realizing it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ambivalence and provide some guidance on clearing it up, so you can make more conscious decisions. (Because not making a decision is actually making a decision.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Our relief over NaNoWriMo being over and what we’ll do with our time

  • The ambivalence we felt about the novels we wrote in November

  • The dictionary definition of ambivalence

  • The ambivalence Shannon used to feel about her goal of walking the Camino de Santiago

  • How you can feel ambivalent without even realizing it

  • A clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You use the phrase, “On the one hand…"

  • One way to clear up ambivalence: Dig into the positive intention of each side

  • Shannon’s Boring Change tool (see link), which can help you discover underlying ambivalence

  • Questions to ask yourself when clearing up ambivalence

  • How Janine is going to apply this during her annual winter goal-setting retreat

  • How you’re making a decision when you don't make a decision

  • The relief of making a decision, even if it’s “no, for now,” rather than living with ambivalence

  • The fact that “maybe” is a “no” until it’s a “yes.”

  • Another clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You’re trying to talk yourself into doing something

  • Clearing the ambivalence so you can make a decision from a conscious place

  • The importance of knowing what’s important to you in getting to the bottom of ambivalence

  • Shannon’s verbing of the noun “surface"

  • How identifying ambivalence takes away its power

  ]]>5YC65N9Y-NXC4N29Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -070031:18falsefull281812Sometimes when you can't get started on something or you're dragging your feet making a decision, ambivalence is the culprit. It can be sneaky, lurking in the background without your even realizing it. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss ambivalence and provide some guidance on clearing it up, so you can make more conscious decisions. (Because not making a decision is actually making a decision.) Discussion topics include: • Our relief over NaNoWriMo being over and what we’ll do with our time • The ambivalence we felt about the novels we wrote in November • The dictionary definition of ambivalence • The ambivalence Shannon used to feel about her goal of walking the Camino de Santiago • How you can feel ambivalent without even realizing it • A clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You use the phrase, “On the one hand…" • One way to clear up ambivalence: Dig into the positive intention of each side • Shannon’s Boring Change tool (see link), which can help you discover underlying ambivalence • Questions to ask yourself when clearing up ambivalence • How Janine is going to apply this during her annual winter goal-setting retreat • How you’re making a decision when you don't make a decision • The relief of making a decision, even if it’s “no, for now,” rather than living with ambivalence • The fact that “maybe” is a “no” until it’s a “yes.” • Another clue that you’re feeling ambivalent: You’re trying to talk yourself into doing something • Clearing the ambivalence so you can make a decision from a conscious place • The importance of knowing what’s important to you in getting to the bottom of ambivalence • Shannon’s verbing of the noun “surface" • How identifying ambivalence takes away its power Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 80: Expectations of OthersIt's hard enough when we expect perfection from ourselves, but when we expect others to be perfect, we're introducing stress into our (and their) lives. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about making life easier by modifying your expectations of perfection in others. (Spoiler alert: It involves assuming good intentions and cutting people some slack.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s unrealistic expectations for how much crafting she’d get done on her crafting weekend

  • How having high expectations for a technology updates is bound to disappoint you

  • How managing clients’ expectations is so important for professional organizers, life coaches and other service providers

  • How shifting your expectations of others can remove stress

  • Adding kindness in your expectations of service people

  • Shannon’s practice: Assume good intentions of others

  • Living more peacefully by letting go of expectations of perfection

  • Easing up on our expectations of our pets’ behavior

  • Holding people to a high standard without stressing yourself out if they’re not perfect

  • Thinking about the stress-inducing thought patterns that you’re putting on other people

  • The power of our new refrain: Being aware of certain thoughts and behaviors

  ]]>It's hard enough when we expect perfection from ourselves, but when we expect others to be perfect, we're introducing stress into our (and their) lives. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about making life easier by modifying your expectations of perfection in others. (Spoiler alert: It involves assuming good intentions and cutting people some slack.)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s unrealistic expectations for how much crafting she’d get done on her crafting weekend

  • How having high expectations for a technology updates is bound to disappoint you

  • How managing clients’ expectations is so important for professional organizers, life coaches and other service providers

  • How shifting your expectations of others can remove stress

  • Adding kindness in your expectations of service people

  • Shannon’s practice: Assume good intentions of others

  • Living more peacefully by letting go of expectations of perfection

  • Easing up on our expectations of our pets’ behavior

  • Holding people to a high standard without stressing yourself out if they’re not perfect

  • Thinking about the stress-inducing thought patterns that you’re putting on other people

  • The power of our new refrain: Being aware of certain thoughts and behaviors

  ]]>6O7LINQ9-5HZOLXRThu, 05 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -070024:52falsefull280802It's hard enough when we expect perfection from ourselves, but when we expect others to be perfect, we're introducing stress into our (and their) lives. This week, Shannon and Janine talk about making life easier by modifying your expectations of perfection in others. (Spoiler alert: It involves assuming good intentions and cutting people some slack.) Discussion topics include: • Janine’s unrealistic expectations for how much crafting she’d get done on her crafting weekend • How having high expectations for a technology updates is bound to disappoint you • How managing clients’ expectations is so important for professional organizers, life coaches and other service providers • How shifting your expectations of others can remove stress • Adding kindness in your expectations of service people • Shannon’s practice: Assume good intentions of others • Living more peacefully by letting go of expectations of perfection • Easing up on our expectations of our pets’ behavior • Holding people to a high standard without stressing yourself out if they’re not perfect • Thinking about the stress-inducing thought patterns that you’re putting on other people • The power of our new refrain: Being aware of certain thoughts and behaviorsEpisode 79: Getting to the Important StuffThis week's episode topic was suggested by a reader who said she she gets distracted by little things when she's trying to accomplish bigger and more important goals. In this episode, Janine and Shannon take you through some strategies for keeping your eye prize and finding time for the things that are important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How easy it is to avoid the important items on our task lists by getting distracted by the little things

  • The sense of accomplishment we get from getting little things done

  • Putting a time limit on important things to create some urgency

  • Finding a buddy to help you work on important things (even if that buddy is an app)

  • Setting low yourso that your accomplishments are easy to achieve (and count)

  • How poorly defined success can be demotivating

  • The importance of identifying what success looks like

  • How Shannon is trying to create a practice (as well as cultivate a skill) with her cartooning class

  • Understanding why a commitment or a project is important to help keep you on track

  • How the Eisenhower Matrix can help you get the important (but not urgent) stuff done

  • Waiting to commit to something before putting it on the front burner

  •Letting go of the idea that the thing you’re trying to do has to be perfect

  • Our suggestion to not wait until all your ducks are in a row before you can get started on the important, but not urgent things

  • How working on rewarding things can make it easier to do the mundane things

  ]]>This week's episode topic was suggested by a reader who said she she gets distracted by little things when she's trying to accomplish bigger and more important goals. In this episode, Janine and Shannon take you through some strategies for keeping your eye prize and finding time for the things that are important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How easy it is to avoid the important items on our task lists by getting distracted by the little things

  • The sense of accomplishment we get from getting little things done

  • Putting a time limit on important things to create some urgency

  • Finding a buddy to help you work on important things (even if that buddy is an app)

  • Setting low yourso that your accomplishments are easy to achieve (and count)

  • How poorly defined success can be demotivating

  • The importance of identifying what success looks like

  • How Shannon is trying to create a practice (as well as cultivate a skill) with her cartooning class

  • Understanding why a commitment or a project is important to help keep you on track

  • How the Eisenhower Matrix can help you get the important (but not urgent) stuff done

  • Waiting to commit to something before putting it on the front burner

  •Letting go of the idea that the thing you’re trying to do has to be perfect

  • Our suggestion to not wait until all your ducks are in a row before you can get started on the important, but not urgent things

  • How working on rewarding things can make it easier to do the mundane things

  ]]>DFQR9BJF-PKWEWMIThu, 28 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -070028:34falsefull279792This week's episode topic was suggested by a reader who said she she gets distracted by little things when she's trying to accomplish bigger and more important goals. In this episode, Janine and Shannon take you through some strategies for keeping your eye prize and finding time for the things that are important to you. Discussion topics include: • How easy it is to avoid the important items on our task lists by getting distracted by the little things • The sense of accomplishment we get from getting little things done • Putting a time limit on important things to create some urgency • Finding a buddy to help you work on important things (even if that buddy is an app) • Setting low yourso that your accomplishments are easy to achieve (and count) • How poorly defined success can be demotivating • The importance of identifying what success looks like • How Shannon is trying to create a practice (as well as cultivate a skill) with her cartooning class • Understanding why a commitment or a project is important to help keep you on track • How the Eisenhower Matrix can help you get the important (but not urgent) stuff done • Waiting to commit to something before putting it on the front burner •Letting go of the idea that the thing you’re trying to do has to be perfect • Our suggestion to not wait until all your ducks are in a row before you can get started on the important, but not urgent things • How working on rewarding things can make it easier to do the mundane things Be sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see the improved Eisenhower Matrix drawing--complete with a custom cartoon!Episode 78: Words MatterWords matter when we talk with other people and language is also important when we're talking to ourselves. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how the words we use can reveal perfectionism and shifting that language can help us get past it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How words can make a difference in your thinking about yourself

  • The role of words in helping you let go of perfectionism

  • Reframing “good enough” as something to strive for, not settle for

  • The freedom of "good enough" vs "the best"

  • Adding the phrase “for now” to make decisions feel less dire

  • Paying attention to those words that end with “-est" to see when you’re applying pressure on yourself

  • How the language that we use can imbue the wrong feeling in us

  • The folly of seeking the best way to do something 

  • Adventures in needle felting

  • The phenomenon of “visible mending”

  • Paying attention to our language as a way to move forward and as a way to recognize when we’re getting mired in perfectionism

  • How making tiny shifts in wording in your self talk can help steer you away from perfectionism

  • That changing words can change how you feel about something

  ]]>Words matter when we talk with other people and language is also important when we're talking to ourselves. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how the words we use can reveal perfectionism and shifting that language can help us get past it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How words can make a difference in your thinking about yourself

  • The role of words in helping you let go of perfectionism

  • Reframing “good enough” as something to strive for, not settle for

  • The freedom of "good enough" vs "the best"

  • Adding the phrase “for now” to make decisions feel less dire

  • Paying attention to those words that end with “-est" to see when you’re applying pressure on yourself

  • How the language that we use can imbue the wrong feeling in us

  • The folly of seeking the best way to do something 

  • Adventures in needle felting

  • The phenomenon of “visible mending”

  • Paying attention to our language as a way to move forward and as a way to recognize when we’re getting mired in perfectionism

  • How making tiny shifts in wording in your self talk can help steer you away from perfectionism

  • That changing words can change how you feel about something

  ]]>H8G9673W-KI6BT9Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -070029:42falsefull278782Words matter when we talk with other people and language is also important when we're talking to ourselves. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how the words we use can reveal perfectionism and shifting that language can help us get past it. Discussion topics include: • How words can make a difference in your thinking about yourself • The role of words in helping you let go of perfectionism • Reframing “good enough” as something to strive for, not settle for • The freedom of "good enough" vs "the best" • Adding the phrase “for now” to make decisions feel less dire • Paying attention to those words that end with “-est" to see when you’re applying pressure on yourself • How the language that we use can imbue the wrong feeling in us • The folly of seeking the best way to do something • Adventures in needle felting • The phenomenon of “visible mending” • Paying attention to our language as a way to move forward and as a way to recognize when we’re getting mired in perfectionism • How making tiny shifts in wording in your self talk can help steer you away from perfectionism • That changing words can change how you feel about somethingEpisode 77: NaNoWriMo in progressJanine and Shannon are participating in National Novel Writing Month this month, in which we're trying to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days. This month, we thought we'd update you about how this fun adventure is going and what a wonderful time we're having embracing imperfection.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How great it feels to get our writing goal accomplished first thing in the morning

  • What a lesson in embracing imperfection NaNoWriMo has been

  • The “bad-off” Shannon did with a fellow one-month novelist sharing examples of how bad their novel writing has been

  • That it would be impossible to write a perfect in a novel in a month, so the goal is just about getting the words done

  • The first rule of NaNoWriMo: You don’t talk about you’re writing about

  • The liberation of knowing that no one will read the book in its first draft

  • The challenge of not being about to remember what was wrote the day before, even with daily writing

  • A key to succeeding at this challenge (or any challenge): prioritizing it

  • How NaNoWriMo has helped Shannon with her cartooning homework

  • Strategies for keeping up with NaNoWriMo when traveling

  • How the lessons from NaNoWriMo can be applied to so many things (virtually anything!)

  • Shannon's joy in engaging in a challenge that approaches the edge of what she thinks she can do

  • Janine’s love of tapping into her creativity by writing a novel in a month

  ]]>Janine and Shannon are participating in National Novel Writing Month this month, in which we're trying to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days. This month, we thought we'd update you about how this fun adventure is going and what a wonderful time we're having embracing imperfection.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How great it feels to get our writing goal accomplished first thing in the morning

  • What a lesson in embracing imperfection NaNoWriMo has been

  • The “bad-off” Shannon did with a fellow one-month novelist sharing examples of how bad their novel writing has been

  • That it would be impossible to write a perfect in a novel in a month, so the goal is just about getting the words done

  • The first rule of NaNoWriMo: You don’t talk about you’re writing about

  • The liberation of knowing that no one will read the book in its first draft

  • The challenge of not being about to remember what was wrote the day before, even with daily writing

  • A key to succeeding at this challenge (or any challenge): prioritizing it

  • How NaNoWriMo has helped Shannon with her cartooning homework

  • Strategies for keeping up with NaNoWriMo when traveling

  • How the lessons from NaNoWriMo can be applied to so many things (virtually anything!)

  • Shannon's joy in engaging in a challenge that approaches the edge of what she thinks she can do

  • Janine’s love of tapping into her creativity by writing a novel in a month

  ]]>DO614N68-FHCL3DIThu, 14 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -070028:37falsefull277772Janine and Shannon are participating in National Novel Writing Month this month, in which we're trying to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days. This month, we thought we'd update you about how this fun adventure is going and what a wonderful time we're having embracing imperfection. Discussion topics include: • How great it feels to get our writing goal accomplished first thing in the morning • What a lesson in embracing imperfection NaNoWriMo has been • The “bad-off” Shannon did with a fellow one-month novelist sharing examples of how bad their novel writing has been • That it would be impossible to write a perfect in a novel in a month, so the goal is just about getting the words done • The first rule of NaNoWriMo: You don’t talk about you’re writing about • The liberation of knowing that no one will read the book in its first draft • The challenge of not being about to remember what was wrote the day before, even with daily writing • A key to succeeding at this challenge (or any challenge): prioritizing it • How NaNoWriMo has helped Shannon with her cartooning homework • Strategies for keeping up with NaNoWriMo when traveling • How the lessons from NaNoWriMo can be applied to so many things (virtually anything!) • Shannon's joy in engaging in a challenge that approaches the edge of what she thinks she can do • Janine’s love of tapping into her creativity by writing a novel in a month Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 76: Letting the Holidays Be Easy (Redux)The winter holiday season is underway and we want to help our listeners prepare for an easy one. This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. We hope it will help make your holiday season less stressful and more joyful!

  The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>The winter holiday season is underway and we want to help our listeners prepare for an easy one. This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. We hope it will help make your holiday season less stressful and more joyful!

  The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>D6M3EREA-SVPLDIThu, 07 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -070040:47falsefull276762The winter holiday season is underway and we want to help our listeners prepare for an easy one. This week, we're re-running Episode 28, which we originally recorded for the 2018 holiday season. We hope it will help make your holiday season less stressful and more joyful! The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy. Discussion topics include: • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays • Janine’s truly simple holiday traditions • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving) • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activitiesEpisode 75: Letting Go of FearWe all experience fear. But some fear is sneaky and can really get us stuck, even if we're not aware of it. In this Halloween episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the way fear is often at the root of perfectionism. And we get into strategies for letting it go.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s antipathy for Halloween

  • The St. Louis Halloween tradition (it involves jokes)!

  • The fact that kids like to be scared

  Shannon’s scary (and hilarious) haunted-house ride in Paris

  • The physiology of fear

  • How are brains can’t tell the difference between scary things we’re thinking or physically threatening things

  • How fear figures into perfectionism

  • One strategy for letting go of fear: Asking yourself “What’s the worse that can happen?”

  • Another strategy: Allowing yourself to feel fear until it’s gone (it often lasts less than 90 seconds)

  • Becoming conscious of your fears

  • How fear enters into decluttering —and strategies for letting go of it

  • How getting past fear is like running through an invisible dog fence

  • Doing a deep dive to handle the fears that underlie perfectionism

  • A key question about fear, “Is it true?”

  • Looking at fear from a rational place to pull apart the threads that prevent you from taking action

  • The question to ask yourself when you’re stuck (Shannon asks it regularly)

  ]]>We all experience fear. But some fear is sneaky and can really get us stuck, even if we're not aware of it. In this Halloween episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the way fear is often at the root of perfectionism. And we get into strategies for letting it go.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s antipathy for Halloween

  • The St. Louis Halloween tradition (it involves jokes)!

  • The fact that kids like to be scared

  Shannon’s scary (and hilarious) haunted-house ride in Paris

  • The physiology of fear

  • How are brains can’t tell the difference between scary things we’re thinking or physically threatening things

  • How fear figures into perfectionism

  • One strategy for letting go of fear: Asking yourself “What’s the worse that can happen?”

  • Another strategy: Allowing yourself to feel fear until it’s gone (it often lasts less than 90 seconds)

  • Becoming conscious of your fears

  • How fear enters into decluttering —and strategies for letting go of it

  • How getting past fear is like running through an invisible dog fence

  • Doing a deep dive to handle the fears that underlie perfectionism

  • A key question about fear, “Is it true?”

  • Looking at fear from a rational place to pull apart the threads that prevent you from taking action

  • The question to ask yourself when you’re stuck (Shannon asks it regularly)

  ]]>5VVOPFNE-MWVCXRThu, 31 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -070034:30falsefull275752We all experience fear. But some fear is sneaky and can really get us stuck, even if we're not aware of it. In this Halloween episode, Janine and Shannon discuss the way fear is often at the root of perfectionism. And we get into strategies for letting it go. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s antipathy for Halloween • The St. Louis Halloween tradition (it involves jokes)! • The fact that kids like to be scared Shannon’s scary (and hilarious) haunted-house ride in Paris • The physiology of fear • How are brains can’t tell the difference between scary things we’re thinking or physically threatening things • How fear figures into perfectionism • One strategy for letting go of fear: Asking yourself “What’s the worse that can happen?” • Another strategy: Allowing yourself to feel fear until it’s gone (it often lasts less than 90 seconds) • Becoming conscious of your fears • How fear enters into decluttering —and strategies for letting go of it • How getting past fear is like running through an invisible dog fence • Doing a deep dive to handle the fears that underlie perfectionism • A key question about fear, “Is it true?” • Looking at fear from a rational place to pull apart the threads that prevent you from taking action • The question to ask yourself when you’re stuck (Shannon asks it regularly) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see the video of Shannon and her kids after the haunted-house ride!Episode 74: Be Kind to YourselfPerfectionists can be really hard on themselves. But there's an easier way to live. Being kind to yourself is not only more pleasant than being hard on yourself, it's more effective. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance of being kind to yourself--and various ways to do it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s overeating of potstickers on her recent trip

  • How overeating something you enjoy may feel like a treat but actually isn’t a kind way to treat yourself

  • Rewards versus punishment in motivating yourself

  • The Stickk.com tool for motivating yourself with punishment

  • How sometimes people think that the need to be mean to themselves to get anything done

  • Some of the (many) ways Janine and Shannon are kind to themselves

  • Talking kindly and encouragingly as a way to be kind to yourself

  • Our advice: Talk as kindly to yourself as you talk to little kids

  • Comparisons between positive dog training and being kind to ourselves

  • Embracing the carrot instead of the stick 

  ]]>Perfectionists can be really hard on themselves. But there's an easier way to live. Being kind to yourself is not only more pleasant than being hard on yourself, it's more effective. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance of being kind to yourself--and various ways to do it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s overeating of potstickers on her recent trip

  • How overeating something you enjoy may feel like a treat but actually isn’t a kind way to treat yourself

  • Rewards versus punishment in motivating yourself

  • The Stickk.com tool for motivating yourself with punishment

  • How sometimes people think that the need to be mean to themselves to get anything done

  • Some of the (many) ways Janine and Shannon are kind to themselves

  • Talking kindly and encouragingly as a way to be kind to yourself

  • Our advice: Talk as kindly to yourself as you talk to little kids

  • Comparisons between positive dog training and being kind to ourselves

  • Embracing the carrot instead of the stick 

  ]]>IUYPMHCE-G6TJ4IThu, 24 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -070021:12falsefull274742Perfectionists can be really hard on themselves. But there's an easier way to live. Being kind to yourself is not only more pleasant than being hard on yourself, it's more effective. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the importance of being kind to yourself--and various ways to do it. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s overeating of potstickers on her recent trip • How overeating something you enjoy may feel like a treat but actually isn’t a kind way to treat yourself • Rewards versus punishment in motivating yourself • The Stickk.com tool for motivating yourself with punishment • How sometimes people think that the need to be mean to themselves to get anything done • Some of the (many) ways Janine and Shannon are kind to themselves • Talking kindly and encouragingly as a way to be kind to yourself • Our advice: Talk as kindly to yourself as you talk to little kids • Comparisons between positive dog training and being kind to ourselves • Embracing the carrot instead of the stick Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 73: Too Many ChoicesEvery day you're bombarded by choices, often from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. And that can add stress to your life. This week Janine and Shannon discuss how they make their lives easier by limiting the choices they have to make on a regular basis.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The joy of limitations

  • How having fewer clothes makes getting dressed easier.

  • Shannon’s strategy for limiting choices during a renovation (she recently built a house from scratch!)

  • Harnessing the expertise of others to limit your choices

  • Janine’s penchant for resale stores

  • How we used the principle of limited choices to make aspects of launching the podcast easy.

  • Creating limits when researching new purchases, even apps

  • Finding ways to limit things and make the good-enough choice

  • Optimizers vs satisficers

  • The key to happiness: Getting comfortable with being satisfied with good-enough choices

  • Learning to live with something vs fixing it

  • How chasing perfection can mean you spend more time on something than it warrants

  ]]>Every day you're bombarded by choices, often from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. And that can add stress to your life. This week Janine and Shannon discuss how they make their lives easier by limiting the choices they have to make on a regular basis.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The joy of limitations

  • How having fewer clothes makes getting dressed easier.

  • Shannon’s strategy for limiting choices during a renovation (she recently built a house from scratch!)

  • Harnessing the expertise of others to limit your choices

  • Janine’s penchant for resale stores

  • How we used the principle of limited choices to make aspects of launching the podcast easy.

  • Creating limits when researching new purchases, even apps

  • Finding ways to limit things and make the good-enough choice

  • Optimizers vs satisficers

  • The key to happiness: Getting comfortable with being satisfied with good-enough choices

  • Learning to live with something vs fixing it

  • How chasing perfection can mean you spend more time on something than it warrants

  ]]>FFG10ONT-51XLXRThu, 17 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -070030:32falsefull273732Every day you're bombarded by choices, often from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. And that can add stress to your life. This week Janine and Shannon discuss how they make their lives easier by limiting the choices they have to make on a regular basis. Discussion topics include: • The joy of limitations • How having fewer clothes makes getting dressed easier. • Shannon’s strategy for limiting choices during a renovation (she recently built a house from scratch!) • Harnessing the expertise of others to limit your choices • Janine’s penchant for resale stores • How we used the principle of limited choices to make aspects of launching the podcast easy. • Creating limits when researching new purchases, even apps • Finding ways to limit things and make the good-enough choice • Optimizers vs satisficers • The key to happiness: Getting comfortable with being satisfied with good-enough choices • Learning to live with something vs fixing it • How chasing perfection can mean you spend more time on something than it warrantsEpisode 72: NaNoWriMo PreviewNovember is National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. In this month-long challenge, participants commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in a month. Shannon and Janine have participated in the past and in Episode 62 we decided to take it on agin this year. (Janine has done this every five years since 2004, so this is her fourth NaNoWriMo novel.) In this episode, we talk about our past NaNoWriMo challenges, how its lessons can apply to all sorts of things (like getting past perfectionistic tendencies) and encourage listeners to join us in writing a novel this November!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon is easing herself back into running after her ankle injury

  • National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): please join us!

  • How participating in NaNoWriMo can help you let go of perfectionism

  • Our NaNoWriMo origin story

  • Our absolute lack of ideas around what we’ll be writing about next month

  • Lessons from NaNoWriMo prep that can be applied to other projects

  • Famous novels that started out as a NaNoWriMo project (like Fangirl and Water for Elephants)

  • Janine’s husband Barry’s confusion about why she would want to do NaNoWriMo

  • Shannon’s husband Mike’s confusion about the same thing. (They’re confused in different ways.)

  • Alternative 30-day challenges

  • Opportunities to share the fun with Shannon and Janine

  ]]>November is National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. In this month-long challenge, participants commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in a month. Shannon and Janine have participated in the past and in Episode 62 we decided to take it on agin this year. (Janine has done this every five years since 2004, so this is her fourth NaNoWriMo novel.) In this episode, we talk about our past NaNoWriMo challenges, how its lessons can apply to all sorts of things (like getting past perfectionistic tendencies) and encourage listeners to join us in writing a novel this November!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon is easing herself back into running after her ankle injury

  • National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): please join us!

  • How participating in NaNoWriMo can help you let go of perfectionism

  • Our NaNoWriMo origin story

  • Our absolute lack of ideas around what we’ll be writing about next month

  • Lessons from NaNoWriMo prep that can be applied to other projects

  • Famous novels that started out as a NaNoWriMo project (like Fangirl and Water for Elephants)

  • Janine’s husband Barry’s confusion about why she would want to do NaNoWriMo

  • Shannon’s husband Mike’s confusion about the same thing. (They’re confused in different ways.)

  • Alternative 30-day challenges

  • Opportunities to share the fun with Shannon and Janine

  ]]>JM4WGGNX-BLZ0K9Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -070032:29falsefull272722November is National Novel Writing Month, affectionately known as NaNoWriMo. In this month-long challenge, participants commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in a month. Shannon and Janine have participated in the past and in Episode 62 we decided to take it on agin this year. (Janine has done this every five years since 2004, so this is her fourth NaNoWriMo novel.) In this episode, we talk about our past NaNoWriMo challenges, how its lessons can apply to all sorts of things (like getting past perfectionistic tendencies) and encourage listeners to join us in writing a novel this November! Discussion topics include: • How Shannon is easing herself back into running after her ankle injury • National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo): please join us! • How participating in NaNoWriMo can help you let go of perfectionism • Our NaNoWriMo origin story • Our absolute lack of ideas around what we’ll be writing about next month • Lessons from NaNoWriMo prep that can be applied to other projects • Famous novels that started out as a NaNoWriMo project (like Fangirl and Water for Elephants) • Janine’s husband Barry’s confusion about why she would want to do NaNoWriMo • Shannon’s husband Mike’s confusion about the same thing. (They’re confused in different ways.) • Alternative 30-day challenges • Opportunities to share the fun with Shannon and Janine Check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links, including links to alternative November challenges.Episode 71: ReframingIf you're feeling stuck or find yourself putting things off or resenting what others say, we have what might be a simple solution: Reframing! This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the power of changing the words you use to describe something.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s excitement over the American Ninja Warrior season finale

  • Changing what words mean to change your experience with them

  • “Have to” versus “Get to” or “Choose to”

  • Reframing annoying or hurtful things people say to you by recognizing the positive intention behind the comments

  • Renaming things that make us anxious or perfectionistic

  • Using positive words to feel better about the items on your task list

  • “Move your body” vs “exercise”

  • The steps for reframing: Look at the situation, understand what your deeper intention is and find the language that reflects that

  • Using reframing as an anti-procrastination tool

  • “Procrastinator” versus “just-in-time producer” and how that reframing might have improved our lives when we were freelance writers

  • Trusting yourself and your capabilities

  • When to use reframing

  ]]>If you're feeling stuck or find yourself putting things off or resenting what others say, we have what might be a simple solution: Reframing! This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the power of changing the words you use to describe something.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s excitement over the American Ninja Warrior season finale

  • Changing what words mean to change your experience with them

  • “Have to” versus “Get to” or “Choose to”

  • Reframing annoying or hurtful things people say to you by recognizing the positive intention behind the comments

  • Renaming things that make us anxious or perfectionistic

  • Using positive words to feel better about the items on your task list

  • “Move your body” vs “exercise”

  • The steps for reframing: Look at the situation, understand what your deeper intention is and find the language that reflects that

  • Using reframing as an anti-procrastination tool

  • “Procrastinator” versus “just-in-time producer” and how that reframing might have improved our lives when we were freelance writers

  • Trusting yourself and your capabilities

  • When to use reframing

  ]]>8F54QNGO-0BV5CDIThu, 03 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -070029:59falsefull271712If you're feeling stuck or find yourself putting things off or resenting what others say, we have what might be a simple solution: Reframing! This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the power of changing the words you use to describe something. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s excitement over the American Ninja Warrior season finale • Changing what words mean to change your experience with them • “Have to” versus “Get to” or “Choose to” • Reframing annoying or hurtful things people say to you by recognizing the positive intention behind the comments • Renaming things that make us anxious or perfectionistic • Using positive words to feel better about the items on your task list • “Move your body” vs “exercise” • The steps for reframing: Look at the situation, understand what your deeper intention is and find the language that reflects that • Using reframing as an anti-procrastination tool • “Procrastinator” versus “just-in-time producer” and how that reframing might have improved our lives when we were freelance writers • Trusting yourself and your capabilities • When to use reframing Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for helpful links!Episode 70: {GEIP} Personal Progress UpdateOver the course of this podcast, Shannon and Janine have made some commitments to changing various things in their lives, inspired by insights in various episodes. In this episode, we update you on how (or whether) we've managed to do the things we thought we'd do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A tornado in Portland!

  • Our (new) commitment to keeping a list of these commitments so we don’t forget about them

  • Janine’s re-energized knitting and Shannon’s happy t-shirt drawer

  • How it’s okay to change our minds

  • How the problem with a bad memory is not actually having a bad memory but rather worrying about having a bad memory

  • The amazingly good memories both Shannon and Janine enjoyed when we were young

  • What Shannon does when she can’t remember someone’s name

  • A workshop Shannon’s planning to offer in Phoenix about embracing good enough in your writing or creative practices

  • Our plea to let us know you’re a listener if we ever see you in person

  • Shannon’s strategies for getting back to her morning routine

  We gave updates on these commitments:

  • Janine’s knitting, from Episode 65

  • Shannon’s t-shirt drawer also, from Episode 65

  • Janine’s desire to become more handy, from Episode 60

  • Shannon’s desire to stop labeling herself as a person with a bad memory, also from Episode 60

  • Both Shannon and Janine’s desire to become better at asking for help, from Episode 17

  • How Janine practiced saying no (to Shannon!), from Episode 53

  • Shannon’s progress on her genealogy and inherited items, from Episode 20

  • Shannon’s struggles with her morning routine, from Episode 11 (among others)

  ]]>Over the course of this podcast, Shannon and Janine have made some commitments to changing various things in their lives, inspired by insights in various episodes. In this episode, we update you on how (or whether) we've managed to do the things we thought we'd do.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A tornado in Portland!

  • Our (new) commitment to keeping a list of these commitments so we don’t forget about them

  • Janine’s re-energized knitting and Shannon’s happy t-shirt drawer

  • How it’s okay to change our minds

  • How the problem with a bad memory is not actually having a bad memory but rather worrying about having a bad memory

  • The amazingly good memories both Shannon and Janine enjoyed when we were young

  • What Shannon does when she can’t remember someone’s name

  • A workshop Shannon’s planning to offer in Phoenix about embracing good enough in your writing or creative practices

  • Our plea to let us know you’re a listener if we ever see you in person

  • Shannon’s strategies for getting back to her morning routine

  We gave updates on these commitments:

  • Janine’s knitting, from Episode 65

  • Shannon’s t-shirt drawer also, from Episode 65

  • Janine’s desire to become more handy, from Episode 60

  • Shannon’s desire to stop labeling herself as a person with a bad memory, also from Episode 60

  • Both Shannon and Janine’s desire to become better at asking for help, from Episode 17

  • How Janine practiced saying no (to Shannon!), from Episode 53

  • Shannon’s progress on her genealogy and inherited items, from Episode 20

  • Shannon’s struggles with her morning routine, from Episode 11 (among others)

  ]]>1X8NYKJ5-3KI0MS4Thu, 26 Sep 2019 14:00:00 -070041:19falsefull270702Over the course of this podcast, Shannon and Janine have made some commitments to changing various things in their lives, inspired by insights in various episodes. In this episode, we update you on how (or whether) we've managed to do the things we thought we'd do. Discussion topics include: • A tornado in Portland! • Our (new) commitment to keeping a list of these commitments so we don’t forget about them • Janine’s re-energized knitting and Shannon’s happy t-shirt drawer • How it’s okay to change our minds • How the problem with a bad memory is not actually having a bad memory but rather worrying about having a bad memory • The amazingly good memories both Shannon and Janine enjoyed when we were young • What Shannon does when she can’t remember someone’s name • A workshop Shannon’s planning to offer in Phoenix about embracing good enough in your writing or creative practices • Our plea to let us know you’re a listener if we ever see you in person • Shannon’s strategies for getting back to her morning routine We gave updates on these commitments: • Janine’s knitting, from Episode 65 • Shannon’s t-shirt drawer also, from Episode 65 • Janine’s desire to become more handy, from Episode 60 • Shannon’s desire to stop labeling herself as a person with a bad memory, also from Episode 60 • Both Shannon and Janine’s desire to become better at asking for help, from Episode 17 • How Janine practiced saying no (to Shannon!), from Episode 53 • Shannon’s progress on her genealogy and inherited items, from Episode 20 • Shannon’s struggles with her morning routine, from Episode 11 (among others) Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to the various episodes discussed, as well as a couple of photos!Episode 69: Social MediaFor many people social media can be a source of stress (even depression), rather than enjoyment, when it triggers perfectionistic tendencies. But it's within your power to make your social media feed a source of happiness and fun, not feelings of inadequacy or envy. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss strategies for making social media more enjoyable and productive.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of our superfans, Shannon’s husband Mike, and how he implemented one of our suggestions

  • How we’d love to hear from listeners who have implemented any of our suggestions from the podcast

  • How social media can trigger perfectionistic tendencies

  • Some of social media’s good points: animal videos

  • And some of social media’s bad points: How images of seemingly perfect lives can set up unrealistic expectations

  • How much of the perfectionism we see on social media is deceptive

  • The perils of comparing your insides to someone else’s outsides

  • Ways to curate a healthier social media feed

  • How there’s no right way to do social media

  • How Shannon is using social media in a way that’s supporting her cartooning endeavors

  • Janine’s low-key strategy for doing social media for her business

  • Getting in touch with why social media is important to you to help you decide how to experience it

  ]]>For many people social media can be a source of stress (even depression), rather than enjoyment, when it triggers perfectionistic tendencies. But it's within your power to make your social media feed a source of happiness and fun, not feelings of inadequacy or envy. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss strategies for making social media more enjoyable and productive.

  Discussion topics include:

  • One of our superfans, Shannon’s husband Mike, and how he implemented one of our suggestions

  • How we’d love to hear from listeners who have implemented any of our suggestions from the podcast

  • How social media can trigger perfectionistic tendencies

  • Some of social media’s good points: animal videos

  • And some of social media’s bad points: How images of seemingly perfect lives can set up unrealistic expectations

  • How much of the perfectionism we see on social media is deceptive

  • The perils of comparing your insides to someone else’s outsides

  • Ways to curate a healthier social media feed

  • How there’s no right way to do social media

  • How Shannon is using social media in a way that’s supporting her cartooning endeavors

  • Janine’s low-key strategy for doing social media for her business

  • Getting in touch with why social media is important to you to help you decide how to experience it

  ]]>IEE3XYTK-8JV2T9Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:00:00 -070031:03falsefull269692For many people social media can be a source of stress (even depression), rather than enjoyment, when it triggers perfectionistic tendencies. But it's within your power to make your social media feed a source of happiness and fun, not feelings of inadequacy or envy. In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss strategies for making social media more enjoyable and productive. Discussion topics include: • One of our superfans, Shannon’s husband Mike, and how he implemented one of our suggestions • How we’d love to hear from listeners who have implemented any of our suggestions from the podcast • How social media can trigger perfectionistic tendencies • Some of social media’s good points: animal videos • And some of social media’s bad points: How images of seemingly perfect lives can set up unrealistic expectations • How much of the perfectionism we see on social media is deceptive • The perils of comparing your insides to someone else’s outsides • Ways to curate a healthier social media feed • How there’s no right way to do social media • How Shannon is using social media in a way that’s supporting her cartooning endeavors • Janine’s low-key strategy for doing social media for her business • Getting in touch with why social media is important to you to help you decide how to experience it Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 68: What's Wrong with Perfectionism?Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton

  • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves

  • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect

  • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for)

  • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection

  • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below)

  • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth

  • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism

  • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her)

  • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals

  • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one

  • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards)

  • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy

  ]]>Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton

  • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves

  • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect

  • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for)

  • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection

  • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below)

  • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth

  • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism

  • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her)

  • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals

  • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one

  • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards)

  • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy

  ]]>E6AF9QCS-IQKT9Thu, 12 Sep 2019 14:00:00 -070031:40falsefull268682Why is that we're so passionate about helping you let go of perfectionism? In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how perfectionism can get in the way of happiness--and how striving for good enough can lead to a happier existence. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s impromptu visit to Chicago to see the musical Hamilton • Our working definition of perfectionism: Spending more time on something than it deserves • The problem with the effort of it takes to go from good enough to perfect • Shannon’s perfect week as an athlete (and how it’s not something to strive for) • The problem with perfectionism: The emotions that go along with not being able to achieve what you perceive as perfection • A couple of readings from a great article called The Case for Being Good Enough (link below) • How people who tend toward perfectionism let “failures” affect their self worth • Shannon’s 15-year journey (actually longer!) away from perfectionism • How now is the perfect time for Shannon to be taking a cartooning class (along with some of the lessons about perfectionism the class is teaching her) • The evolution in just a week of Shannon’s cartoons from sketchy circles to animals • How the least perfect of Shannon's cartoon teddy bears is actually the most appealing one • How inevitable imperfections can enliven things (like cartoons and hand-lettered postcards) • Janine’s five-piece-at-a-time jigsaw-puzzle strategy Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for loads of links and photosEpisode 67: Dealing with DistractionEvery day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The toll distractions take on our productivity

  • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions

  • Fun subscription boxes

  • Open loops and how they can be distracting

  • How to close those open loops

  • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing

  • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo

  • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer

  • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on

  • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal)

  • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why

  • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction

  • Some strategies for minimizing distractions

  • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand)

  • Creating awareness of the things that distract you

  • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ

  ]]>Every day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The toll distractions take on our productivity

  • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions

  • Fun subscription boxes

  • Open loops and how they can be distracting

  • How to close those open loops

  • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing

  • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo

  • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer

  • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on

  • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal)

  • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why

  • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction

  • Some strategies for minimizing distractions

  • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand)

  • Creating awareness of the things that distract you

  • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ

  ]]>ZXY0NAV-DI6ENRK9Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:00:00 -070033:17falsefull267672Every day, we're bombarded by constant distraction and it can really get in the way of productivity. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the challenges presented by distraction and some strategies for dealing with it. Discussion topics include: • The toll distractions take on our productivity • Janine’s distracting quest for birthday-gift suggestions • Fun subscription boxes • Open loops and how they can be distracting • How to close those open loops • Stopping mid-sentence to prompt yourself to go back to writing • How stopping mid-sentence backfired for Shannon when she was participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) • The prospect of writing a graphic novel or an illustrated novel during NaNoWriMo • Janine’s #1 tool in avoiding distraction: A timer • Shannon’s technique for dealing with distractions: writing down the bright shiny object and moving on • Shannon’s three-pronged task management system (Todoist, Trello & Bullet Journal) • The value of knowing which tasks are important—and why • How a good task management system can help you avoid succumbing to distraction • Some strategies for minimizing distractions • The easiest way to deal with distraction: eliminate the opportunities to be distracted (we’re talking to you, iPhone on the nightstand) • Creating awareness of the things that distract you • How just knowing you can get a notification reduces your IQ Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links.Episode 66: Daily HabitsCreating daily habits can be the most powerful way to make your life easier. But establishing them can sometimes be tricky. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of daily habits, some strategies for creating them and the importance of cutting yourself some slack if you miss a day.

  Discussions topics include:

  • Our love of daily habits

  • Shannon’s quest for a daily exercise routine now that she’s been cleared to exercise

  • The benefits of starting small in creating a new habit

  • Janine’s painful fortnight that caused her to interrupt her daily yoga habit

  • How a habit is a habit, even if you don’t do it every day

  • Shannon’s profound (to Janine) statement that it’s the coming back to something that makes it a habit

  • How breaking a daily streak can be discouraging—but doesn’t have to be

  • The beauty of daily habits: they’re easy to remember

  • How not remembering does not mean that a habit is not important or worthwhile

  • How a tiny disruption of routine can make you forget even an ingrained habit

  • The time Janine went to Office Depot in her pajamas

  • Getting right back to a habit if you do forget it (without beating yourself up about it)

  • Shannon’s new daily practice: learning cartooning!

  • The shortcut to establishing a daily habit: linking it to something that you’re already doing

  • Shannon’s strategy for creating a habit of practicing cartooning (and perhaps other things!) three times a day

  • The many potential side benefits of Shannon’s cartooning class

  ]]>Creating daily habits can be the most powerful way to make your life easier. But establishing them can sometimes be tricky. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of daily habits, some strategies for creating them and the importance of cutting yourself some slack if you miss a day.

  Discussions topics include:

  • Our love of daily habits

  • Shannon’s quest for a daily exercise routine now that she’s been cleared to exercise

  • The benefits of starting small in creating a new habit

  • Janine’s painful fortnight that caused her to interrupt her daily yoga habit

  • How a habit is a habit, even if you don’t do it every day

  • Shannon’s profound (to Janine) statement that it’s the coming back to something that makes it a habit

  • How breaking a daily streak can be discouraging—but doesn’t have to be

  • The beauty of daily habits: they’re easy to remember

  • How not remembering does not mean that a habit is not important or worthwhile

  • How a tiny disruption of routine can make you forget even an ingrained habit

  • The time Janine went to Office Depot in her pajamas

  • Getting right back to a habit if you do forget it (without beating yourself up about it)

  • Shannon’s new daily practice: learning cartooning!

  • The shortcut to establishing a daily habit: linking it to something that you’re already doing

  • Shannon’s strategy for creating a habit of practicing cartooning (and perhaps other things!) three times a day

  • The many potential side benefits of Shannon’s cartooning class

  ]]>8ZFO6H5P-UF8NCDIThu, 29 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -070032:10falsefull266662Creating daily habits can be the most powerful way to make your life easier. But establishing them can sometimes be tricky. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of daily habits, some strategies for creating them and the importance of cutting yourself some slack if you miss a day. Discussions topics include: • Our love of daily habits • Shannon’s quest for a daily exercise routine now that she’s been cleared to exercise • The benefits of starting small in creating a new habit • Janine’s painful fortnight that caused her to interrupt her daily yoga habit • How a habit is a habit, even if you don’t do it every day • Shannon’s profound (to Janine) statement that it’s the coming back to something that makes it a habit • How breaking a daily streak can be discouraging—but doesn’t have to be • The beauty of daily habits: they’re easy to remember • How not remembering does not mean that a habit is not important or worthwhile • How a tiny disruption of routine can make you forget even an ingrained habit • The time Janine went to Office Depot in her pajamas • Getting right back to a habit if you do forget it (without beating yourself up about it) • Shannon’s new daily practice: learning cartooning! • The shortcut to establishing a daily habit: linking it to something that you’re already doing • Shannon’s strategy for creating a habit of practicing cartooning (and perhaps other things!) three times a day • The many potential side benefits of Shannon’s cartooning class Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!Episode 65: RestartingSometimes it can be hard to restart a stalled or dropped project out of feelings of perfectionism or the pain of looking at past mistakes.

  This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how Janine recently faced down her many abandoned knitting projects and how rejuvenated she was by the process. She's excited to get back to regular knitting after letting go of less-than-fulfilling works in progress liberated her to restart.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s adventure in revisiting her knitting projects

  • How visiting dashed knitting dreams turned out to actually be enjoyable

  • The benefit of actually facing down abandoned projects

  • Letting go of perfectionism so that unfinished projects don’t feel like failures

  • How this process of discovery rejuvenated Janine’s enthusiasm for knitting

  • How American Ninja Warrior fits into all of this

  • An imperfect explanation of Portuguese knitting

  • Shannon’s recent decluttering of her t-shirt collection, which she accomplished after overcoming feelings of fruitlessness about the effort

  • Shannon’s delight at her decluttered t-shirts (and her strategies for keeping the clutter at bay)

  • How the notion of restarting can work in so many areas of our lives

  • How restarting is an excellent time to get in touch with what’s important to you.

  • Letting go of the things that keep you from loving what you want to do

  • Allowing yourself to restart and to get back to why something is important to you rather than focusing on perceived mistakes

  Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and pictures!

  ]]>Sometimes it can be hard to restart a stalled or dropped project out of feelings of perfectionism or the pain of looking at past mistakes.

  This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how Janine recently faced down her many abandoned knitting projects and how rejuvenated she was by the process. She's excited to get back to regular knitting after letting go of less-than-fulfilling works in progress liberated her to restart.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s adventure in revisiting her knitting projects

  • How visiting dashed knitting dreams turned out to actually be enjoyable

  • The benefit of actually facing down abandoned projects

  • Letting go of perfectionism so that unfinished projects don’t feel like failures

  • How this process of discovery rejuvenated Janine’s enthusiasm for knitting

  • How American Ninja Warrior fits into all of this

  • An imperfect explanation of Portuguese knitting

  • Shannon’s recent decluttering of her t-shirt collection, which she accomplished after overcoming feelings of fruitlessness about the effort

  • Shannon’s delight at her decluttered t-shirts (and her strategies for keeping the clutter at bay)

  • How the notion of restarting can work in so many areas of our lives

  • How restarting is an excellent time to get in touch with what’s important to you.

  • Letting go of the things that keep you from loving what you want to do

  • Allowing yourself to restart and to get back to why something is important to you rather than focusing on perceived mistakes

  Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and pictures!

  ]]>JX2KDVYO-KJRA4IThu, 22 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -070033:32falsefull265652Sometimes it can be hard to restart a stalled or dropped project out of feelings of perfectionism or the pain of looking at past mistakes. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss how Janine recently faced down her many abandoned knitting projects and how rejuvenated she was by the process. She's excited to get back to regular knitting after letting go of less-than-fulfilling works in progress liberated her to restart. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s adventure in revisiting her knitting projects • How visiting dashed knitting dreams turned out to actually be enjoyable • The benefit of actually facing down abandoned projects • Letting go of perfectionism so that unfinished projects don’t feel like failures • How this process of discovery rejuvenated Janine’s enthusiasm for knitting • How American Ninja Warrior fits into all of this • An imperfect explanation of Portuguese knitting • Shannon’s recent decluttering of her t-shirt collection, which she accomplished after overcoming feelings of fruitlessness about the effort • Shannon’s delight at her decluttered t-shirts (and her strategies for keeping the clutter at bay) • How the notion of restarting can work in so many areas of our lives • How restarting is an excellent time to get in touch with what’s important to you. • Letting go of the things that keep you from loving what you want to do • Allowing yourself to restart and to get back to why something is important to you rather than focusing on perceived mistakes Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and pictures!Episode 64: Setting Yourself Up for SuccessWe can all use a little help in succeeding. And you're the best person to provide that help! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss simple ways to set yourself up for success and how easy fixes can sometimes get rid of barriers to starting. We also talk about the importance knowing what success means to you and creating different levels of success for yourself.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A recap of Shannon’s Alaskan cruise

  • How making something just a bit easier can allow you to get started on it

  • Classic example: Laying out your exercise clothes (or any clothes) the night before

  • That sometimes big barriers have small fixes

  • Questions to ask yourself to set your self up for success

  • How making any decisions the night before can make mornings easier

  • Shannon’s awesome key-management system

  • How Shannon set herself up for success the night before going to the DMV

  • Knowing what success means—and how you’ll know when you achieve it

  • Creating a vision of three levels of success—so that success is achievable and also worthy of striving for

  • How what success looks like can change from day to day

  • The importance of figuring out what you want (not what you don’t want)

  ]]>We can all use a little help in succeeding. And you're the best person to provide that help! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss simple ways to set yourself up for success and how easy fixes can sometimes get rid of barriers to starting. We also talk about the importance knowing what success means to you and creating different levels of success for yourself.

  Discussion topics include:

  • A recap of Shannon’s Alaskan cruise

  • How making something just a bit easier can allow you to get started on it

  • Classic example: Laying out your exercise clothes (or any clothes) the night before

  • That sometimes big barriers have small fixes

  • Questions to ask yourself to set your self up for success

  • How making any decisions the night before can make mornings easier

  • Shannon’s awesome key-management system

  • How Shannon set herself up for success the night before going to the DMV

  • Knowing what success means—and how you’ll know when you achieve it

  • Creating a vision of three levels of success—so that success is achievable and also worthy of striving for

  • How what success looks like can change from day to day

  • The importance of figuring out what you want (not what you don’t want)

  ]]>HAIFR3S9-IXUSORThu, 15 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -070032:21falsefull264642We can all use a little help in succeeding. And you're the best person to provide that help! This week, Shannon and Janine discuss simple ways to set yourself up for success and how easy fixes can sometimes get rid of barriers to starting. We also talk about the importance knowing what success means to you and creating different levels of success for yourself. Discussion topics include: • A recap of Shannon’s Alaskan cruise • How making something just a bit easier can allow you to get started on it • Classic example: Laying out your exercise clothes (or any clothes) the night before • That sometimes big barriers have small fixes • Questions to ask yourself to set your self up for success • How making any decisions the night before can make mornings easier • Shannon’s awesome key-management system • How Shannon set herself up for success the night before going to the DMV • Knowing what success means—and how you’ll know when you achieve it • Creating a vision of three levels of success—so that success is achievable and also worthy of striving for • How what success looks like can change from day to day • The importance of figuring out what you want (not what you don’t want)Episode 63: TolerationsWhat are tolerations? They're those little things you put up with that bug you. The squeaky hinge. The dirty eyeglasses. You get the idea. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss tolerations and why we should think about addressing them (without letting perfectionism get in the way).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s wine- and potsticker-centric vacation

  • Some examples of tolerations

  • A classic toleration: Shannon’s squeaky dishwasher

  • How tolerations can be big or small

  • Janine’s outrageously annoying bathroom (and ugly kitchen) that she tolerated for years

  • How it’s not until you address a toleration that you realize how much energy was expended tolerating it

  • Why we tolerate tolerations: Because they annoy us when we can’t do anything it

  • Another reason we tolerate something: Because it feels difficult and overwhelming to fix 

  • The most insidious tolerations—the ones we don’t even realize

  • Making a list of tolerations to address

  • Looking for technical solutions to technology-related tolerations

  • That when you eliminate tolerations you gain energy you things you want to be doing

  • Avoiding perfectionism in finding the fix to your tolerations

  ]]>What are tolerations? They're those little things you put up with that bug you. The squeaky hinge. The dirty eyeglasses. You get the idea. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss tolerations and why we should think about addressing them (without letting perfectionism get in the way).

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s wine- and potsticker-centric vacation

  • Some examples of tolerations

  • A classic toleration: Shannon’s squeaky dishwasher

  • How tolerations can be big or small

  • Janine’s outrageously annoying bathroom (and ugly kitchen) that she tolerated for years

  • How it’s not until you address a toleration that you realize how much energy was expended tolerating it

  • Why we tolerate tolerations: Because they annoy us when we can’t do anything it

  • Another reason we tolerate something: Because it feels difficult and overwhelming to fix 

  • The most insidious tolerations—the ones we don’t even realize

  • Making a list of tolerations to address

  • Looking for technical solutions to technology-related tolerations

  • That when you eliminate tolerations you gain energy you things you want to be doing

  • Avoiding perfectionism in finding the fix to your tolerations

  ]]>SMOMFR5-QFKY5JYVThu, 08 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -070031:28falsefull263632What are tolerations? They're those little things you put up with that bug you. The squeaky hinge. The dirty eyeglasses. You get the idea. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss tolerations and why we should think about addressing them (without letting perfectionism get in the way). Discussion topics include: • Janine’s wine- and potsticker-centric vacation • Some examples of tolerations • A classic toleration: Shannon’s squeaky dishwasher • How tolerations can be big or small • Janine’s outrageously annoying bathroom (and ugly kitchen) that she tolerated for years • How it’s not until you address a toleration that you realize how much energy was expended tolerating it • Why we tolerate tolerations: Because they annoy us when we can’t do anything it • Another reason we tolerate something: Because it feels difficult and overwhelming to fix • The most insidious tolerations—the ones we don’t even realize • Making a list of tolerations to address • Looking for technical solutions to technology-related tolerations • That when you eliminate tolerations you gain energy you things you want to be doing • Avoiding perfectionism in finding the fix to your tolerationsEpisode 62: Getting Comfortable with DiscomfortIt can feel uncomfortable to let something be good enough, particularly if you have a tendency toward perfectionism. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about how getting comfortable with that discomfort can improve your life. We discuss various strategies for getting past the discomfort and we even invite you to join us in writing a novel this November!

  The varied discussion topics include:

  • Getting comfortable with our discomfort around imperfection

  • A working definition of perfectionism

  • Improving your life by getting comfortable with with your discomfort

  • How American Ninja Warrior relates to this topic

  • The greatest thing ever invented: Ad-free Hulu

  • Paying attention to when something is good enough and doesn’t merit further effort

  • Practicing asking yourself “what do I need to do to make this good enough?” so that it becomes more natural

  • How good enough ≠ sloppy

  • Taking imperfect action

  • Getting comfortable with discomfort both when you’re starting and when you’re finishing something

  • Our experiences with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • Our pledge to write a novel again this November (care to join us?)

  • Janine's novelist hat (see photo on the website) and Shannon's unconventional prom dress

  • Strategies for getting comfortable with discomfort

  • Practicing feeling uncomfortable

  • Intentionally being imperfect in order to get used to the discomfort of it

  ]]>It can feel uncomfortable to let something be good enough, particularly if you have a tendency toward perfectionism. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about how getting comfortable with that discomfort can improve your life. We discuss various strategies for getting past the discomfort and we even invite you to join us in writing a novel this November!

  The varied discussion topics include:

  • Getting comfortable with our discomfort around imperfection

  • A working definition of perfectionism

  • Improving your life by getting comfortable with with your discomfort

  • How American Ninja Warrior relates to this topic

  • The greatest thing ever invented: Ad-free Hulu

  • Paying attention to when something is good enough and doesn’t merit further effort

  • Practicing asking yourself “what do I need to do to make this good enough?” so that it becomes more natural

  • How good enough ≠ sloppy

  • Taking imperfect action

  • Getting comfortable with discomfort both when you’re starting and when you’re finishing something

  • Our experiences with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

  • Our pledge to write a novel again this November (care to join us?)

  • Janine's novelist hat (see photo on the website) and Shannon's unconventional prom dress

  • Strategies for getting comfortable with discomfort

  • Practicing feeling uncomfortable

  • Intentionally being imperfect in order to get used to the discomfort of it

  ]]>7UIVG1GX-Z8H0K9Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:00:00 -070038:54falsefull262622It can feel uncomfortable to let something be good enough, particularly if you have a tendency toward perfectionism. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about how getting comfortable with that discomfort can improve your life. We discuss various strategies for getting past the discomfort and we even invite you to join us in writing a novel this November! The varied discussion topics include: • Getting comfortable with our discomfort around imperfection • A working definition of perfectionism • Improving your life by getting comfortable with with your discomfort • How American Ninja Warrior relates to this topic • The greatest thing ever invented: Ad-free Hulu • Paying attention to when something is good enough and doesn’t merit further effort • Practicing asking yourself “what do I need to do to make this good enough?” so that it becomes more natural • How good enough ≠ sloppy • Taking imperfect action • Getting comfortable with discomfort both when you’re starting and when you’re finishing something • Our experiences with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) • Our pledge to write a novel again this November (care to join us?) • Janine's novelist hat (see photo on the website) and Shannon's unconventional prom dress • Strategies for getting comfortable with discomfort • Practicing feeling uncomfortable • Intentionally being imperfect in order to get used to the discomfort of it Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for copious and links and to see a picture of Janine wearing the red hat.Episode 61: You're Not BehindDo you stress about feeling behind? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how feeling behind isn't productive--it can be stressful and lead to mistakes. We talk about how rather than stressing you, feeling behind can serve as a prompt to step back and rethink how you're doing things.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How feeling behind tends to lead to mistakes

  • How when you feel behind it's a good time to step back and think about what needs to happen to get you where you want to go.

  • How feeling behind can lead to negativity while turning our attention to what you can do can be much more inspiring

  • Questions to ask yourself that will help you let go of some of the things that you’re feeling behind on

  • Keeping an eye on your priorities and what really matters to you

  • The gnarly cycle: Catch up, take a break, fall behind, catch up again

  • The alternative: Figure out a reasonable way to keep up (and let go of some things)

  • Shannon’s approach to not getting behind in her email (it involves unsubscribing)

  • Reframing what it means when you feel behind

  • Coming up with ways to catch up without falling behind again

  • What do when you feel behind: Check in with yourself about what’s important, reassess what you feel like you need to do and decide what it is you can do

  • Taking the time when you’re feeling behind to set up a system to make it easier going forward

  • How if you’re constantly feeling behind, it may be useful to integrate more reviews into your day

  • Creating ways you can see your progress so you feel like you’re accomplishing something

  ]]>Do you stress about feeling behind? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how feeling behind isn't productive--it can be stressful and lead to mistakes. We talk about how rather than stressing you, feeling behind can serve as a prompt to step back and rethink how you're doing things.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How feeling behind tends to lead to mistakes

  • How when you feel behind it's a good time to step back and think about what needs to happen to get you where you want to go.

  • How feeling behind can lead to negativity while turning our attention to what you can do can be much more inspiring

  • Questions to ask yourself that will help you let go of some of the things that you’re feeling behind on

  • Keeping an eye on your priorities and what really matters to you

  • The gnarly cycle: Catch up, take a break, fall behind, catch up again

  • The alternative: Figure out a reasonable way to keep up (and let go of some things)

  • Shannon’s approach to not getting behind in her email (it involves unsubscribing)

  • Reframing what it means when you feel behind

  • Coming up with ways to catch up without falling behind again

  • What do when you feel behind: Check in with yourself about what’s important, reassess what you feel like you need to do and decide what it is you can do

  • Taking the time when you’re feeling behind to set up a system to make it easier going forward

  • How if you’re constantly feeling behind, it may be useful to integrate more reviews into your day

  • Creating ways you can see your progress so you feel like you’re accomplishing something

  ]]>5UCFNXU1-UMZPVIThu, 25 Jul 2019 14:00:00 -070026:36falsefull261612Do you stress about feeling behind? This week, Shannon and Janine discuss how feeling behind isn't productive--it can be stressful and lead to mistakes. We talk about how rather than stressing you, feeling behind can serve as a prompt to step back and rethink how you're doing things. Discussion topics include: • How feeling behind tends to lead to mistakes • How when you feel behind it's a good time to step back and think about what needs to happen to get you where you want to go. • How feeling behind can lead to negativity while turning our attention to what you can do can be much more inspiring • Questions to ask yourself that will help you let go of some of the things that you’re feeling behind on • Keeping an eye on your priorities and what really matters to you • The gnarly cycle: Catch up, take a break, fall behind, catch up again • The alternative: Figure out a reasonable way to keep up (and let go of some things) • Shannon’s approach to not getting behind in her email (it involves unsubscribing) • Reframing what it means when you feel behind • Coming up with ways to catch up without falling behind again • What do when you feel behind: Check in with yourself about what’s important, reassess what you feel like you need to do and decide what it is you can do • Taking the time when you’re feeling behind to set up a system to make it easier going forward • How if you’re constantly feeling behind, it may be useful to integrate more reviews into your day • Creating ways you can see your progress so you feel like you’re accomplishing somethingEpisode 60: The Problem with LabelsLabels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels  we're trying to shed in our own lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change

  • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way

  • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?)

  • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting

  • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!)

  • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday

  • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all

  • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label

  • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients

  • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination

  • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back)

  • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it

  • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that

  ]]>Labels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels  we're trying to shed in our own lives.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change

  • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way

  • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?)

  • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting

  • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!)

  • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday

  • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all

  • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label

  • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients

  • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination

  • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back)

  • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it

  • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that

  ]]>D9K7ULGR-F3L3DIThu, 18 Jul 2019 14:00:00 -070042:15falsefull260602Labels on bins are great. Labels we give ourselves can be limiting. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the problem with negative labels we apply to ourselves, along with the benefits of positive labels. We also discuss some of the labels we're trying to shed in our own lives. Discussion topics include: • Words matter: By talking tendencies, not labels, we allow ourselves room for change • How Janine, who is naturally good at good enough, sometimes acts in a perfectionistic way • What should we call people who embrace good enough? (Good enoughers?) • That positive labels can be helpful, but negative ones are limiting • How our self-applied labels don’t necessarily reflect reality (Shannon had run three marathons before she would call herself a real runner!) • How Shannon overcame a swimming phobia as a gift to herself for her 40th birthday • Thinking about which labels can be useful and which aren’t helpful at all • The shift in Janine’s thinking about her self-applied “messy” label • Labels Janine and Shannon hear from their clients • Just-in-time productivity versus procrastination • How if your label becomes your identity, it’s something to explore (particularly if it’s holding you back) • Janine’s label as a “non-handy” person and her strategies for changing it • Shannon’s label as someone with a bad memory and how she’d like to change that Go to the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 59: TravelIt's summer in the U.S. and both Shannon and Janine are traveling. Janine has just returned from a genealogy research trip to Kentucky and Shannon is anticipating an Alaskan cruise. In this episode we discuss some "good enough" strategies to make travel more enjoyable and less stressful.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine let her recent genealogy research trip be easy

  • The benefit of building flexibility into the research trip

  • The beauty of a simplified wardrobe when you’re traveling

  • The challenges of packing for an Alaskan cruise

  • Some ideas for creative packing to deal with multiple climates

  • Various ways we’re using Trello for travel planning

  • A new-to-us tool for making Trello even better: The Trello Safari bookmark (it feels magical!)

  • How perfectionism around travel can be so paralyzing we don't go anywhere

  • Other ways that perfectionism can get in the way of traveling

  • Building self-care into travel

  • The value of building in a buffer of at least one rest day after returning from a trip

  • Planning to do less than you think you can fit in, to leave room for rest and spontaneity

  ]]>It's summer in the U.S. and both Shannon and Janine are traveling. Janine has just returned from a genealogy research trip to Kentucky and Shannon is anticipating an Alaskan cruise. In this episode we discuss some "good enough" strategies to make travel more enjoyable and less stressful.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Janine let her recent genealogy research trip be easy

  • The benefit of building flexibility into the research trip

  • The beauty of a simplified wardrobe when you’re traveling

  • The challenges of packing for an Alaskan cruise

  • Some ideas for creative packing to deal with multiple climates

  • Various ways we’re using Trello for travel planning

  • A new-to-us tool for making Trello even better: The Trello Safari bookmark (it feels magical!)

  • How perfectionism around travel can be so paralyzing we don't go anywhere

  • Other ways that perfectionism can get in the way of traveling

  • Building self-care into travel

  • The value of building in a buffer of at least one rest day after returning from a trip

  • Planning to do less than you think you can fit in, to leave room for rest and spontaneity

  ]]>51S72ZT2-IRAFW29Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:00:00 -070036:30falsefull259592It's summer in the U.S. and both Shannon and Janine are traveling. Janine has just returned from a genealogy research trip to Kentucky and Shannon is anticipating an Alaskan cruise. In this episode we discuss some "good enough" strategies to make travel more enjoyable and less stressful. Discussion topics include: • How Janine let her recent genealogy research trip be easy • The benefit of building flexibility into the research trip • The beauty of a simplified wardrobe when you’re traveling • The challenges of packing for an Alaskan cruise • Some ideas for creative packing to deal with multiple climates • Various ways we’re using Trello for travel planning • A new-to-us tool for making Trello even better: The Trello Safari bookmark (it feels magical!) • How perfectionism around travel can be so paralyzing we don't go anywhere • Other ways that perfectionism can get in the way of traveling • Building self-care into travel • The value of building in a buffer of at least one rest day after returning from a trip • Planning to do less than you think you can fit in, to leave room for rest and spontaneity Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for Trello links!Episode 58: Geralin ThomasThis week Shannon and Janine sit down with Geralin Thomas of Metropolitan Organizing in Cary, N.C., a rock star in the organizing world. She's not only famous for many appearances on the Hoarders tv show, she's known for her generosity in sharing her business acumen with other organizers (including Janine).

  Geralin is a business coach for entrepreneurs, particularly professional organizers, and in this episode we talk with Geralin about the challenges people face when starting a business. And, yes, perfectionism can be one of those challenges!

  Be prepared for a lot of laughter.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can show up when starting a business

  • The perfectionism/procrastination relationship

  • Geralin’s emphasis in branding and marketing with her coaching clients

  • How what you say, how you say it and your processes are all part of your branding

  • How people can get perfectionistic about branding

  • Geralin’s advice on how to pay attention to details without getting mired in them (hint: Know thyself)

  • Having a specific—and consistent—point of view in your branding

  • The importance of being authentic in branding and marketing

  • Advice for starting points at the very beginning of a business

  • Some thoughts on choosing a business name

  • The things we’ve regretted in our businesses

  • The prospects of drinking alcohol while recording (or listening to) the podcast

  • Geralin's favorite Getting to Good Enough moment

  ]]>This week Shannon and Janine sit down with Geralin Thomas of Metropolitan Organizing in Cary, N.C., a rock star in the organizing world. She's not only famous for many appearances on the Hoarders tv show, she's known for her generosity in sharing her business acumen with other organizers (including Janine).

  Geralin is a business coach for entrepreneurs, particularly professional organizers, and in this episode we talk with Geralin about the challenges people face when starting a business. And, yes, perfectionism can be one of those challenges!

  Be prepared for a lot of laughter.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can show up when starting a business

  • The perfectionism/procrastination relationship

  • Geralin’s emphasis in branding and marketing with her coaching clients

  • How what you say, how you say it and your processes are all part of your branding

  • How people can get perfectionistic about branding

  • Geralin’s advice on how to pay attention to details without getting mired in them (hint: Know thyself)

  • Having a specific—and consistent—point of view in your branding

  • The importance of being authentic in branding and marketing

  • Advice for starting points at the very beginning of a business

  • Some thoughts on choosing a business name

  • The things we’ve regretted in our businesses

  • The prospects of drinking alcohol while recording (or listening to) the podcast

  • Geralin's favorite Getting to Good Enough moment

  ]]>1QWIRW7S-PZIIO1OThu, 04 Jul 2019 14:00:00 -070048:29falsefull258582This week Shannon and Janine sit down with Geralin Thomas of Metropolitan Organizing in Cary, N.C., a rock star in the organizing world. She's not only famous for many appearances on the Hoarders tv show, she's known for her generosity in sharing her business acumen with other organizers (including Janine). Geralin is a business coach for entrepreneurs, particularly professional organizers, and in this episode we talk with Geralin about the challenges people face when starting a business. And, yes, perfectionism can be one of those challenges! Be prepared for a lot of laughter. Discussion topics include: • How perfectionism can show up when starting a business • The perfectionism/procrastination relationship • Geralin’s emphasis in branding and marketing with her coaching clients • How what you say, how you say it and your processes are all part of your branding • How people can get perfectionistic about branding • Geralin’s advice on how to pay attention to details without getting mired in them (hint: Know thyself) • Having a specific—and consistent—point of view in your branding • The importance of being authentic in branding and marketing • Advice for starting points at the very beginning of a business • Some thoughts on choosing a business name • The things we’ve regretted in our businesses • The prospects of drinking alcohol while recording (or listening to) the podcast • Geralin's favorite Getting to Good Enough moment Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for lots of links!Episode 57: The Myth of RightDo you think there's a right way to some things? And that all the other options are the wrong way? That thinking might be holding you back. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how moving away from the right-way or wrong-way thinking can help you let go of perfectionism. It's liberating!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How right-way thinking fuels perfectionism

  • That the more we can get away from thinking about right and wrong the easier we it will be to let go of the perfectionistic ideals that hold us back 

  • How equating right with perfect is a recipe for disaster

  • The many options for what could be considered right

  • How a belief in the myth of right can stop you from adapting and adjusting the way you do things

  • Janine's epiphany about how her right-way thinking was getting in the way of planning her genealogy research trip 

  • How easy it is to not do something because you feel you can’t do it the right way

  • That knowing what’s important to you will help you choose among all the possible right ways to do something

  • Shannon’s non-traditional wedding and the simple criteria she used for her many choices

  • How Mike (Shannon’s husband) nailed the decision on what color to paint their house without worrying about the right way to do it

  • How releasing yourself from the notion of having to get something right is a huge step to letting go of perfectionism

  • The value of recognizing that there are many ways to get where you want to go

  ]]>Do you think there's a right way to some things? And that all the other options are the wrong way? That thinking might be holding you back. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how moving away from the right-way or wrong-way thinking can help you let go of perfectionism. It's liberating!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How right-way thinking fuels perfectionism

  • That the more we can get away from thinking about right and wrong the easier we it will be to let go of the perfectionistic ideals that hold us back 

  • How equating right with perfect is a recipe for disaster

  • The many options for what could be considered right

  • How a belief in the myth of right can stop you from adapting and adjusting the way you do things

  • Janine's epiphany about how her right-way thinking was getting in the way of planning her genealogy research trip 

  • How easy it is to not do something because you feel you can’t do it the right way

  • That knowing what’s important to you will help you choose among all the possible right ways to do something

  • Shannon’s non-traditional wedding and the simple criteria she used for her many choices

  • How Mike (Shannon’s husband) nailed the decision on what color to paint their house without worrying about the right way to do it

  • How releasing yourself from the notion of having to get something right is a huge step to letting go of perfectionism

  • The value of recognizing that there are many ways to get where you want to go

  ]]>67ZTEA0L-VY22O6RThu, 27 Jun 2019 14:00:00 -070030:24falsefull257572Do you think there's a right way to some things? And that all the other options are the wrong way? That thinking might be holding you back. This week Shannon and Janine discuss how moving away from the right-way or wrong-way thinking can help you let go of perfectionism. It's liberating! Discussion topics include: • How right-way thinking fuels perfectionism • That the more we can get away from thinking about right and wrong the easier we it will be to let go of the perfectionistic ideals that hold us back • How equating right with perfect is a recipe for disaster • The many options for what could be considered right • How a belief in the myth of right can stop you from adapting and adjusting the way you do things • Janine's epiphany about how her right-way thinking was getting in the way of planning her genealogy research trip • How easy it is to not do something because you feel you can’t do it the right way • That knowing what’s important to you will help you choose among all the possible right ways to do something • Shannon’s non-traditional wedding and the simple criteria she used for her many choices • How Mike (Shannon’s husband) nailed the decision on what color to paint their house without worrying about the right way to do it • How releasing yourself from the notion of having to get something right is a huge step to letting go of perfectionism • The value of recognizing that there are many ways to get where you want to goEpisode 56: Letting Go & Moving ForwardChange can be hard, especially if we hang on to regret or wistfulness about the way things used to be. This week Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of emotions surround the past so that you can move forward to a better future.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Poodle encounters in Portland

  • The value of looking to the future rather than spending time regretting the past

  • How this applies to moving house

  • Focusing on the positive of a new situation when you have to make a change

  • How knowing what’s important to you allows you to focus on the benefits of the change

  • Figuring out a way to cut yourself some slack and move forward

  • Avoiding becoming mired in wanting things to be how they used to be

  • Shannon’s early propensity for rearranging furniture

  • Shifting away from being bummed about what you can no longer do and embracing joy over what you can do

  • Thinking about what you want, thinking about what’s possible for you, and finding the silver lining when facing change

  • Shannon’s verbing of the word “crutch"

  ]]>Change can be hard, especially if we hang on to regret or wistfulness about the way things used to be. This week Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of emotions surround the past so that you can move forward to a better future.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Poodle encounters in Portland

  • The value of looking to the future rather than spending time regretting the past

  • How this applies to moving house

  • Focusing on the positive of a new situation when you have to make a change

  • How knowing what’s important to you allows you to focus on the benefits of the change

  • Figuring out a way to cut yourself some slack and move forward

  • Avoiding becoming mired in wanting things to be how they used to be

  • Shannon’s early propensity for rearranging furniture

  • Shifting away from being bummed about what you can no longer do and embracing joy over what you can do

  • Thinking about what you want, thinking about what’s possible for you, and finding the silver lining when facing change

  • Shannon’s verbing of the word “crutch"

  ]]>7Y516JY2-UGTLNMIThu, 20 Jun 2019 14:00:00 -070028:51falsefull256562Change can be hard, especially if we hang on to regret or wistfulness about the way things used to be. This week Janine and Shannon discuss letting go of emotions surround the past so that you can move forward to a better future. Discussion topics include: • Poodle encounters in Portland • The value of looking to the future rather than spending time regretting the past • How this applies to moving house • Focusing on the positive of a new situation when you have to make a change • How knowing what’s important to you allows you to focus on the benefits of the change • Figuring out a way to cut yourself some slack and move forward • Avoiding becoming mired in wanting things to be how they used to be • Shannon’s early propensity for rearranging furniture • Shifting away from being bummed about what you can no longer do and embracing joy over what you can do • Thinking about what you want, thinking about what’s possible for you, and finding the silver lining when facing change • Shannon’s verbing of the word “crutch"Episode 55: Letting it be easyJanine's four favorite words are "Let it be easy" and she says them to anyone who will listen (including, frequently, Shannon). This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of that mantra and how we try to let things be easy in our lives. And, as usual, we discover that it all boils down to knowing what's important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon and Janine spent time together in Portland this week, but didn’t manage to record a podcast

  • How her mantra, “Let it be easy” benefits Janine

  • The expanded version of the mantra, from coach Michael Neill: “Why is it so hard to let it be easy?”

  • How Shannon has tried to let it be easy as she deals with getting around on crutches (which is decidedly not easy!)

  • Janine’s “let it be easy” approach to her photo-scanning project

  • How Janine’s clients respond when she urges them to let it be easy

  • Janine's super power

  • Putting the “let it be easy” filter on the planning for an upcoming genealogy research trip

  • The value of getting clear on why something is important to you

  • The fact that complicated systems are doomed to fail (particularly filing systems)

  • The “let it be easy” approach Shannon and Janine took to starting this podcast (we went from idea to execution in less than two months!)

  • How recuperating from ankle surgery has helped Shannon practice letting things be easy

  • The fact that letting it be easy often means embracing good enough

  ]]>Janine's four favorite words are "Let it be easy" and she says them to anyone who will listen (including, frequently, Shannon). This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of that mantra and how we try to let things be easy in our lives. And, as usual, we discover that it all boils down to knowing what's important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon and Janine spent time together in Portland this week, but didn’t manage to record a podcast

  • How her mantra, “Let it be easy” benefits Janine

  • The expanded version of the mantra, from coach Michael Neill: “Why is it so hard to let it be easy?”

  • How Shannon has tried to let it be easy as she deals with getting around on crutches (which is decidedly not easy!)

  • Janine’s “let it be easy” approach to her photo-scanning project

  • How Janine’s clients respond when she urges them to let it be easy

  • Janine's super power

  • Putting the “let it be easy” filter on the planning for an upcoming genealogy research trip

  • The value of getting clear on why something is important to you

  • The fact that complicated systems are doomed to fail (particularly filing systems)

  • The “let it be easy” approach Shannon and Janine took to starting this podcast (we went from idea to execution in less than two months!)

  • How recuperating from ankle surgery has helped Shannon practice letting things be easy

  • The fact that letting it be easy often means embracing good enough

  ]]>CCSGLKI3-PODPLDIThu, 13 Jun 2019 14:00:00 -070031:29falsefull255552Janine's four favorite words are "Let it be easy" and she says them to anyone who will listen (including, frequently, Shannon). This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of that mantra and how we try to let things be easy in our lives. And, as usual, we discover that it all boils down to knowing what's important to you. Discussion topics include: • How Shannon and Janine spent time together in Portland this week, but didn’t manage to record a podcast • How her mantra, “Let it be easy” benefits Janine • The expanded version of the mantra, from coach Michael Neill: “Why is it so hard to let it be easy?” • How Shannon has tried to let it be easy as she deals with getting around on crutches (which is decidedly not easy!) • Janine’s “let it be easy” approach to her photo-scanning project • How Janine’s clients respond when she urges them to let it be easy • Janine's super power • Putting the “let it be easy” filter on the planning for an upcoming genealogy research trip • The value of getting clear on why something is important to you • The fact that complicated systems are doomed to fail (particularly filing systems) • The “let it be easy” approach Shannon and Janine took to starting this podcast (we went from idea to execution in less than two months!) • How recuperating from ankle surgery has helped Shannon practice letting things be easy • The fact that letting it be easy often means embracing good enough Go to the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 54: AgingNone of us is getting any younger, right? This week, Janine and Shannon discuss this natural process and letting go of perfectionistic feelings about how we should look or feel or function as we age.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why this week in particular we’re feeling our age

  • How old are we, anyway?

  • Shannon’s reluctance to get hearing aids, even though her need for them has nothing to do with aging

  • Trying to accept the normal effects of aging, particularly changing bodies

  • How we’re socialized to care so much about looking young

  • Shannon’s fear of being dismissed because of her age (and the resulting desire to look younger than she is)

  • Being open and public about our ages

  • Shannon’s upcoming ankle surgery

  • Dealing with our less-than-stellar ability to remember things

  • Cutting ourselves slack for changes we can’t control

  • Being as kind to ourselves as we are to others when it comes to aging (and everything else)

  ]]>None of us is getting any younger, right? This week, Janine and Shannon discuss this natural process and letting go of perfectionistic feelings about how we should look or feel or function as we age.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why this week in particular we’re feeling our age

  • How old are we, anyway?

  • Shannon’s reluctance to get hearing aids, even though her need for them has nothing to do with aging

  • Trying to accept the normal effects of aging, particularly changing bodies

  • How we’re socialized to care so much about looking young

  • Shannon’s fear of being dismissed because of her age (and the resulting desire to look younger than she is)

  • Being open and public about our ages

  • Shannon’s upcoming ankle surgery

  • Dealing with our less-than-stellar ability to remember things

  • Cutting ourselves slack for changes we can’t control

  • Being as kind to ourselves as we are to others when it comes to aging (and everything else)

  ]]>INMQI6D8-1FW29Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:34:00 -070033:33falsefull254542None of us is getting any younger, right? This week, Janine and Shannon discuss this natural process and letting go of perfectionistic feelings about how we should look or feel or function as we age. Discussion topics include: • Why this week in particular we’re feeling our age • How old are we, anyway? • Shannon’s reluctance to get hearing aids, even though her need for them has nothing to do with aging • Trying to accept the normal effects of aging, particularly changing bodies • How we’re socialized to care so much about looking young • Shannon’s fear of being dismissed because of her age (and the resulting desire to look younger than she is) • Being open and public about our ages • Shannon’s upcoming ankle surgery • Dealing with our less-than-stellar ability to remember things • Cutting ourselves slack for changes we can’t control • Being as kind to ourselves as we are to others when it comes to aging (and everything else)Episode 53: Preventing OverwhelmIn past episodes, Shannon and Janine have discussed how to deal with overwhelm. This week we're talking about how to prevent feeling overwhelmed in the first place.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Learning to say no

  • Knowing what is important to you so that you know when to say yes

  • Janine’s strategies for saying no (she’s getting really good at it)

  • Recognizing that by saying no to an opportunity, you’re giving someone who wants to do it a chance 

  • How “busy” isn’t really a badge of honor

  • The fact that it’s totally okay (even beneficial!) to not be busy

  • The value of knowing your capacity so you don’t take on more than you can handle

  • Recognizing that you can’t “make time” to do something

  • Creating systems to automate things that happen regularly so they don’t become overwhelming

  • Planning in advance how things could go more smoothly

  • Writing everything down to free the brain and alleviate overwhelm

  • Allowing yourself some spaciousness (and giving yourself a moment to catch your breath!)

  • The paradox of how recognizing you don’t have control makes you feel more in control

  • The role of self care in preventing overwhelm

  • How it’s okay to tell someone something they don’t want to hear

  ]]>In past episodes, Shannon and Janine have discussed how to deal with overwhelm. This week we're talking about how to prevent feeling overwhelmed in the first place.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Learning to say no

  • Knowing what is important to you so that you know when to say yes

  • Janine’s strategies for saying no (she’s getting really good at it)

  • Recognizing that by saying no to an opportunity, you’re giving someone who wants to do it a chance 

  • How “busy” isn’t really a badge of honor

  • The fact that it’s totally okay (even beneficial!) to not be busy

  • The value of knowing your capacity so you don’t take on more than you can handle

  • Recognizing that you can’t “make time” to do something

  • Creating systems to automate things that happen regularly so they don’t become overwhelming

  • Planning in advance how things could go more smoothly

  • Writing everything down to free the brain and alleviate overwhelm

  • Allowing yourself some spaciousness (and giving yourself a moment to catch your breath!)

  • The paradox of how recognizing you don’t have control makes you feel more in control

  • The role of self care in preventing overwhelm

  • How it’s okay to tell someone something they don’t want to hear

  ]]>FEF1Y3HA-5KX1ORThu, 30 May 2019 14:00:00 -070032:52falsefull253532In past episodes, Shannon and Janine have discussed how to deal with overwhelm. This week we're talking about how to prevent feeling overwhelmed in the first place. Discussion topics include: • Learning to say no • Knowing what is important to you so that you know when to say yes • Janine’s strategies for saying no (she’s getting really good at it) • Recognizing that by saying no to an opportunity, you’re giving someone who wants to do it a chance • How “busy” isn’t really a badge of honor • The fact that it’s totally okay (even beneficial!) to not be busy • The value of knowing your capacity so you don’t take on more than you can handle • Recognizing that you can’t “make time” to do something • Creating systems to automate things that happen regularly so they don’t become overwhelming • Planning in advance how things could go more smoothly • Writing everything down to free the brain and alleviate overwhelm • Allowing yourself some spaciousness (and giving yourself a moment to catch your breath!) • The paradox of how recognizing you don’t have control makes you feel more in control • The role of self care in preventing overwhelm • How it’s okay to tell someone something they don’t want to hearEpisode 52: A Year of Good EnoughSince this is the 52nd episode of the podcast, Janine and Shannon are celebrating a year of podcasting and discussing what it's been like living with a "good enough" mentality for a year. (Spoiler alert: It's been great!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some things we’ve learned from a year of living the “good enough” mentality

  • How Shannon is more okay with good enough now than she was a year ago

  • The difference it’s made to allow good enough to be good enough

  • How Janine feels better about her pre-existing good-enough mentality than she did before the podcast

  • The benefits of experimenting with good enough

  • Shannon’s good-enough Reading Trello board

  • Janine’s good-enough experience buying a new monitor

  • The freedom of embracing good enough when entertaining

  • How her good-enough mentality helped Shannon figure out how to adapt to her limited exercise ability

  • Electric-bike-buying made easy with good enough

  • Embracing good enough in podcasting (no editing, no rehearsing)

  • Our excellent division of labor in podcast post-production

  • How we never could have imagined a year ago the podcast's successes

  ]]>Since this is the 52nd episode of the podcast, Janine and Shannon are celebrating a year of podcasting and discussing what it's been like living with a "good enough" mentality for a year. (Spoiler alert: It's been great!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • Some things we’ve learned from a year of living the “good enough” mentality

  • How Shannon is more okay with good enough now than she was a year ago

  • The difference it’s made to allow good enough to be good enough

  • How Janine feels better about her pre-existing good-enough mentality than she did before the podcast

  • The benefits of experimenting with good enough

  • Shannon’s good-enough Reading Trello board

  • Janine’s good-enough experience buying a new monitor

  • The freedom of embracing good enough when entertaining

  • How her good-enough mentality helped Shannon figure out how to adapt to her limited exercise ability

  • Electric-bike-buying made easy with good enough

  • Embracing good enough in podcasting (no editing, no rehearsing)

  • Our excellent division of labor in podcast post-production

  • How we never could have imagined a year ago the podcast's successes

  ]]>FF7UYDSG-BKE29Thu, 23 May 2019 14:00:00 -070033:08falsefull152521Since this is the 52nd episode of the podcast, Janine and Shannon are celebrating a year of podcasting and discussing what it's been like living with a "good enough" mentality for a year. (Spoiler alert: It's been great!) Discussion topics include: • Some things we’ve learned from a year of living the “good enough” mentality • How Shannon is more okay with good enough now than she was a year ago • The difference it’s made to allow good enough to be good enough • How Janine feels better about her pre-existing good-enough mentality than she did before the podcast • The benefits of experimenting with good enough • Shannon’s good-enough Reading Trello board • Janine’s good-enough experience buying a new monitor • The freedom of embracing good enough when entertaining • How her good-enough mentality helped Shannon figure out how to adapt to her limited exercise ability • Electric-bike-buying made easy with good enough • Embracing good enough in podcasting (no editing, no rehearsing) • Our excellent division of labor in podcast post-production • How we never could have imagined a year ago the podcast's successes Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com to see a photo of Shannon's Reading Trello board!Episode 51: Daily Action vs BatchingIs it better to take care of regular tasks daily or let a backlog build up and then take care of it all at once? You probably won't be surprised by the answer that question: It depends. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss their ideas around which tasks are better handled daily and which can be batched.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Tornadoes in St. Louis

  • Taking care of things every day versus letting things build up to do at once

  • Janine’s affinity for daily habits

  • How it’s more beneficial to batch some tasks rather than do them daily

  • Areas that really benefit from daily action, like handling email and keeping the kitchen clean

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of putting stuff away

  • Janine’s definition of clutter: Having more items than you can comfortably store

  • How some things are better done in batches

  • Being mindful about approaching tasks daily or in batches

  • How Shannon batches the processing of the mail

  • The Paper Karma app that helps you get rid of unwanted mail

  • Right-turn technology (have you ever seen a UPS truck turn left?)

  • Getting rid of a backlog without adding to it

  • How sometimes a backlog doesn’t even have to be dealt with

  ]]>Is it better to take care of regular tasks daily or let a backlog build up and then take care of it all at once? You probably won't be surprised by the answer that question: It depends. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss their ideas around which tasks are better handled daily and which can be batched.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Tornadoes in St. Louis

  • Taking care of things every day versus letting things build up to do at once

  • Janine’s affinity for daily habits

  • How it’s more beneficial to batch some tasks rather than do them daily

  • Areas that really benefit from daily action, like handling email and keeping the kitchen clean

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of putting stuff away

  • Janine’s definition of clutter: Having more items than you can comfortably store

  • How some things are better done in batches

  • Being mindful about approaching tasks daily or in batches

  • How Shannon batches the processing of the mail

  • The Paper Karma app that helps you get rid of unwanted mail

  • Right-turn technology (have you ever seen a UPS truck turn left?)

  • Getting rid of a backlog without adding to it

  • How sometimes a backlog doesn’t even have to be dealt with

  ]]>3XQ2512T-KZW7B9Thu, 16 May 2019 14:00:00 -070043:43falsefull151511Is it better to take care of regular tasks daily or let a backlog build up and then take care of it all at once? You probably won't be surprised by the answer that question: It depends. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss their ideas around which tasks are better handled daily and which can be batched. Discussion topics include: • Tornadoes in St. Louis • Taking care of things every day versus letting things build up to do at once • Janine’s affinity for daily habits • How it’s more beneficial to batch some tasks rather than do them daily • Areas that really benefit from daily action, like handling email and keeping the kitchen clean • How perfectionism can get in the way of putting stuff away • Janine’s definition of clutter: Having more items than you can comfortably store • How some things are better done in batches • Being mindful about approaching tasks daily or in batches • How Shannon batches the processing of the mail • The Paper Karma app that helps you get rid of unwanted mail • Right-turn technology (have you ever seen a UPS truck turn left?) • Getting rid of a backlog without adding to it • How sometimes a backlog doesn’t even have to be dealt withEpisode 50: Ease Doesn't Mean EasyWe can't let it be so easy that we never do anything that's difficult. But we can introduce ease into difficult situations to make them easier. This week Shannon and Janine discuss introducing ease into even the most challenging scenarios.

  • How some difficult things can’t be made easy, but that doesn't mean there can't be ease

  • Debunking the idea that if something isn’t hard it doesn’t count

  • Janine’s disagreement (with her dad) over “taking the easy way out”

  • How Shannon built some ease into the difficult task of training for a marathon

  • Janine's plans for introducing ease into an upcoming, potentially unpleasant dental procedure

  • “Naked bears”

  • How even if you embrace ease, sometimes you just have to do things that are difficult

  • Shifting your thoughts about how you think about a difficult task

  • Creating ease by planning in advance and taking action

  • Case in point: Moving house is much easier when you plan ahead

  • How Shannon’s most difficult move was only six inches

  • How allowing yourself plenty of time to do something difficult can build in some ease

  ]]>We can't let it be so easy that we never do anything that's difficult. But we can introduce ease into difficult situations to make them easier. This week Shannon and Janine discuss introducing ease into even the most challenging scenarios.

  • How some difficult things can’t be made easy, but that doesn't mean there can't be ease

  • Debunking the idea that if something isn’t hard it doesn’t count

  • Janine’s disagreement (with her dad) over “taking the easy way out”

  • How Shannon built some ease into the difficult task of training for a marathon

  • Janine's plans for introducing ease into an upcoming, potentially unpleasant dental procedure

  • “Naked bears”

  • How even if you embrace ease, sometimes you just have to do things that are difficult

  • Shifting your thoughts about how you think about a difficult task

  • Creating ease by planning in advance and taking action

  • Case in point: Moving house is much easier when you plan ahead

  • How Shannon’s most difficult move was only six inches

  • How allowing yourself plenty of time to do something difficult can build in some ease

  ]]>APHC7WPO-1EMIThu, 09 May 2019 14:00:00 -070030:37falsefull150501We can't let it be so easy that we never do anything that's difficult. But we can introduce ease into difficult situations to make them easier. This week Shannon and Janine discuss introducing ease into even the most challenging scenarios. • How some difficult things can’t be made easy, but that doesn't mean there can't be ease • Debunking the idea that if something isn’t hard it doesn’t count • Janine’s disagreement (with her dad) over “taking the easy way out” • How Shannon built some ease into the difficult task of training for a marathon • Janine's plans for introducing ease into an upcoming, potentially unpleasant dental procedure • “Naked bears” • How even if you embrace ease, sometimes you just have to do things that are difficult • Shifting your thoughts about how you think about a difficult task • Creating ease by planning in advance and taking action • Case in point: Moving house is much easier when you plan ahead • How Shannon’s most difficult move was only six inches • How allowing yourself plenty of time to do something difficult can build in some ease Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 49: Getting StartedPerfectionism can be paralyzing. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss why it can be hard to get started, along with some techniques and strategies for making it easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Using a timer to help you get started on a task

  • Janine’s microwave timer method of getting stuff done

  • Limiting the number of resources you explore before starting something

  • Mark Forster’s trick for fooling the reactive brain to get started

  • How getting started is easier if you don’t think you have to finish

  • Shannon’s trick for making your project feel less overwhelming: Shrinking your image of it so small you can hold it in your hand

  • Learning a new language by studying only five minutes a day

  • The difference between not wanting to get started and procrastination

  • Shannon’s quiz to help you identify your personal barriers to getting started

  • How when the payoff is far away (as in a tax refund) it can be hard to get started

  • The fact that negative experiences are more lasting than positive ones

  • The key to getting started: Understanding what matters to you + breaking the task into small steps + shifting your perception of the task or project so that it feels doable.

  ]]>Perfectionism can be paralyzing. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss why it can be hard to get started, along with some techniques and strategies for making it easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Using a timer to help you get started on a task

  • Janine’s microwave timer method of getting stuff done

  • Limiting the number of resources you explore before starting something

  • Mark Forster’s trick for fooling the reactive brain to get started

  • How getting started is easier if you don’t think you have to finish

  • Shannon’s trick for making your project feel less overwhelming: Shrinking your image of it so small you can hold it in your hand

  • Learning a new language by studying only five minutes a day

  • The difference between not wanting to get started and procrastination

  • Shannon’s quiz to help you identify your personal barriers to getting started

  • How when the payoff is far away (as in a tax refund) it can be hard to get started

  • The fact that negative experiences are more lasting than positive ones

  • The key to getting started: Understanding what matters to you + breaking the task into small steps + shifting your perception of the task or project so that it feels doable.

  ]]>4OGPWP5I-9B2O6RThu, 02 May 2019 14:00:00 -070033:08falsefull149491Perfectionism can be paralyzing. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss why it can be hard to get started, along with some techniques and strategies for making it easier. Discussion topics include: • Using a timer to help you get started on a task • Janine’s microwave timer method of getting stuff done • Limiting the number of resources you explore before starting something • Mark Forster’s trick for fooling the reactive brain to get started • How getting started is easier if you don’t think you have to finish • Shannon’s trick for making your project feel less overwhelming: Shrinking your image of it so small you can hold it in your hand • Learning a new language by studying only five minutes a day • The difference between not wanting to get started and procrastination • Shannon’s quiz to help you identify your personal barriers to getting started • How when the payoff is far away (as in a tax refund) it can be hard to get started • The fact that negative experiences are more lasting than positive ones • The key to getting started: Understanding what matters to you + breaking the task into small steps + shifting your perception of the task or project so that it feels doable. Visit www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links from this episode!Episode 48: FlexibilityPerfectionists tend to have high standards. And that's okay. But when those high standards are very rigid, life can become more difficult. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the benefits of being more flexible and how go about building flexibility into your high standards.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How we've embrace flexibility in our podcast recording schedule

  • Tangent #1: Janine and Shannon’s abiding love for the TV show Nashville (we ♥️ Deacon Claybourne)

  • How one of the hallmarks of perfectionism is being rigid with expectations and standards

  • Practicing on the edge of discomfort to increase your self awareness around inflexibility

  • Flexing your flexibility muscle

  • An example of flexibility: letting go of the discomfort of seeing other people’s errors without correcting them

  • How being flexible makes life easier, even when it means relaxing high standards

  • Becoming aware of where you have rigidly high standards that are problematic, so that you can figure out ways to bring flexibility into them

  • Tangent #2: Alanis Morissette’s (non-ironic) Ironic song

  • Embracing flexibility in creating routines to allow you to stick with the routine

  • Creating flexibility around your standards of flexibility

  ]]>Perfectionists tend to have high standards. And that's okay. But when those high standards are very rigid, life can become more difficult. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the benefits of being more flexible and how go about building flexibility into your high standards.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How we've embrace flexibility in our podcast recording schedule

  • Tangent #1: Janine and Shannon’s abiding love for the TV show Nashville (we ♥️ Deacon Claybourne)

  • How one of the hallmarks of perfectionism is being rigid with expectations and standards

  • Practicing on the edge of discomfort to increase your self awareness around inflexibility

  • Flexing your flexibility muscle

  • An example of flexibility: letting go of the discomfort of seeing other people’s errors without correcting them

  • How being flexible makes life easier, even when it means relaxing high standards

  • Becoming aware of where you have rigidly high standards that are problematic, so that you can figure out ways to bring flexibility into them

  • Tangent #2: Alanis Morissette’s (non-ironic) Ironic song

  • Embracing flexibility in creating routines to allow you to stick with the routine

  • Creating flexibility around your standards of flexibility

  ]]>FYFKOFW8-Q2GLDIThu, 25 Apr 2019 14:00:00 -070035:01falsefull148481Perfectionists tend to have high standards. And that's okay. But when those high standards are very rigid, life can become more difficult. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss the benefits of being more flexible and how go about building flexibility into your high standards. Discussion topics include: • How we've embrace flexibility in our podcast recording schedule • Tangent #1: Janine and Shannon’s abiding love for the TV show Nashville (we ♥️ Deacon Claybourne) • How one of the hallmarks of perfectionism is being rigid with expectations and standards • Practicing on the edge of discomfort to increase your self awareness around inflexibility • Flexing your flexibility muscle • An example of flexibility: letting go of the discomfort of seeing other people’s errors without correcting them • How being flexible makes life easier, even when it means relaxing high standards • Becoming aware of where you have rigidly high standards that are problematic, so that you can figure out ways to bring flexibility into them • Tangent #2: Alanis Morissette’s (non-ironic) Ironic song • Embracing flexibility in creating routines to allow you to stick with the routine • Creating flexibility around your standards of flexibilityEpisode 47: {GEIP} The Little ThingsThere are lots of little ways we can practice being good enough, rather than perfect. In this episode, Shannon and Janine pick two areas little areas for putting good enough into practice: recycling and making phone calls.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Getting to Good Enough's big milestone: 50,000 downloads!

  • Janine’s recent encounter with a GTGE fan

  • A good enough approach to recycling: Err on the side of putting stuff in the landfill

  • How recycling isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition

  • Shannon’s solution to the non-recyclability of paper coffee cups: Her leakproof travel mug (see link in show notes)

  • DE-cal versus Dih-KAL

  • Some of the recycling guidelines that Janine recently learned

  • Letting go of perfectionism around making phone calls

  • The burden of unmade phone calls hanging over your head versus the relief of just making the call

  ]]>There are lots of little ways we can practice being good enough, rather than perfect. In this episode, Shannon and Janine pick two areas little areas for putting good enough into practice: recycling and making phone calls.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Getting to Good Enough's big milestone: 50,000 downloads!

  • Janine’s recent encounter with a GTGE fan

  • A good enough approach to recycling: Err on the side of putting stuff in the landfill

  • How recycling isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition

  • Shannon’s solution to the non-recyclability of paper coffee cups: Her leakproof travel mug (see link in show notes)

  • DE-cal versus Dih-KAL

  • Some of the recycling guidelines that Janine recently learned

  • Letting go of perfectionism around making phone calls

  • The burden of unmade phone calls hanging over your head versus the relief of just making the call

  ]]>7B6B20XF-PK9MS4IThu, 18 Apr 2019 14:00:00 -070027:56falsefull147471There are lots of little ways we can practice being good enough, rather than perfect. In this episode, Shannon and Janine pick two areas little areas for putting good enough into practice: recycling and making phone calls. Discussion topics include: • Getting to Good Enough's big milestone: 50,000 downloads! • Janine’s recent encounter with a GTGE fan • A good enough approach to recycling: Err on the side of putting stuff in the landfill • How recycling isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition • Shannon’s solution to the non-recyclability of paper coffee cups: Her leakproof travel mug (see link in show notes) • DE-cal versus Dih-KAL • Some of the recycling guidelines that Janine recently learned • Letting go of perfectionism around making phone calls • The burden of unmade phone calls hanging over your head versus the relief of just making the call Go to www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!Episode 46: How Do You Relax?Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon and Janine relax

  • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation

  • Reading as relaxation

  • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it)

  • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical

  • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike!

  • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing

  • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice

  • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation

  • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity

  • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation"

  • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed

  • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive

  • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax

  ]]>Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How Shannon and Janine relax

  • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation

  • Reading as relaxation

  • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it)

  • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical

  • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike!

  • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing

  • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice

  • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation

  • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity

  • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation"

  • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed

  • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive

  • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax

  ]]>1YW9KPKO-XO8BYB9Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:00:00 -070039:54falsefull146461Relaxing is so important. Even during our busiest times, taking time to relax can keep us more productive. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of relaxation, how they relax and how perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing. Discussion topics include: • How Shannon and Janine relax • The challenge in prioritizing relaxation • Reading as relaxation • Janine’s love for Yogi Soothing Caramel Tea (and the fact that Shannon hates it) • The two types of relaxing: mental and physical • Shannon’s tricky workaround for her current inability to go cycling: an E-Bike! • One of Janine and Shannon’s favorite relaxation activities: floating in a flotation tank • How perfectionism can get in the way of relaxing • Repeat TV watching as a safe relaxation choice • Thinking about the kind of experience you want in your relaxation • Yoga as a mentally and physically relaxing activity • Shannon’s meditation/napping combination, "Napitation" • How it’s especially important to take time to relax when you’re stressed • The fact that taking time to relax can help you be more productive • Keeping a relaxation list to make it even easier to relax Be sure to check out the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links!Episode 45: Getting Back on TrackEven when you're in the groove on a new habit it can be so easy to hit a snag and get completely derailed. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss planning ahead for these derailments to make it easy to get back on track.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The emotions that come up over not having stayed with something that make it harder to get started again

  • The difficulty of restarting a chain once it’s broken.

  • Making a plan to re-start your habits after a disrupting event (like travel)

  • Creating a lite version of routine or habit to make it easier for yourself to resume a habit

  • Deciding what will count to maintain a habit or routine

  • A powerful mantra Shannon created with one of her clients

  • The power of acknowledging that you messed up

  • Setting your own standards for success

  • The importance of knowing why you want to do something

  • Avoiding getting caught up in creating a habit for habit’s sake

  • Shannon’s come-home-a-day-early strategy that makes re-entry from travel easier

  • Janine’s strategy for getting back on track after an upcoming trip (see below to find out how it worked out)

  • Being gentle with yourself as the kindest way to accomplish getting back on track

  Comment from Janine: I ended up doing yoga at my friend's home four of the six days I was in Charleston.  That felt great and I'm happy to say I was able able to get right back to it once I was home. Also, I did leave myself a nice, cheerful "welcome home" note that allowed to slide right back into my groove upon my return.

  ]]>Even when you're in the groove on a new habit it can be so easy to hit a snag and get completely derailed. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss planning ahead for these derailments to make it easy to get back on track.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The emotions that come up over not having stayed with something that make it harder to get started again

  • The difficulty of restarting a chain once it’s broken.

  • Making a plan to re-start your habits after a disrupting event (like travel)

  • Creating a lite version of routine or habit to make it easier for yourself to resume a habit

  • Deciding what will count to maintain a habit or routine

  • A powerful mantra Shannon created with one of her clients

  • The power of acknowledging that you messed up

  • Setting your own standards for success

  • The importance of knowing why you want to do something

  • Avoiding getting caught up in creating a habit for habit’s sake

  • Shannon’s come-home-a-day-early strategy that makes re-entry from travel easier

  • Janine’s strategy for getting back on track after an upcoming trip (see below to find out how it worked out)

  • Being gentle with yourself as the kindest way to accomplish getting back on track

  Comment from Janine: I ended up doing yoga at my friend's home four of the six days I was in Charleston.  That felt great and I'm happy to say I was able able to get right back to it once I was home. Also, I did leave myself a nice, cheerful "welcome home" note that allowed to slide right back into my groove upon my return.

  ]]>FLGABG32-UWHFRThu, 04 Apr 2019 14:00:00 -070028:26falsefull145451Even when you're in the groove on a new habit it can be so easy to hit a snag and get completely derailed. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss planning ahead for these derailments to make it easy to get back on track. Discussion topics include: • The emotions that come up over not having stayed with something that make it harder to get started again • The difficulty of restarting a chain once it’s broken. • Making a plan to re-start your habits after a disrupting event (like travel) • Creating a lite version of routine or habit to make it easier for yourself to resume a habit • Deciding what will count to maintain a habit or routine • A powerful mantra Shannon created with one of her clients • The power of acknowledging that you messed up • Setting your own standards for success • The importance of knowing why you want to do something • Avoiding getting caught up in creating a habit for habit’s sake • Shannon’s come-home-a-day-early strategy that makes re-entry from travel easier • Janine’s strategy for getting back on track after an upcoming trip (see below to find out how it worked out) • Being gentle with yourself as the kindest way to accomplish getting back on track Comment from Janine: I ended up doing yoga at my friend's home four of the six days I was in Charleston. That felt great and I'm happy to say I was able able to get right back to it once I was home. Also, I did leave myself a nice, cheerful "welcome home" note that allowed to slide right back into my groove upon my return. Check the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for linksEpisode 44: Permission to FailGiving yourself permission to fail can make it easier for you to succeed. This week Janine and Shannon take a deep dive into this liberating concept, one that was pretty foreign to happy-go-lucky Janine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s “good enough” perspective on failure

  • Whether failure is within your control

  • How, for perfectionists, failure can feel more imminent and threatening

  • Changing your perception of what is failure

  • The value of viewing everything as a practice

  • How those who embrace the mindset that it’s okay to fail are more likely to succeed

  • The impact of shifting your definition of success

  • How Shannon applied this to her first solo climb of a mountain

  • Setting yourself up so that trying = success

  • Giving yourself permission to fail enough times to get you where you want to go

  • How choosing to stop doing something is a success, not failure

  • Making an agreement with yourself to do something that’s doable to make success easier

  ]]>Giving yourself permission to fail can make it easier for you to succeed. This week Janine and Shannon take a deep dive into this liberating concept, one that was pretty foreign to happy-go-lucky Janine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s “good enough” perspective on failure

  • Whether failure is within your control

  • How, for perfectionists, failure can feel more imminent and threatening

  • Changing your perception of what is failure

  • The value of viewing everything as a practice

  • How those who embrace the mindset that it’s okay to fail are more likely to succeed

  • The impact of shifting your definition of success

  • How Shannon applied this to her first solo climb of a mountain

  • Setting yourself up so that trying = success

  • Giving yourself permission to fail enough times to get you where you want to go

  • How choosing to stop doing something is a success, not failure

  • Making an agreement with yourself to do something that’s doable to make success easier

  ]]>122D2WPG-M6LXRThu, 28 Mar 2019 14:00:00 -070031:19falsefull144441Giving yourself permission to fail can make it easier for you to succeed. This week Janine and Shannon take a deep dive into this liberating concept, one that was pretty foreign to happy-go-lucky Janine. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s “good enough” perspective on failure • Whether failure is within your control • How, for perfectionists, failure can feel more imminent and threatening • Changing your perception of what is failure • The value of viewing everything as a practice • How those who embrace the mindset that it’s okay to fail are more likely to succeed • The impact of shifting your definition of success • How Shannon applied this to her first solo climb of a mountain • Setting yourself up so that trying = success • Giving yourself permission to fail enough times to get you where you want to go • How choosing to stop doing something is a success, not failure • Making an agreement with yourself to do something that’s doable to make success easierEpisode 43: MoneyMoney. It's not a topic many people feel comfortable talking--or even thinking--about. It can be particularly hard for perfectionists to address issues with money. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about some strategies for getting past perfectionistic barriers to having a good relationship with money.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How money can be fraught with emotions

  • How perfectionism can prevent you from doing the things that could help you feel more comfortable and confident around money

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite financial tool, You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • How even Janine has gotten a little perfectionistic with YNAB (but she’s using it anyway)

  • The fact that sometimes you have to just start something and use it before you can figure out how best to use it for you

  • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to your taxes

  • Trying not to sweat the small stuff around taxes

  • How money stuff doesn’t have to be hard--especially if you keep good-enough records

  • Keeping track of passwords, so you can easily log in to your financial accounts

  • Shannon’s love for the password manager, LastPass

  • Creating a plan for sharing passwords and other information in the event of a tragedy

  • How there’s no one right way to do money and taxes

  • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to improve your relationship with money

  ]]>Money. It's not a topic many people feel comfortable talking--or even thinking--about. It can be particularly hard for perfectionists to address issues with money. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about some strategies for getting past perfectionistic barriers to having a good relationship with money.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How money can be fraught with emotions

  • How perfectionism can prevent you from doing the things that could help you feel more comfortable and confident around money

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite financial tool, You Need a Budget (YNAB)

  • How even Janine has gotten a little perfectionistic with YNAB (but she’s using it anyway)

  • The fact that sometimes you have to just start something and use it before you can figure out how best to use it for you

  • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to your taxes

  • Trying not to sweat the small stuff around taxes

  • How money stuff doesn’t have to be hard--especially if you keep good-enough records

  • Keeping track of passwords, so you can easily log in to your financial accounts

  • Shannon’s love for the password manager, LastPass

  • Creating a plan for sharing passwords and other information in the event of a tragedy

  • How there’s no one right way to do money and taxes

  • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to improve your relationship with money

  ]]>B31XLML3-QSKBJ4IThu, 21 Mar 2019 14:00:00 -070034:37falsefull143431Money. It's not a topic many people feel comfortable talking--or even thinking--about. It can be particularly hard for perfectionists to address issues with money. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about some strategies for getting past perfectionistic barriers to having a good relationship with money. Discussion topics include: • How money can be fraught with emotions • How perfectionism can prevent you from doing the things that could help you feel more comfortable and confident around money • Shannon and Janine’s favorite financial tool, You Need a Budget (YNAB) • How even Janine has gotten a little perfectionistic with YNAB (but she’s using it anyway) • The fact that sometimes you have to just start something and use it before you can figure out how best to use it for you • Avoiding perfectionism when it comes to your taxes • Trying not to sweat the small stuff around taxes • How money stuff doesn’t have to be hard--especially if you keep good-enough records • Keeping track of passwords, so you can easily log in to your financial accounts • Shannon’s love for the password manager, LastPass • Creating a plan for sharing passwords and other information in the event of a tragedy • How there’s no one right way to do money and taxes • The importance of knowing why it’s important to you to improve your relationship with money Visit our show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links mentioned in the episode.Episode 42: GratitudeThere's so much to be grateful for. And expressing that gratitude not only helps you, it helps others. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of gratitude and ways to express it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The gratitude that Shannon and Janine feel for you, our podcast listeners

  • The value of keeping (and reviewing) a kudos file

  • The impact of expressing gratitude to others

  • Shannon’s quick-thanks method that allows her to express gratitude without letting perfectionism get in the way

  • The Getting to Good Enough mugs! (Let us know if you’d like to buy one)

  • Not letting perfectionism extinguish fun impulses to express thanks

  • Janine’s method for saving money on greeting cards (she thinks it's brilliant)

  • Organizing thank-you cards to use later

  • How Shannon uses the app Postagram to send postcards on the fly to her mother

  • Finding things to be grateful for in your life

  • Creating a habit of coming up with a gratitude list

  • The effect of perfectionism on gratitude

  • Being grateful for the "good enough” things in your life 

  ]]>There's so much to be grateful for. And expressing that gratitude not only helps you, it helps others. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of gratitude and ways to express it.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The gratitude that Shannon and Janine feel for you, our podcast listeners

  • The value of keeping (and reviewing) a kudos file

  • The impact of expressing gratitude to others

  • Shannon’s quick-thanks method that allows her to express gratitude without letting perfectionism get in the way

  • The Getting to Good Enough mugs! (Let us know if you’d like to buy one)

  • Not letting perfectionism extinguish fun impulses to express thanks

  • Janine’s method for saving money on greeting cards (she thinks it's brilliant)

  • Organizing thank-you cards to use later

  • How Shannon uses the app Postagram to send postcards on the fly to her mother

  • Finding things to be grateful for in your life

  • Creating a habit of coming up with a gratitude list

  • The effect of perfectionism on gratitude

  • Being grateful for the "good enough” things in your life 

  ]]>4T9HJNH7-9LWSTT9Thu, 14 Mar 2019 13:00:00 -070036:22falsefull142421There's so much to be grateful for. And expressing that gratitude not only helps you, it helps others. This week, Janine and Shannon talk about the importance of gratitude and ways to express it. Discussion topics include: • The gratitude that Shannon and Janine feel for you, our podcast listeners • The value of keeping (and reviewing) a kudos file • The impact of expressing gratitude to others • Shannon’s quick-thanks method that allows her to express gratitude without letting perfectionism get in the way • The Getting to Good Enough mugs! (Let us know if you’d like to buy one) • Not letting perfectionism extinguish fun impulses to express thanks • Janine’s method for saving money on greeting cards (she thinks it's brilliant) • Organizing thank-you cards to use later • How Shannon uses the app Postagram to send postcards on the fly to her mother • Finding things to be grateful for in your life • Creating a habit of coming up with a gratitude list • The effect of perfectionism on gratitude • Being grateful for the "good enough” things in your life Thank you so much for listening! Visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links.Episode 41: Can It Be Too Easy?Janine lives by the words "Let it be easy." But can something be too easy? Shannon and Janine discuss that possibility and how it relates to various aspects of life, including genealogy research.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Is it possible for something to be too easy?

  • How technology has made it possible for genealogy research to be too easy

  • How rigor can contribute to reliable genealogy research

  • A clue that something maybe too easy: it’s not contributing to a strong foundation

  • How accepting genealogy facts without analysis can lead to big problems

  • How adding challenge to something makes it more attractive to Shannon

  • The effect of Shannon’s concussions on what feels easy (or difficult) to her

  • The challenge of finding things that are both doable and a challenge

  • Finding the sweet spot where it feels doable, but still counts

  • How even though it's possible for something to be too easy, Janine stands by her "let it be easy" motto

  ]]>Janine lives by the words "Let it be easy." But can something be too easy? Shannon and Janine discuss that possibility and how it relates to various aspects of life, including genealogy research.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Is it possible for something to be too easy?

  • How technology has made it possible for genealogy research to be too easy

  • How rigor can contribute to reliable genealogy research

  • A clue that something maybe too easy: it’s not contributing to a strong foundation

  • How accepting genealogy facts without analysis can lead to big problems

  • How adding challenge to something makes it more attractive to Shannon

  • The effect of Shannon’s concussions on what feels easy (or difficult) to her

  • The challenge of finding things that are both doable and a challenge

  • Finding the sweet spot where it feels doable, but still counts

  • How even though it's possible for something to be too easy, Janine stands by her "let it be easy" motto

  ]]>L2A6V74-YD6RMS4IThu, 07 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -070029:44falsefull141411Janine lives by the words "Let it be easy." But can something be too easy? Shannon and Janine discuss that possibility and how it relates to various aspects of life, including genealogy research. Discussion topics include: • Is it possible for something to be too easy? • How technology has made it possible for genealogy research to be too easy • How rigor can contribute to reliable genealogy research • A clue that something maybe too easy: it’s not contributing to a strong foundation • How accepting genealogy facts without analysis can lead to big problems • How adding challenge to something makes it more attractive to Shannon • The effect of Shannon’s concussions on what feels easy (or difficult) to her • The challenge of finding things that are both doable and a challenge • Finding the sweet spot where it feels doable, but still counts • How even though it's possible for something to be too easy, Janine stands by her "let it be easy" mottoEpisode 40: A/V Club - PodcastsThis week we're debuting the A/V Club, in which Janine and Shannon will periodically talk about things we enjoy watching and/or listening to. This first A/V Club is a discussion of the podcasts we listen to. But first we kick it off with an unrelated anecdote about accidentally eating dog food.

  Discussion topics include these podcasts:

  • Stand Out (from the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals)

  • Generations Cafe (genealogy podcast from Amy Johnson Crow)

  • Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

  • Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

  • Happier with Gretchen Rubin (it inspired this podcast!)

  • How I Built This

  • The Tim Ferriss Show

  • Everything Is Alive

  • The West Wing Weekly

  • Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me

  • Dirty John

  • S-Town

  • My Dad Wrote a Porno (please don't judge)

  • Slow Burn

  • The TED Radio Hour

  And we wrapped it up with a little discussion of not letting perfectionism get in the way of listening to podcasts.

  ]]>This week we're debuting the A/V Club, in which Janine and Shannon will periodically talk about things we enjoy watching and/or listening to. This first A/V Club is a discussion of the podcasts we listen to. But first we kick it off with an unrelated anecdote about accidentally eating dog food.

  Discussion topics include these podcasts:

  • Stand Out (from the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals)

  • Generations Cafe (genealogy podcast from Amy Johnson Crow)

  • Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

  • Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

  • Happier with Gretchen Rubin (it inspired this podcast!)

  • How I Built This

  • The Tim Ferriss Show

  • Everything Is Alive

  • The West Wing Weekly

  • Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me

  • Dirty John

  • S-Town

  • My Dad Wrote a Porno (please don't judge)

  • Slow Burn

  • The TED Radio Hour

  And we wrapped it up with a little discussion of not letting perfectionism get in the way of listening to podcasts.

  ]]>3OHSNTJV-FEI2J4IThu, 28 Feb 2019 15:00:00 -070041:51falsefull140401This week we're debuting the A/V Club, in which Janine and Shannon will periodically talk about things we enjoy watching and/or listening to. This first A/V Club is a discussion of the podcasts we listen to. But first we kick it off with an unrelated anecdote about accidentally eating dog food. Discussion topics include these podcasts: • Stand Out (from the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) • Generations Cafe (genealogy podcast from Amy Johnson Crow) • Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard • Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend • Happier with Gretchen Rubin (it inspired this podcast!) • How I Built This • The Tim Ferriss Show • Everything Is Alive • The West Wing Weekly • Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me • Dirty John • S-Town • My Dad Wrote a Porno (please don't judge) • Slow Burn • The TED Radio Hour And we wrapped it up with a little discussion of not letting perfectionism get in the way of listening to podcasts. Visit the website at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to all the podcasts!Episode 39: Making Work FunDo you have fun at work? We sure hope you do. If work can sometimes be a drag, this episode is for you. This week, Shannon and Janine talking tips and strategies for making work fun. Because, in Oscar Wilde's words, "Life is far too important to take seriously."

  Discussion topics include:

  • How are perception of our work has everything to do with how much fun our work is

  • How perfectionism can play a role in making work not feel fun

  • Janine’s experiences with making organizing fun

  • The prescient Oscar Wilde quote on Shannon’s high-school yearbook page

  • Letting go of perfectionism to try to make work more fun

  • Gamifying your work

  • Sharing your work achievements to make them more fun

  • How working with someone else—even if you’re working on different things—can make boring work more fun

  • The importance of setting boundaries at work to create space to have fun

  • Freeing up some personal capacity to have fun by doing rather than thinking about doing 

  • How fun is in the eye of the fun-maker (and it’s good to know what your idea of fun is)

  • The mean trick played on Shannon’s coworker

  • The role of rewards in making work fun

  ]]>Do you have fun at work? We sure hope you do. If work can sometimes be a drag, this episode is for you. This week, Shannon and Janine talking tips and strategies for making work fun. Because, in Oscar Wilde's words, "Life is far too important to take seriously."

  Discussion topics include:

  • How are perception of our work has everything to do with how much fun our work is

  • How perfectionism can play a role in making work not feel fun

  • Janine’s experiences with making organizing fun

  • The prescient Oscar Wilde quote on Shannon’s high-school yearbook page

  • Letting go of perfectionism to try to make work more fun

  • Gamifying your work

  • Sharing your work achievements to make them more fun

  • How working with someone else—even if you’re working on different things—can make boring work more fun

  • The importance of setting boundaries at work to create space to have fun

  • Freeing up some personal capacity to have fun by doing rather than thinking about doing 

  • How fun is in the eye of the fun-maker (and it’s good to know what your idea of fun is)

  • The mean trick played on Shannon’s coworker

  • The role of rewards in making work fun

  ]]>DPF3K2EZ-G7AM7VIThu, 21 Feb 2019 15:00:00 -070039:17falsefull139391Do you have fun at work? We sure hope you do. If work can sometimes be a drag, this episode is for you. This week, Shannon and Janine talking tips and strategies for making work fun. Because, in Oscar Wilde's words, "Life is far too important to take seriously." Discussion topics include: • How are perception of our work has everything to do with how much fun our work is • How perfectionism can play a role in making work not feel fun • Janine’s experiences with making organizing fun • The prescient Oscar Wilde quote on Shannon’s high-school yearbook page • Letting go of perfectionism to try to make work more fun • Gamifying your work • Sharing your work achievements to make them more fun • How working with someone else—even if you’re working on different things—can make boring work more fun • The importance of setting boundaries at work to create space to have fun • Freeing up some personal capacity to have fun by doing rather than thinking about doing • How fun is in the eye of the fun-maker (and it’s good to know what your idea of fun is) • The mean trick played on Shannon’s coworker • The role of rewards in making work funEpisode 38: Personal CapacityIf you feel you operating at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down

  • The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity

  • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity

  • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things

  • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take

  • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time

  • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list

  • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops)

  • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brain

  ]]>If you feel you operating at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down

  • The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity

  • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity

  • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things

  • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take

  • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time

  • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list

  • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops)

  • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brain

  ]]>AF3QZ0SF-5C23XRThu, 14 Feb 2019 15:00:00 -070033:47falsefull138381If you feel you operating at 100 percent capacity, you're not doing yourself any favors. This week Janine and Shannon discuss personal capacity and how making sure you're giving yourself plenty of room capacity-wise can help you be happier and less stressed. Discussion topics include: • How personal capacity is like the memory capacity of your computer or phone - when you fill it up, everything slows down • The fact that it's unreasonable to expect that you can function at 100 percent capacity • How unnecessary thoughts can take up valuable personal capacity • Letting go of worry so that you can use that energy for more important things • The many things that factor into personal capacity, including having a realistic perception of how long something will take • Managing your own expectations of what you can get done in a given amount of time • Setting yourself up for success with a realistic task list • Ways you can expand your capacity (hint: stop overthinking and close up your loops) • Getting stuff out of your head and onto paper (or pixels) to free up your brainEpisode 37: Laura RoederWe're thrilled to welcome Laura Roeder, founder of MeetEdgar, the social-media marketing application that changed the way many people post to social media. Shannon and Janine talk with Laura (a naturally good-enough person) about how she deals with perfectionism on the part of her team members and customers, how to know when something is good enough to launch into the world (before it's perfect) and the difference between thinking about your goals and actually working toward achieving them. Laura offers lots of great insights!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that Laura is naturally a “good enough” person but can get perfectionistic in her area of expertise

  • Dealing with team members who are perfectionists

  • Knowing when something is good enough to release into the world

  • Recognizing that most situations aren’t life and death

  • The value of “done for now”

  • How Laura deals with perfectionists among her customers (hint: she tells them what to do!)

  • Understanding the questions behind the questions

  • The elusive nature of data (and how hard it is for us to draw conclusions from it)

  • The value of leaving evidence so that you know you’re at good enough

  • How perfectionism can stymie people

  ]]>We're thrilled to welcome Laura Roeder, founder of MeetEdgar, the social-media marketing application that changed the way many people post to social media. Shannon and Janine talk with Laura (a naturally good-enough person) about how she deals with perfectionism on the part of her team members and customers, how to know when something is good enough to launch into the world (before it's perfect) and the difference between thinking about your goals and actually working toward achieving them. Laura offers lots of great insights!

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that Laura is naturally a “good enough” person but can get perfectionistic in her area of expertise

  • Dealing with team members who are perfectionists

  • Knowing when something is good enough to release into the world

  • Recognizing that most situations aren’t life and death

  • The value of “done for now”

  • How Laura deals with perfectionists among her customers (hint: she tells them what to do!)

  • Understanding the questions behind the questions

  • The elusive nature of data (and how hard it is for us to draw conclusions from it)

  • The value of leaving evidence so that you know you’re at good enough

  • How perfectionism can stymie people

  ]]>3V7DH9ZN-KGLDIThu, 07 Feb 2019 15:00:00 -070032:41falsefull137371We're thrilled to welcome Laura Roeder, founder of MeetEdgar, the social-media marketing application that changed the way many people post to social media. Shannon and Janine talk with Laura (a naturally good-enough person) about how she deals with perfectionism on the part of her team members and customers, how to know when something is good enough to launch into the world (before it's perfect) and the difference between thinking about your goals and actually working toward achieving them. Laura offers lots of great insights! Discussion topics include: • The fact that Laura is naturally a “good enough” person but can get perfectionistic in her area of expertise • Dealing with team members who are perfectionists • Knowing when something is good enough to release into the world • Recognizing that most situations aren’t life and death • The value of “done for now” • How Laura deals with perfectionists among her customers (hint: she tells them what to do!) • Understanding the questions behind the questions • The elusive nature of data (and how hard it is for us to draw conclusions from it) • The value of leaving evidence so that you know you’re at good enough • How perfectionism can stymie peopleEpisode 36: Feeling SatisfiedFeeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing.

  Discussion topics include:

  •Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke

  • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality

  • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection

  • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that)

  • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do

  • Gratitude vs satisfaction

  • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism

  • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short)

  • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent

  • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity

  • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice)

  • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find you

  ]]>Feeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing.

  Discussion topics include:

  •Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke

  • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality

  • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection

  • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that)

  • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do

  • Gratitude vs satisfaction

  • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism

  • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short)

  • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent

  • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity

  • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice)

  • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find you

  ]]>C5099T2Z-1XAJORThu, 31 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -070033:37falsefull136361Feeling satisfied--even when something isn't perfect--allows you to embrace a good-enough mentality. This week, Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of finding (and recognizing) satisfaction. Feeling satisfied doesn't lead to complacency--in fact, it's life enhancing. Discussion topics include: •Janine’s shocking (to Shannon) inability to tell a joke • How feeling satisfied is an important aspect of a good-enough mentality • Looking for places to feel satisfied without perfection • Paying attention to what you can do instead of what you can’t do (and feeling satisfied with that) • Shannon’s post-concussion challenges and how she is trying to feel satisfied with what she is able to do • Gratitude vs satisfaction • Setting yourself up to feel satisfied by putting the brakes on perfectionism • Applying this concept to your task list (hint: include tasks instead of projects on your list and keep the list short) • How being satisfied with less than perfect doesn’t make you complacent • The fact that feeling satisfied can actually enhance your productivity • How you can feel satisfied with something while also looking to improve it (which Janine is proving with her new yoga practice) • Cultivating the habit of finding satisfaction in where you are, rather than waiting for satisfaction to find youEpisode 35: HobbiesPerfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about  their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby

  • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good

  • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting)

  • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting)

  • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan

  • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake

  • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese

  • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun

  • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out

  • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier

  ]]>A0I9BJH6-K1EMIThu, 24 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -070041:46falsefull135351Perfectionism can get in the way of starting or enjoying hobbies. This week Shannon and Janine talk about their hobbies (and attempted hobbies) and share strategies for getting past perfectionism so you can enjoy your hobbies. Discussion topics include: • How every hobby Shannon’s had has been marred by perfectionism • How perfectionism can get in the way of starting and enjoying a new hobby • The fact that new hobbies usually have to be bad before they can get good • How Shannon inspired Janine to start knitting fourteen years ago (spoiler alert: only one of them is still knitting) • Process versus results in doing hobbies (like knitting) • Janine’s 12-year adventure with Barbara Walker’s Learn-to-Knit Afghan • Why starting a hobby by shopping can be a mistake • How Shannon is managing to stick with her latest hobby: Learning Portuguese • How guided lessons can help provide structure to make learning a new hobby fun • Figuring what counts as engaging in your hobby when you’re starting out • How frequent practice can make learning a new hobby easier Visit the website at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links and photos!Episode 34: Letting GoJanine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How January is a great time for letting go

  • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients)

  • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you

  • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love

  • A change to our podcast’s tagline!

  • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful 

  • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface

  • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true

  • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practice

  ]]>Janine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How January is a great time for letting go

  • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients)

  • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you

  • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love

  • A change to our podcast’s tagline!

  • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful 

  • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface

  • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true

  • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practice

  ]]>FT5RF9Y4-FBT9Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -070037:20falsefull134341Janine and Shannon are experts in letting go. Janine helps people with tangible stuff and Shannon helps them with intangible stuff. So we have a lot to say in this episode about the benefits and process of letting go! Discussion topics include: • How January is a great time for letting go • That Janine rarely, if ever, regrets having let go of something (and neither do her clients) • How the various terms for decluttering process can change the way you feel about it--and the importance of finding the language that works for you • How letting go of beliefs (like perfectionism) can allow you to open up space to do more of what you love • A change to our podcast’s tagline! • A deep dive into the process for letting of thoughts and beliefs that aren’t helpful • How your goals can help your underlying beliefs come to the surface • The magic of thinking about your beliefs that might not be serving you and recognizing they’re not true • The perfectionistic beliefs Janine had to let go of in order to start a daily yoga practiceEpisode 33: Closet CurationMost people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes

  • The domino effect of a crowded closet

  • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet

  • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet

  • Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge

  • How Janine really likes wearing the same clothes again and again

  • How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School

  • Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs

  • Organizing clothes by color

  • Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years)

  • How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe

  • Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method

  • Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a part

  ]]>Most people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes

  • The domino effect of a crowded closet

  • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet

  • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet

  • Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge

  • How Janine really likes wearing the same clothes again and again

  • How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School

  • Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs

  • Organizing clothes by color

  • Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years)

  • How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe

  • Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method

  • Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a part

  ]]>H86XRV9H-2FN7B9Thu, 10 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -070050:19falsefull133331Most people we meet have more clothes than they wear. When closets are crammed with unworn and unloved clothes, getting dressed is difficult. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about curating your closet so it's a pleasure to use and contains only clothes you love. This is a long episode--we just had so much to say! Discussion topics include: • How most people we meet have some sort of struggle with their clothes • The domino effect of a crowded closet • The benefits of having a one in/one out policy in your closet • The joy and convenience of an uncrowded closet * Project 333, the minimalist clothing challenge * How Janine really likes wearing the same clothes again and again * How Shannon had a uniform that she didn't love--until she went to Stasia's Style School * Janine and Shannon’s recent (painless) closet clean outs * Organizing clothes by color * Folding shirts like Marie Kondo (which Janine has been doing for many years) * How frequent travel can help you pare down your wardrobe * Shannon’s patented DIY closet-clearing method * Why all this matters and how perfectionism plays a partEpisode 32: Self CareNow that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what self care means for us.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self care means something different to everyone

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank

  • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you)

  • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care even when it usually doesn’t

  • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself

  • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care

  • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon)

  • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Belly laughs as self care

  ]]>Now that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what self care means for us.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The fact that self care means something different to everyone

  • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities

  • The joy of floating in a flotation tank

  • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you)

  • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care even when it usually doesn’t

  • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself

  • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care

  • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon)

  • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine)

  • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla

  • Belly laughs as self care

  ]]>JHBL0EV1-C680K9Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:00:00 -070035:11falsefull132321Now that the holidays are over, it's a good idea to focus on taking care of yourself. This week Janine and Shannon discuss the importance of self care and what self care means for us. Discussion topics include: • The fact that self care means something different to everyone • Shannon and Janine’s favorite self-care activities • The joy of floating in a flotation tank • The importance of creating time for self care (whatever that means to you) • Shannon’s idea for making exercise feel like self care even when it usually doesn’t • Taking away the barriers to taking care of yourself • Making sure that your treats (like shopping) are actually good self care • Quiet reading or nice walks as self care (Shannon) • Crafting with friends as self care (Janine) • How Janine and her brother practiced self care by gorging on pot stickers in Walla Walla • Belly laughs as self care Be sure and check out the podcast's website at gettingtogoodenough.com to see links to Janine and Shannon's belly-laugh videos!Episode 31: Done Is Better Than Perfect (Redux)We're taking the holiday week off! Instead of a new episode, we're presenting our very first episode, Done Is Better Than Perfect. Enjoy!

  Our first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect.

  We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along.

  Included in the conversation:

  • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project.

  • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible.

  • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough.

  ]]>We're taking the holiday week off! Instead of a new episode, we're presenting our very first episode, Done Is Better Than Perfect. Enjoy!

  Our first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect.

  We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along.

  Included in the conversation:

  • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project.

  • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible.

  • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough.

  ]]>IRAV4IPD-UXRThu, 27 Dec 2018 15:00:00 -070019:51falsefull131311We're taking the holiday week off! Instead of a new episode, we're presenting our very first episode, Done Is Better Than Perfect. Enjoy! Our first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect. We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along. Included in the conversation: • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project. • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible. • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough.Episode 30: {GEIP} Good Enough Goal SettingIt's the end of the year and time to talk about goals and resolutions! In this Good Enough in Practice episode, Janine and Shannon talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  Exciting news! "Why Resolutions Don't Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" has not been available for years, but now that we've discovered how relevant it still is, we're taking it out, dusting it off and renaming it! It's now called "Good Enough Goal Setting." 

  
  

  We've updated the 25-page workbook for 2018 and are making it available to you for $15. When you buy the workbook, you'll automatically get a download of the 2010 teleclass, complete with guided hypnosis exercises led by Shannon, who is a certified hypnotherapist, to aid you in setting--and achieving--your goals this year.

  ]]>It's the end of the year and time to talk about goals and resolutions! In this Good Enough in Practice episode, Janine and Shannon talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!)

  Discussion topics include:

  • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year

  • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals

  • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast.

  • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis!

  • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want

  • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it

  • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals

  Exciting news! "Why Resolutions Don't Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" has not been available for years, but now that we've discovered how relevant it still is, we're taking it out, dusting it off and renaming it! It's now called "Good Enough Goal Setting." 

  
  

  We've updated the 25-page workbook for 2018 and are making it available to you for $15. When you buy the workbook, you'll automatically get a download of the 2010 teleclass, complete with guided hypnosis exercises led by Shannon, who is a certified hypnotherapist, to aid you in setting--and achieving--your goals this year.

  ]]>7LVJCS8K-9OIRUDIThu, 20 Dec 2018 15:00:00 -070030:02falsefull130301It's the end of the year and time to talk about goals and resolutions! In this Good Enough in Practice episode, Janine and Shannon talk about setting realistic, good enough goals. Way back in 2009, we created a teleclass and workbook about resolutions and we're revisiting it in this episode. (The messages of the teleclass will feel very familiar. They've stood the test of time!) Discussion topics include: • The details of Janine’s personal retreat day where she sets her goals for the coming year • The perils of setting unrealistic goals and the alternative of good enough goals • Flashback to a teleclass called “Why Resolutions Don’t Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" that Shannon and Janine created in 2009. It's like a prequel to this podcast. • The one element the teleclass has that this podcast lacks: Hypnosis! • The three main problems that stop people from achieving their goals and how you can get past them to get what you want • Janine's word for next year and how she plans to remind herself about it • The hashtag we created: #goodenoughgoals Exciting news! "Why Resolutions Don't Work and How to Get What You Want Anyway" has not been available for years, but now that we've discovered how relevant it still is, we're taking it out, dusting it off and renaming it! It's now called "Good Enough Goal Setting." We've updated the 25-page workbook for 2018 and are making it available to you for $15. When you buy the workbook, you'll automatically get a download of the 2010 teleclass, complete with guided hypnosis exercises led by Shannon, who is a certified hypnotherapist, to aid you in setting--and achieving--your goals this year. Visit the show notes to purchase.Episode 29: Bright Shiny Object SyndromeLike the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it as well as for harnessing it for good.

  Discussion topics include:

  •How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs)

  • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs

  • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later

  • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage

  • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management

  • Building BSOs into your plan for your day

  • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you

  • How being kind to yourself fits into the picture

  ]]>Like the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it as well as for harnessing it for good.

  Discussion topics include:

  •How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs)

  • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs

  • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later

  • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage

  • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management

  • Building BSOs into your plan for your day

  • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you

  • How being kind to yourself fits into the picture

  ]]>2R7G8DCY-70NEWMIThu, 13 Dec 2018 18:00:00 -070034:03falsefull129291Like the dog in the movie Up who shouts "Squirrel!", we can so easily get distracted by new and exciting things. This week Janine and Shannon discuss Bright Shiny Object Syndrome and some strategies for resisting it as well as for harnessing it for good. Discussion topics include: •How easy it is to be pulled away by bright shiny objects (BSOs) • Shannon’s 90-day plans that help her resist the BSOs • The importance of having a system in place to take note of the BSOs so you can come back to them later • Using Bright Shiny Object Syndrome to your advantage • How Janine harnesses her penchant for BSOs by using Trello for task management • Building BSOs into your plan for your day • Identifying why you’re drawn to a particular BSO to help you modify your existing projects/systems to make them more attractive to you • How being kind to yourself fits into the pictureEpisode 28: Letting the Holidays Be EasyThe holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holidays

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays

  • Janine’s truly simple holidays

  • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable

  • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges

  • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists

  • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving)

  • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier

  • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier

  • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece

  • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff

  • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices

  • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activities

  ]]>HLDY806K-M5Z5MIThu, 06 Dec 2018 15:00:00 -070040:47falsefull128281The holiday season can be really hard on perfectionists, who often want to do it all and do it right. This week Shannon and Janine talk about making it easier for perfectionists to let the holidays be easy. Discussion topics include: • How “shoulds” can get in the way of enjoying the holidays • Janine’s truly simple holidays • Choosing the elements of the holidays that are doable • The time-saving benefits of holiday cookie exchanges • How the December holidays can be challenging for perfectionists • How Shannon creates the holidays she wants (including this year’s Thanksgiving of giving) • Embracing good enough to make holidays easier • How giving clutter-free gifts helps the recipient and makes gift-giving easier • A special clutter-free gift idea from special guest Miranda Adams, Janine’s niece • Giving the gift of experiences or services, rather than stuff • Choosing a theme word to capture the essence of what you want for the season to use as a guidepost to help you make choices • Starting earlier on holiday tasks to avoid the stress of last-minute activitiesEpisode 27: The Thrill of DoneIt can be thrilling to finish something. But if a project is large, the thrill can feel like it may never come--especially if you're chasing perfection. In this episode, Janine and Shannon talk strategies for incorporating the thrill of done into any project so that you can stay happy and motivated while you try to get your stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • What’s thrilling about finishing

  • The challenge of building the thrill of done into large projects

  • How to identify “done”

  • Using a timer to help you feel done with something

  • One technique for building done into an email purge

  • How perfectionists don’t get to feel done if they’re trying to get to perfect (because perfect is impossible)

  • Some wisdom from Harold L. Taylor on perfectionism

  • The benefits of celebrating in the middle of the project 

  • How breaking a task into small tasks (and calling each task done) can be motivating

  • How Shannon and Janine apply the thrill of done to our genealogy research

  ]]>It can be thrilling to finish something. But if a project is large, the thrill can feel like it may never come--especially if you're chasing perfection. In this episode, Janine and Shannon talk strategies for incorporating the thrill of done into any project so that you can stay happy and motivated while you try to get your stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • What’s thrilling about finishing

  • The challenge of building the thrill of done into large projects

  • How to identify “done”

  • Using a timer to help you feel done with something

  • One technique for building done into an email purge

  • How perfectionists don’t get to feel done if they’re trying to get to perfect (because perfect is impossible)

  • Some wisdom from Harold L. Taylor on perfectionism

  • The benefits of celebrating in the middle of the project 

  • How breaking a task into small tasks (and calling each task done) can be motivating

  • How Shannon and Janine apply the thrill of done to our genealogy research

  ]]>TSD1OZ0-QT9Y66RThu, 29 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -070033:46falsefull127271It can be thrilling to finish something. But if a project is large, the thrill can feel like it may never come--especially if you're chasing perfection. In this episode, Janine and Shannon talk strategies for incorporating the thrill of done into any project so that you can stay happy and motivated while you try to get your stuff done. Discussion topics include: • What’s thrilling about finishing • The challenge of building the thrill of done into large projects • How to identify “done” • Using a timer to help you feel done with something • One technique for building done into an email purge • How perfectionists don’t get to feel done if they’re trying to get to perfect (because perfect is impossible) • Some wisdom from Harold L. Taylor on perfectionism • The benefits of celebrating in the middle of the project • How breaking a task into small tasks (and calling each task done) can be motivating • How Shannon and Janine apply the thrill of done to our genealogy researchEpisode 26: MultitaskingMany people (especially perfectionists) feel like they're being more productive when they attempt to do multiple tasks at once. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss why the opposite is true.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The alluring temptation of multitasking

  • That most multitasking is not actually multitasking; it's rapidly switching between single tasks

  • Concurrent multitasking: activities that are possible to multitask

  • Body doubling and how it can help in organizing

  • The perils of driving while listening to podcasts

  • Using ScreenTime on the iPhone to limit the distraction of technology

  • Practicing being mindful as a way to combat multitasking

  • Using a timer to stay focused

  • How multitasking lowers your IQ (says a study)

  • The truth about multitasking: You think you’re being productive and you aren't!

  ]]>Many people (especially perfectionists) feel like they're being more productive when they attempt to do multiple tasks at once. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss why the opposite is true.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The alluring temptation of multitasking

  • That most multitasking is not actually multitasking; it's rapidly switching between single tasks

  • Concurrent multitasking: activities that are possible to multitask

  • Body doubling and how it can help in organizing

  • The perils of driving while listening to podcasts

  • Using ScreenTime on the iPhone to limit the distraction of technology

  • Practicing being mindful as a way to combat multitasking

  • Using a timer to stay focused

  • How multitasking lowers your IQ (says a study)

  • The truth about multitasking: You think you’re being productive and you aren't!

  ]]>1NYARWO3-N2WHR52Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -070043:54falsefull126261Many people (especially perfectionists) feel like they're being more productive when they attempt to do multiple tasks at once. This week, Shannon and Janine discuss why the opposite is true. Discussion topics include: • The alluring temptation of multitasking • That most multitasking is not actually multitasking; it's rapidly switching between single tasks • Concurrent multitasking: activities that are possible to multitask • Body doubling and how it can help in organizing • The perils of driving while listening to podcasts • Using ScreenTime on the iPhone to limit the distraction of technology • Practicing being mindful as a way to combat multitasking • Using a timer to stay focused • How multitasking lowers your IQ (says a study) • The truth about multitasking: You think you’re being productive and you aren't!Episode 25: Q&A 2 - Ease, Unease and Circling BackIn this second "Q&A on the 5s" episode, Janine and Shannon answer some phoned-in questions from listeners.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How sometimes ease doesn’t come easily

  • The perennial problem of perfectionism: It can feel uncomfortable to stop at less than 100 percent

  • The discomfort of striving and failing to achieve perfection vs the discomfort of letting things not be perfect

  • How Janine let go of a perfectionistic temptation to rewrite her client’s spice labels

  • Practicing good enough on less consequential projects

  • Revisiting tasks to make good enough better

  • How Shannon gives herself permission to come back to a task, deeming it “good enough for now” which allows her to stop.

  • The freedom of good enough

  ]]>In this second "Q&A on the 5s" episode, Janine and Shannon answer some phoned-in questions from listeners.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How sometimes ease doesn’t come easily

  • The perennial problem of perfectionism: It can feel uncomfortable to stop at less than 100 percent

  • The discomfort of striving and failing to achieve perfection vs the discomfort of letting things not be perfect

  • How Janine let go of a perfectionistic temptation to rewrite her client’s spice labels

  • Practicing good enough on less consequential projects

  • Revisiting tasks to make good enough better

  • How Shannon gives herself permission to come back to a task, deeming it “good enough for now” which allows her to stop.

  • The freedom of good enough

  ]]>4KVKPJGA-B70T3XRThu, 15 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -070036:31falsefull125251In this second "Q&A on the 5s" episode, Janine and Shannon answer some phoned-in questions from listeners. Discussion topics include: • How sometimes ease doesn’t come easily • The perennial problem of perfectionism: It can feel uncomfortable to stop at less than 100 percent • The discomfort of striving and failing to achieve perfection vs the discomfort of letting things not be perfect • How Janine let go of a perfectionistic temptation to rewrite her client’s spice labels • Practicing good enough on less consequential projects • Revisiting tasks to make good enough better • How Shannon gives herself permission to come back to a task, deeming it “good enough for now” which allows her to stop. • The freedom of good enoughEpisode 24: Start Where You ArePerfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started

  • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum

  • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start

  • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism

  • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this

  • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project

  • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later

  • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start

  • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smart

  ]]>Perfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started

  • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum

  • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start

  • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism

  • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this

  • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project

  • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later

  • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start

  • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smart

  ]]>D1AAYGJE-JIQKT9Thu, 08 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -070029:39falsefull124241Perfectionists tend to want to have all their ducks in a row before getting started on a new project. That tendency can be paralyzing. And it's so unnecessary. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about how just starting where you are can benefit you in so many ways. Discussion topics include: • Why things don’t have to be perfect in order for you to get started • That just by starting and moving forward, you create momentum • How you don’t know what you need to know until you start • The paralyzing effect of perfectionism • Some current examples from Janine and Shannon’s lives of how they struggle with this • How thinking of doing something as a practice or experiment can take the pressure off a new project • Starting a new system now and worrying about the backlog later • The impossibility of setting up a perfect system before you start • How stopping things that aren’t working out for you is smartEpisode 23: Overcoming Bad HabitsLast week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inherent value of bad habits

  • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills

  • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way

  • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits

  • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit

  • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic

  • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell

  • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit

  • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define you

  ]]>Last week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The inherent value of bad habits

  • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills

  • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way

  • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits

  • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit

  • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic

  • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell

  • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit

  • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define you

  ]]>BIOO16PL-ZF9WWMIThu, 01 Nov 2018 14:00:00 -070034:08falsefull123231Last week Janine and Shannon talked about creating helpful habits. This week, we look at the other side of the coin--letting go of bad habits. Shannon shares her view that all habits (even bad ones) are the result of good intentions and talks about how we can use that information to kick bad habits. Discussion topics include: • The inherent value of bad habits • Peeling back the many layers of a bad habit to find the need it fulfills • Figuring out how to fulfill the positive intention in a more beneficial way • Being kind to yourself as you work on letting go of bad habits • Creating a helpful habit that is incompatible with the bad habit • The double-edged sword of habits becoming so automatic • Becoming conscious of your unwanted habits and breaking their spell • Shannon’s three-step process to letting go of a bad habit • Remembering that your bad habits don’t define youEpisode 22: Creating Helpful HabitsWhen it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things

  • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits

  • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month

  • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits

  • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!)

  • Some strategies for remembering new habits

  • The power of chaining habits together into a routine

  • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits

  • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids!

  Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits!

  ]]>When it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things

  • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits

  • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month

  • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits

  • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!)

  • Some strategies for remembering new habits

  • The power of chaining habits together into a routine

  • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits

  • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids!

  Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits!

  ]]>CGSR9AHF-H9F6RThu, 25 Oct 2018 14:00:00 -070039:34falsefull122221When it comes to living an easy life, helpful habits are everything. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss why good habits are important and how to create them. Discussion topics include: • How automating the mundane tasks frees your brain for more important things • The challenge of creating and maintaining new habits • Janine’s misguided compulsion to start creating new habits on the first day of the month • The unwritten rules and beliefs we all have about habits • How a good enough mindset can help in creating new habits (hint: take teeny tiny steps!) • Some strategies for remembering new habits • The power of chaining habits together into a routine • Shannon's gentle method for creating new habits • Sticker charts -- they're not just for kids! Tune in next week for our episode on overcoming bad habits!Episode 21: Know Your WhyThe bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The importance of knowing your core values

  • Evaluating what’s important to you

  • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?”

  • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you

  • Trying a Word of the Year exercise

  • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier

  • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals

  • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changes

  ]]>The bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The importance of knowing your core values

  • Evaluating what’s important to you

  • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?”

  • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you

  • Trying a Word of the Year exercise

  • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier

  • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals

  • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changes

  ]]>H4KYGUNG-WYIUDIThu, 18 Oct 2018 14:00:00 -070036:28falsefull121211The bedrock of all the advice we offer on this podcast is, "Know what's important to you." In this episode, Janine and Shannon discuss how to get in touch with your values so that you can more easily embrace good enough. Discussion topics include: • The importance of knowing your core values • Evaluating what’s important to you • The secret sauce of the process: Repeating the question “What else?” • Using your core values to help you decide what good enough means to you • Trying a Word of the Year exercise • How getting clear on your why makes everything easier • Getting in touch with your body’s “yes” and “no” signals • Shannon’s “Boring Change” technique for making ridiculously easy changesEpisode 20: {GEIP} GenealogyShannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this, our second Good Enough In Practice episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy

  • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating

  • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing

  • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family feels to care for these documents correctly and share them

  • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you

  • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist)

  • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier

  • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research

  • Janine’s “good enough” research log

  Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine.

  Comment from Shannon: Right after we recorded this episode, I purchased archival documents boxes and folders and started sorting my documents into them. It was a perfect rainy day Sunday activity and I no longer feel overwhelmed!

  ]]>Shannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this, our second Good Enough In Practice episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy

  • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating

  • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing

  • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family feels to care for these documents correctly and share them

  • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you

  • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist)

  • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier

  • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research

  • Janine’s “good enough” research log

  Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine.

  Comment from Shannon: Right after we recorded this episode, I purchased archival documents boxes and folders and started sorting my documents into them. It was a perfect rainy day Sunday activity and I no longer feel overwhelmed!

  ]]>BXX8AXEZ-QDUNMIThu, 11 Oct 2018 14:00:00 -070039:40falsefull120201Shannon and Janine are among the millions of people who enjoy doing genealogy research. In fact, as a genealogy blogger, Janine devotes a significant amount of time to it. In this, our second Good Enough In Practice episode, we discuss Shannon's challenges with her genealogy research (which involve an enviable literal treasure trove of original documents given to her by her mother) and discuss some strategies to help her get past the perfectionism that's stopping her from proceeding with her research. Discussion topics include: • How a lot of people get hung up on perfectionism in genealogy • How genealogical standards can feel intimidating • How the discovery of Shannon's treasure trove was both wonderful and stress-inducing • The responsibility Shannon feels to the rest of her family feels to care for these documents correctly and share them • The importance of knowing why genealogy research (and anything else) is important to you • Some practical advice for dealing with these precious documents (keyword: checklist) • Creating a "good enough" standard to make source citations easier • Getting past the overwhelm of genealogy research • Janine’s “good enough” research log Bonus! We get an update on Shannon's morning routine at the end of the episode. She shares how her good enough attitude and the minimum standards she has set have helped her establish and stick with a great morning routine. Comment from Shannon: Right after we recorded this episode, I purchased archival documents boxes and folders and started sorting my documents into them. It was a perfect rainy day Sunday activity and I no longer feel overwhelmed!Episode 19: Alexandra FranzenThis week, Shannon and Janine interview the amazing writer Alexandra Franzen, author of the upcoming novel So This Is the End: A Love Story. We've both had the opportunity to work with Alex and know her to be a talented, thinking individual, so we were thrilled when she accepted our invitation to be on the podcast.

  Alex offers all sorts of insights on things like perfectionism, good enough, confidence and the benefits of growing older (and she's in her thirties). Her wit and wisdom enhance our ongoing discussion of perfectionism!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be easier to let go of perfectionism when you feel more confident in your abilities

  • How perfectionism made it hard for Alex to decide her novel was finished

  • The role of experience in allowing yourself to be good enough (more experience = less perfectionism)

  • Figuring out when something’s done

  • Setting personal criteria for what's good enough (Spoiler alert: it’s empowering!)

  • Moving through life with a full cup (and watching it overflow)

  • Some of the more enjoyable aspects of getting older

  • Alex’s parting question, “If you had 24 hours to live, what is just one thing that you’d absolutely want to do on that final day?"

  Alex's novel, So This Is the End: A Love Story, will be published in hardcover and Kindle editions on October 15 by Mango Press.

  ]]>This week, Shannon and Janine interview the amazing writer Alexandra Franzen, author of the upcoming novel So This Is the End: A Love Story. We've both had the opportunity to work with Alex and know her to be a talented, thinking individual, so we were thrilled when she accepted our invitation to be on the podcast.

  Alex offers all sorts of insights on things like perfectionism, good enough, confidence and the benefits of growing older (and she's in her thirties). Her wit and wisdom enhance our ongoing discussion of perfectionism!

  Discussion topics include:

  • How it can be easier to let go of perfectionism when you feel more confident in your abilities

  • How perfectionism made it hard for Alex to decide her novel was finished

  • The role of experience in allowing yourself to be good enough (more experience = less perfectionism)

  • Figuring out when something’s done

  • Setting personal criteria for what's good enough (Spoiler alert: it’s empowering!)

  • Moving through life with a full cup (and watching it overflow)

  • Some of the more enjoyable aspects of getting older

  • Alex’s parting question, “If you had 24 hours to live, what is just one thing that you’d absolutely want to do on that final day?"

  Alex's novel, So This Is the End: A Love Story, will be published in hardcover and Kindle editions on October 15 by Mango Press.

  ]]>B3A8GASH-0FTJ4IThu, 04 Oct 2018 14:00:00 -070051:51falsefull119191This week, Shannon and Janine interview the amazing writer Alexandra Franzen, author of the upcoming novel So This Is the End: A Love Story. We've both had the opportunity to work with Alex and know her to be a talented, thinking individual, so we were thrilled when she accepted our invitation to be on the podcast. Alex offers all sorts of insights on things like perfectionism, good enough, confidence and the benefits of growing older (and she's in her thirties). Her wit and wisdom enhance our ongoing discussion of perfectionism! Discussion topics include: • How it can be easier to let go of perfectionism when you feel more confident in your abilities • How perfectionism made it hard for Alex to decide her novel was finished • The role of experience in allowing yourself to be good enough (more experience = less perfectionism) • Figuring out when something’s done • Setting personal criteria for what's good enough (Spoiler alert: it’s empowering!) • Moving through life with a full cup (and watching it overflow) • Some of the more enjoyable aspects of getting older • Alex’s parting question, “If you had 24 hours to live, what is just one thing that you’d absolutely want to do on that final day?" Alex's novel, So This Is the End: A Love Story, will be published in hardcover and Kindle editions on October 15 by Mango Press.Episode 18: PrioritizingSetting priorities makes sure that we get important things done and don't spend our time putting out fires or doing things that don't contribute to our goals. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about various methods for prioritizing and how, once again, it all boils down to knowing what's important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Various matrixes to help you prioritize

  • Making time for the important, not just the urgent (hint: it’s worthwhile to prioritize setting up systems that will eventually save you time)

  • Eating the frog

  • The birthday present Shannon gives to herself every March

  • A daily routine that helps you maintain your priorities but still go with the flow

  Shannon’s progress toward creating a great morning routine that involves picking her top priority for the day

  • How knowing what’s important to you helps you do everything more easily

  • Prioritizing and budgeting (time and money)

  ]]>Setting priorities makes sure that we get important things done and don't spend our time putting out fires or doing things that don't contribute to our goals. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about various methods for prioritizing and how, once again, it all boils down to knowing what's important to you.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Various matrixes to help you prioritize

  • Making time for the important, not just the urgent (hint: it’s worthwhile to prioritize setting up systems that will eventually save you time)

  • Eating the frog

  • The birthday present Shannon gives to herself every March

  • A daily routine that helps you maintain your priorities but still go with the flow

  Shannon’s progress toward creating a great morning routine that involves picking her top priority for the day

  • How knowing what’s important to you helps you do everything more easily

  • Prioritizing and budgeting (time and money)

  ]]>A89LB8I3-N4MFGVIThu, 27 Sep 2018 14:00:00 -070034:19falsefull118181Setting priorities makes sure that we get important things done and don't spend our time putting out fires or doing things that don't contribute to our goals. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about various methods for prioritizing and how, once again, it all boils down to knowing what's important to you. Discussion topics include: • Various matrixes to help you prioritize • Making time for the important, not just the urgent (hint: it’s worthwhile to prioritize setting up systems that will eventually save you time) • Eating the frog • The birthday present Shannon gives to herself every March • A daily routine that helps you maintain your priorities but still go with the flow Shannon’s progress toward creating a great morning routine that involves picking her top priority for the day • How knowing what’s important to you helps you do everything more easily • Prioritizing and budgeting (time and money) Check www.gettingtogoodenough.com for Janine's quick sketches of the matrixes we talked about.Episode 17: Asking for HelpAsking for help can be so, well, helpful. Yet many people (Janine and Shannon included) have difficulty asking for help. In this episode we explore how life can be better when you seek help. This episode includes a special (surprise!) guest appearance by Mike, Shannon's husband, who is an asking-for-help ninja. He shares some of his insights on the whys and hows of seeking help.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of asking for help

  • The ins and outs of asking for directions

  • Shannon and Janine’s adventure in asking for help when they had car difficulties in Utah

  • Why it’s a good practice to ask for help even when it's difficult

  • Mike’s strategy for asking for help (hint: it’s always a conversation, not just a question)

  • How just by asking Mike finds out that he needs help with things he doesn’t even know about

  • Mike's view that he doesn’t just ask for help, he gets clarification of the problem.

  • A couple of approaches that might make it a little easier to ask for help.

  • Shannon and Janine’s promised experiment with asking for help

  ]]>Asking for help can be so, well, helpful. Yet many people (Janine and Shannon included) have difficulty asking for help. In this episode we explore how life can be better when you seek help. This episode includes a special (surprise!) guest appearance by Mike, Shannon's husband, who is an asking-for-help ninja. He shares some of his insights on the whys and hows of seeking help.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism can get in the way of asking for help

  • The ins and outs of asking for directions

  • Shannon and Janine’s adventure in asking for help when they had car difficulties in Utah

  • Why it’s a good practice to ask for help even when it's difficult

  • Mike’s strategy for asking for help (hint: it’s always a conversation, not just a question)

  • How just by asking Mike finds out that he needs help with things he doesn’t even know about

  • Mike's view that he doesn’t just ask for help, he gets clarification of the problem.

  • A couple of approaches that might make it a little easier to ask for help.

  • Shannon and Janine’s promised experiment with asking for help

  ]]>EONYBMJY-9529Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:00:00 -070051:03falsefull117171Asking for help can be so, well, helpful. Yet many people (Janine and Shannon included) have difficulty asking for help. In this episode we explore how life can be better when you seek help. This episode includes a special (surprise!) guest appearance by Mike, Shannon's husband, who is an asking-for-help ninja. He shares some of his insights on the whys and hows of seeking help. Discussion topics include: • How perfectionism can get in the way of asking for help • The ins and outs of asking for directions • Shannon and Janine’s adventure in asking for help when they had car difficulties in Utah • Why it’s a good practice to ask for help even when it's difficult • Mike’s strategy for asking for help (hint: it’s always a conversation, not just a question) • How just by asking Mike finds out that he needs help with things he doesn’t even know about • Mike's view that he doesn’t just ask for help, he gets clarification of the problem. • A couple of approaches that might make it a little easier to ask for help. • Shannon and Janine’s promised experiment with asking for helpEpisode 16: Decision MakingWe make thousands of decisions a day. Some are easy. Some are hard. And some are harder than they need to be. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about making decisions a little easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficult decisions brought on by modern television viewing

  • How having many options makes it more difficult to make decisions

  • Using your limited to decision-making capacity for important decisions

  • How perfectionism hampered Shannon’s car-buying ability

  • Shannon’s closet-clearing strategy (Janine thinks it's brilliant)

  • The coin-flipping method of decision making (it’s fun and sneaky)

  • Strategies for restaurant-related decisions

  • The secret decision-making formula: know what’s most important to you about a decision and use those parameters to narrow the options and make a choice.

  ]]>We make thousands of decisions a day. Some are easy. Some are hard. And some are harder than they need to be. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about making decisions a little easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The difficult decisions brought on by modern television viewing

  • How having many options makes it more difficult to make decisions

  • Using your limited to decision-making capacity for important decisions

  • How perfectionism hampered Shannon’s car-buying ability

  • Shannon’s closet-clearing strategy (Janine thinks it's brilliant)

  • The coin-flipping method of decision making (it’s fun and sneaky)

  • Strategies for restaurant-related decisions

  • The secret decision-making formula: know what’s most important to you about a decision and use those parameters to narrow the options and make a choice.

  ]]>G4QSZ57J-7J5RK9Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:00:00 -070040:44falsefull116161We make thousands of decisions a day. Some are easy. Some are hard. And some are harder than they need to be. In this episode, Shannon and Janine talk about making decisions a little easier. Discussion topics include: • The difficult decisions brought on by modern television viewing • How having many options makes it more difficult to make decisions • Using your limited to decision-making capacity for important decisions • How perfectionism hampered Shannon’s car-buying ability • Shannon’s closet-clearing strategy (Janine thinks it's brilliant) • The coin-flipping method of decision making (it’s fun and sneaky) • Strategies for restaurant-related decisions • The secret decision-making formula: know what’s most important to you about a decision and use those parameters to narrow the options and make a choice.Episode 15: Q&A 1 - Prioritizing, Planning & EmpoweringIt's your turn! In this episode Janine and Shannon answer questions from listeners.

  Discussion topics include:

  Empowering:

  • Becoming empowered by the people who teach you

  • Finding someone to work with who supports you and helps you feel good about your efforts

  • Doing the best you can (without being perfect) so that you can be a model for someone else

  Planning:

  •Staying on top of all the areas of your life

  • Janine and Shannon’s favorite paper planner for busy people (spoiler alert: it’s Planner Pad)

  • Shannon’s Bullet Journal (and why she likes handwriting her planner)

  • A holistic approach to keeping track of stuff in your life

  
  

  Prioritizing:

  • Questions to ask yourself to help you decide what to work on

  • Setting an achievable goal and a stretch goal

  • Feeling vs thinking about your projects

  ]]>It's your turn! In this episode Janine and Shannon answer questions from listeners.

  Discussion topics include:

  Empowering:

  • Becoming empowered by the people who teach you

  • Finding someone to work with who supports you and helps you feel good about your efforts

  • Doing the best you can (without being perfect) so that you can be a model for someone else

  Planning:

  •Staying on top of all the areas of your life

  • Janine and Shannon’s favorite paper planner for busy people (spoiler alert: it’s Planner Pad)

  • Shannon’s Bullet Journal (and why she likes handwriting her planner)

  • A holistic approach to keeping track of stuff in your life

  
  

  Prioritizing:

  • Questions to ask yourself to help you decide what to work on

  • Setting an achievable goal and a stretch goal

  • Feeling vs thinking about your projects

  ]]>E8DJJDG8-0ICNMIThu, 06 Sep 2018 14:00:00 -070035:07falsefull115151It's your turn! In this episode Janine and Shannon answer questions from listeners. Discussion topics include: Empowering: • Becoming empowered by the people who teach you • Finding someone to work with who supports you and helps you feel good about your efforts • Doing the best you can (without being perfect) so that you can be a model for someone else Planning: •Staying on top of all the areas of your life • Janine and Shannon’s favorite paper planner for busy people (spoiler alert: it’s Planner Pad) • Shannon’s Bullet Journal (and why she likes handwriting her planner) • A holistic approach to keeping track of stuff in your life Prioritizing: • Questions to ask yourself to help you decide what to work on • Setting an achievable goal and a stretch goal • Feeling vs thinking about your projectsEpisode 14: Evening RoutinesEvening routines set you up for success the next day. Shannon has a well-practiced evening routine she thinks of as "putting the house to bed." In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of evening routines and how they can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's ease-filled evening routine

  • How putting her house to bed gives

  • Shannon peace of mind

  • Janine’s end-of-the-workday routine

  • How evening routines can make your mornings easier

  • Ideas for things you can do in the evening to make your mornings less hectic

  • Thinking of evening routines as doing a favor for your future self

  ]]>Evening routines set you up for success the next day. Shannon has a well-practiced evening routine she thinks of as "putting the house to bed." In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of evening routines and how they can make your life easier.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Shannon's ease-filled evening routine

  • How putting her house to bed gives

  • Shannon peace of mind

  • Janine’s end-of-the-workday routine

  • How evening routines can make your mornings easier

  • Ideas for things you can do in the evening to make your mornings less hectic

  • Thinking of evening routines as doing a favor for your future self

  ]]>42X8RKAZ-FQ1TT9Thu, 30 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -070028:15falsefull114141Evening routines set you up for success the next day. Shannon has a well-practiced evening routine she thinks of as "putting the house to bed." In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss the value of evening routines and how they can make your life easier. Discussion topics include: • Shannon's ease-filled evening routine • How putting her house to bed gives • Shannon peace of mind • Janine’s end-of-the-workday routine • How evening routines can make your mornings easier • Ideas for things you can do in the evening to make your mornings less hectic • Thinking of evening routines as doing a favor for your future selfEpisode 13: OvercommittingBeing overcommitted often means being stressed. In this episode, Janine and Shannon suggest the hazards of overcommitting and ways to keep yourself from overcommitting. (Including ways to just say no.) They also discuss the value of building a buffer into your life.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How Janine lived an overcommitted life for a few stressful years

  • Tips for responding to invitations to help

  • How to create that all-important buffer

  • How overcommitting contributed to Shannon’s chronic lateness problem (and how she overcame it)

  • The overcommitment antidote: How to figure out how much free time you have available so you can avoid overcommitting

  • How to evaluate whether you should say yes (or no) to a commitment

  ]]>Being overcommitted often means being stressed. In this episode, Janine and Shannon suggest the hazards of overcommitting and ways to keep yourself from overcommitting. (Including ways to just say no.) They also discuss the value of building a buffer into your life.

  Discussion topics include:

  
  

  • How Janine lived an overcommitted life for a few stressful years

  • Tips for responding to invitations to help

  • How to create that all-important buffer

  • How overcommitting contributed to Shannon’s chronic lateness problem (and how she overcame it)

  • The overcommitment antidote: How to figure out how much free time you have available so you can avoid overcommitting

  • How to evaluate whether you should say yes (or no) to a commitment

  ]]>ETWJLJ1O-U59UDIThu, 23 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -070034:52falsefull113131Being overcommitted often means being stressed. In this episode, Janine and Shannon suggest the hazards of overcommitting and ways to keep yourself from overcommitting. (Including ways to just say no.) They also discuss the value of building a buffer into your life. Discussion topics include: • How Janine lived an overcommitted life for a few stressful years • Tips for responding to invitations to help • How to create that all-important buffer • How overcommitting contributed to Shannon’s chronic lateness problem (and how she overcame it) • The overcommitment antidote: How to figure out how much free time you have available so you can avoid overcommitting • How to evaluate whether you should say yes (or no) to a commitmentEpisode 12: ProcrastinationVirtually everyone procrastinates at one time or another. In fact, both Shannon and Janine used to be terrible procrastinators. In this episode we take a look at the various reasons people procrastinate and offer up some strategies for overcoming procrastination.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How procrastination differs from waiting or postponing

  • The four productivity blocks (i.e. reasons you procrastinate) that Shannon has identified

  • Strategies for overcoming each of these productivity blocks

  • How to learn what your particular productivity block is

  • How fear fits into the procrastination picture

  • A productivity hack for those who have a tendency to put off making appointments

  • A debate over the historic length of Shannon's hair

  ]]>Virtually everyone procrastinates at one time or another. In fact, both Shannon and Janine used to be terrible procrastinators. In this episode we take a look at the various reasons people procrastinate and offer up some strategies for overcoming procrastination.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How procrastination differs from waiting or postponing

  • The four productivity blocks (i.e. reasons you procrastinate) that Shannon has identified

  • Strategies for overcoming each of these productivity blocks

  • How to learn what your particular productivity block is

  • How fear fits into the procrastination picture

  • A productivity hack for those who have a tendency to put off making appointments

  • A debate over the historic length of Shannon's hair

  ]]>IH4KEC8C-Z2GLDIThu, 16 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -070039:11falsefull112121Virtually everyone procrastinates at one time or another. In fact, both Shannon and Janine used to be terrible procrastinators. In this episode we take a look at the various reasons people procrastinate and offer up some strategies for overcoming procrastination. Discussion topics include: • How procrastination differs from waiting or postponing • The four productivity blocks (i.e. reasons you procrastinate) that Shannon has identified • Strategies for overcoming each of these productivity blocks • How to learn what your particular productivity block is • How fear fits into the procrastination picture • A productivity hack for those who have a tendency to put off making appointments • A debate over the historic length of Shannon's hairEpisode 11: Morning RoutinesThe routine things we do every morning can help shape our day. Janine is the queen of morning routines while Shannon strives for a better one. In this episode Shanon and Janine discuss the hows and whys of building a strong morning routine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s very established morning routine

  • How Shannon's kitten, Cleo, is helping her create a new morning routine

  • Linking new habits to old habits to create a routine

  • Deciding what to put in your morning routine (hint: start small and easy)

  • Why morning routines are so important

  • Janine and Shannon’s outrageously helpful dishwasher routine

  • How Shannon is planning to create a better morning routine

  ]]>The routine things we do every morning can help shape our day. Janine is the queen of morning routines while Shannon strives for a better one. In this episode Shanon and Janine discuss the hows and whys of building a strong morning routine.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Janine’s very established morning routine

  • How Shannon's kitten, Cleo, is helping her create a new morning routine

  • Linking new habits to old habits to create a routine

  • Deciding what to put in your morning routine (hint: start small and easy)

  • Why morning routines are so important

  • Janine and Shannon’s outrageously helpful dishwasher routine

  • How Shannon is planning to create a better morning routine

  ]]>G15CAU0R-B0GGB9Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -070036:15falsefull111111The routine things we do every morning can help shape our day. Janine is the queen of morning routines while Shannon strives for a better one. In this episode Shanon and Janine discuss the hows and whys of building a strong morning routine. Discussion topics include: • Janine’s very established morning routine • How Shannon's kitten, Cleo, is helping her create a new morning routine • Linking new habits to old habits to create a routine • Deciding what to put in your morning routine (hint: start small and easy) • Why morning routines are so important • Janine and Shannon’s outrageously helpful dishwasher routine • How Shannon is planning to create a better morning routineEpisode 10: {GEIP} The Brain HatJanine and Shannon have decided that each episode that ends in a zero will be a Good Enough In Practice {GEIP} episode, where we talk about something that demonstrates how embracing good enough is helping (or could help) one of us.

  This week, Janine talks about the knitted Brain Hat she started making for a friend to wear in the March for Science in April 2017. Perfectionism took over and she stopped working on it. This bright pink hat sat in her dining room on a styrofoam head for nearly a year and a half until, prompted by the podcast, she decided to try to get past the perfectionism and finish the damn hat.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism got in the way of her finishing the brain hat (a brain surgeon was involved)

  • How working on it a little at a time made finishing the hat feel doable

  • How recognizing what was important about the project helped her finish it

  • How Shannon’s anti-procrastination quiz helped her (and can help you) identify her productivity block

  Shannon put on her coaching hat and helped Janine shift her perspective so she could finish the hat.

  Comment from Janine: Guess what? It worked! I finished the hat and delivered it to the recipient, Lucinda. She loved it. She even texted that her husband was impressed with it! 

  ]]>Janine and Shannon have decided that each episode that ends in a zero will be a Good Enough In Practice {GEIP} episode, where we talk about something that demonstrates how embracing good enough is helping (or could help) one of us.

  This week, Janine talks about the knitted Brain Hat she started making for a friend to wear in the March for Science in April 2017. Perfectionism took over and she stopped working on it. This bright pink hat sat in her dining room on a styrofoam head for nearly a year and a half until, prompted by the podcast, she decided to try to get past the perfectionism and finish the damn hat.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How perfectionism got in the way of her finishing the brain hat (a brain surgeon was involved)

  • How working on it a little at a time made finishing the hat feel doable

  • How recognizing what was important about the project helped her finish it

  • How Shannon’s anti-procrastination quiz helped her (and can help you) identify her productivity block

  Shannon put on her coaching hat and helped Janine shift her perspective so she could finish the hat.

  Comment from Janine: Guess what? It worked! I finished the hat and delivered it to the recipient, Lucinda. She loved it. She even texted that her husband was impressed with it! 

  ]]>GNWMNWE9-YIIZFRThu, 02 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -070028:12falsefull110101Janine and Shannon have decided that each episode that ends in a zero will be a Good Enough In Practice {GEIP} episode, where we talk about something that demonstrates how embracing good enough is helping (or could help) one of us. This week, Janine talks about the knitted Brain Hat she started making for a friend to wear in the March for Science in April 2017. Perfectionism took over and she stopped working on it. This bright pink hat sat in her dining room on a styrofoam head for nearly a year and a half until, prompted by the podcast, she decided to try to get past the perfectionism and finish the damn hat. Discussion topics include: • How perfectionism got in the way of her finishing the brain hat (a brain surgeon was involved) • How working on it a little at a time made finishing the hat feel doable • How recognizing what was important about the project helped her finish it • How Shannon’s anti-procrastination quiz helped her (and can help you) identify her productivity block Shannon put on her coaching hat and helped Janine shift her perspective so she could finish the hat. Comment from Janine: Guess what? It worked! I finished the hat and delivered it to the recipient, Lucinda. She loved it. She even texted that her husband was impressed with it! Be sure and check out the show notes on the website for photos.Episode 9: Luck Favors the PreparedShannon and Janine discuss luck -- the good kind -- and how a "good enough" attitude can help make you more aware and able to take  advantage of opportunities that show themselves. We also talk about ways you can improve your luck.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The Incredibles

  • Janine's mother's funeral (both of which are relevant to the topic!)

  • The importance of being willing to fail

  • How anxiety around perfectionism can make you unlucky

  • Luck school (raise your hand if you want Shannon to offer luck workshops!)

  • Figuring out how go about being prepared so that you can be lucky

  ]]>Shannon and Janine discuss luck -- the good kind -- and how a "good enough" attitude can help make you more aware and able to take  advantage of opportunities that show themselves. We also talk about ways you can improve your luck.

  Discussion topics include:

  • The Incredibles

  • Janine's mother's funeral (both of which are relevant to the topic!)

  • The importance of being willing to fail

  • How anxiety around perfectionism can make you unlucky

  • Luck school (raise your hand if you want Shannon to offer luck workshops!)

  • Figuring out how go about being prepared so that you can be lucky

  ]]>5I8GYPY8-MB1EMIThu, 26 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -070036:41falsefull1991Shannon and Janine discuss luck -- the good kind -- and how a "good enough" attitude can help make you more aware and able to take advantage of opportunities that show themselves. We also talk about ways you can improve your luck. Discussion topics include: • The Incredibles • Janine's mother's funeral (both of which are relevant to the topic!) • The importance of being willing to fail • How anxiety around perfectionism can make you unlucky • Luck school (raise your hand if you want Shannon to offer luck workshops!) • Figuring out how go about being prepared so that you can be luckyEpisode 8: You Be YouWe all do things differently--and that's okay. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how it doesn't matter how you do things, as long as your way is working.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why comparing yourself to others isn't helpful

  • How it's your own standards (not your mother's or the media's) that matter

  • Dispelling some myths about professional organizers and life coaches

  • "Faking it until you make it" (or not)

  • Janine's freak out when she invited a group of professional organizers to her home

  Please note: We had some technical difficulties with this episode, which was originally supposed to be Episode 5. It kicked our butts. As a result, you might notice a few sound problems. But we liked the content so we embraced good enough and published it. We hope you enjoy it enough to overlook the sound issues.

  ]]>We all do things differently--and that's okay. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how it doesn't matter how you do things, as long as your way is working.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Why comparing yourself to others isn't helpful

  • How it's your own standards (not your mother's or the media's) that matter

  • Dispelling some myths about professional organizers and life coaches

  • "Faking it until you make it" (or not)

  • Janine's freak out when she invited a group of professional organizers to her home

  Please note: We had some technical difficulties with this episode, which was originally supposed to be Episode 5. It kicked our butts. As a result, you might notice a few sound problems. But we liked the content so we embraced good enough and published it. We hope you enjoy it enough to overlook the sound issues.

  ]]>69Z1Q8T5-U62BJ4IThu, 19 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -070025:30falsefull1881We all do things differently--and that's okay. In this episode Shannon and Janine talk about how it doesn't matter how you do things, as long as your way is working. Discussion topics include: • Why comparing yourself to others isn't helpful • How it's your own standards (not your mother's or the media's) that matter • Dispelling some myths about professional organizers and life coaches • "Faking it until you make it" (or not) • Janine's freak out when she invited a group of professional organizers to her home Please note: We had some technical difficulties with this episode, which was originally supposed to be Episode 5. It kicked our butts. As a result, you might notice a few sound problems. But we liked the content so we embraced good enough and published it. We hope you enjoy it enough to overlook the sound issues.Episode 7: What Is Good Enough?It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on

  • How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard)

  • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours

  • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases

  •How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient ways

  ]]>It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal.

  Discussion topics include:

  • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on

  • How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard)

  • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours

  • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases

  •How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient ways

  ]]>87G5YWCM-Z8H0K9Thu, 12 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -070036:32falsefull1771It's hard to know how to stop at good enough if you haven't identified what good enough means to you. Shannon and Janine discuss why it's important to understand your own standards of good enough--and how those standards are very personal. Discussion topics include: • How standards can vary depending on the importance of what you’re working on •How living with teenagers has caused Shannon to embrace a different standard of good enough in terms of housekeeping (spoiler alert: the word “botulism” is part of her standard) • The challenge of living with people whose standards of clutter are different than yours • Shannon’s technique for avoiding over-researching purchases •How Janine straddles the divide between the future and the ancient waysEpisode 6: Task ManagementShannon and Janine get excited talking about task management and the various methods we've used over the years to stay happy and productive while trying to get stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Mark Forster's task management systems

  • Todoist, which we're both customizing to our needs

  • The importance of writing down tasks

  • Using Post-it® Notes to keep track of tasks

  • The value of shaking up your system

  * To-do List Bingo

  ]]>Shannon and Janine get excited talking about task management and the various methods we've used over the years to stay happy and productive while trying to get stuff done.

  Discussion topics include:

  • Mark Forster's task management systems

  • Todoist, which we're both customizing to our needs

  • The importance of writing down tasks

  • Using Post-it® Notes to keep track of tasks

  • The value of shaking up your system

  * To-do List Bingo

  ]]>FM7DYYGV-95P14IThu, 05 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -070036:25falsefull1661Shannon and Janine get excited talking about task management and the various methods we've used over the years to stay happy and productive while trying to get stuff done. Discussion topics include: • Mark Forster's task management systems • Todoist, which we're both customizing to our needs • The importance of writing down tasks • Using Post-it® Notes to keep track of tasks • The value of shaking up your system * To-do List BingoEpisode 5: Good Enough In PracticeJanine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of "good enough" when creating this podcast.

  In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It's been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism.

  We let it be easy when it came to:

  • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast

  • Selecting topics

  • Selecting the name of the podcast

  • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch

  • Creating a logo for the podcast

  • Rehearsing our conversations (or not)

  Listen to the inside scoop on how putting "good enough" into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!

  ]]>Janine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of "good enough" when creating this podcast.

  In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It's been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism.

  We let it be easy when it came to:

  • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast

  • Selecting topics

  • Selecting the name of the podcast

  • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch

  • Creating a logo for the podcast

  • Rehearsing our conversations (or not)

  Listen to the inside scoop on how putting "good enough" into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!

  ]]>17UDEQGW-NG6WDN2Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:25:00 -070028:39falsefull1551Janine and Shannon truly embraced the concept of "good enough" when creating this podcast. In this episode we talk about how we went from idea to launch in less than two months (with five episodes recorded!). It's been a great lesson for us on the value of letting go of perfectionism. We let it be easy when it came to: • Choosing the podcasting app we use to produce the podcast • Selecting topics • Selecting the name of the podcast • Deciding what had to be in place before we could launch • Creating a logo for the podcast • Rehearsing our conversations (or not) Listen to the inside scoop on how putting "good enough" into practice allowed us to make creating a podcast fun and easy!Episode 4: Self-TalkWhat is that little voice in your head telling you? Self-talk can be positive, but all too often it's negative and not at all helpful.

  Shannon and Janine discuss turning the negative self-talk around so that it's actually helpful.

  Other topics include:

  • Using self-talk to your advantage

  • How to minimize the impact of negative self-talk

  • The epic After School Special, "The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon" and how it relates to self-talk

  • Shannon's rant against the word "deserve"

  ]]>What is that little voice in your head telling you? Self-talk can be positive, but all too often it's negative and not at all helpful.

  Shannon and Janine discuss turning the negative self-talk around so that it's actually helpful.

  Other topics include:

  • Using self-talk to your advantage

  • How to minimize the impact of negative self-talk

  • The epic After School Special, "The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon" and how it relates to self-talk

  • Shannon's rant against the word "deserve"

  ]]>7CK6ODD9-WMZ33DIThu, 21 Jun 2018 14:00:00 -070038:14falsefull1441What is that little voice in your head telling you? Self-talk can be positive, but all too often it's negative and not at all helpful. Shannon and Janine discuss turning the negative self-talk around so that it's actually helpful. Other topics include: • Using self-talk to your advantage • How to minimize the impact of negative self-talk • The epic After School Special, "The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon" and how it relates to self-talk • Shannon's rant against the word "deserve"Episode 3: BackslidingEveryone backslides. Shannon and Janine see it all the time in their clients (and we experience it ourselves, too).

  In this episode we discuss how backsliding is part of the process and how important it is to be kind to yourself when it happens.

  Other topics include:

  • What to do if you backslide

  • How to avoid backsliding in the future (spoiler alert: daily habits can be really helpful)

  • Janine's effort to get back into Todoist after backsliding with it

  • How being kind to yourself is good self care

  ]]>Everyone backslides. Shannon and Janine see it all the time in their clients (and we experience it ourselves, too).

  In this episode we discuss how backsliding is part of the process and how important it is to be kind to yourself when it happens.

  Other topics include:

  • What to do if you backslide

  • How to avoid backsliding in the future (spoiler alert: daily habits can be really helpful)

  • Janine's effort to get back into Todoist after backsliding with it

  • How being kind to yourself is good self care

  ]]>EOU7FX4N-39DX6RThu, 14 Jun 2018 20:44:00 -070028:48falsefull1331Everyone backslides. Shannon and Janine see it all the time in their clients (and we experience it ourselves, too). In this episode we discuss how backsliding is part of the process and how important it is to be kind to yourself when it happens. Other topics include: •What to do if you backslide • How to avoid backsliding in the future (spoiler alert: daily habits can be really helpful) • Janine's effort to get back into Todoist after backsliding with it • How being kind to yourself is good self careEpisode 2: RewardsJanine and Shannon discuss the how helpful it is to reward yourself for progress (as opposed to success).

  When you reward accomplishing steps along the way to achieving your goal, you keep yourself motivated. Rewarding yourself will help you do more in the long run.

  Our discussion touches on:

  • Why we don’t have to suffer to succeed.

  • Creating a doable to-do list (and why that’s important)

  • Coming up with ways to reward yourself

  • The value of taking a break

  ]]>Janine and Shannon discuss the how helpful it is to reward yourself for progress (as opposed to success).

  When you reward accomplishing steps along the way to achieving your goal, you keep yourself motivated. Rewarding yourself will help you do more in the long run.

  Our discussion touches on:

  • Why we don’t have to suffer to succeed.

  • Creating a doable to-do list (and why that’s important)

  • Coming up with ways to reward yourself

  • The value of taking a break

  ]]>8NU5JFFJ-ZG2E29Thu, 14 Jun 2018 20:25:00 -070031:30falsefull1221Janine and Shannon discuss the how helpful it is to reward yourself for progress (as opposed to success). When you reward accomplishing steps along the way to achieving your goal, you keep yourself motivated. Rewarding yourself will help you do more in the long run. Our discussion touches on: • Why we don’t have to suffer to succeed. • Creating a doable to-do list (and why that’s important) • Coming up with ways to reward yourself • The value of taking a breakEpisode 1: Done Is Better Than PerfectOur first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect.

  We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along.

  Included in the conversation:

  • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project.

  • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible.

  • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough

  ]]>Our first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect.

  We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along.

  Included in the conversation:

  • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project.

  • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible.

  • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough

  ]]>4SNTZXJW-W1P2E29Wed, 13 Jun 2018 20:10:00 -070019:51falsefull1111Our first episode! Shannon and Janine talk about a basic tenet of embracing good enough: the idea that done is better than perfect. We talk about how getting started and finishing something--even if the result is less than perfect--is so much better than waiting for perfect to come along. Included in the conversation: • How perfectionism can keep you from getting started on a project. • How being willing to make mistakes makes getting to good enough possible. • Strategies for letting go of perfectionism and easing into good enough