Getting to Good Enough

Happy New Year! If decision-making tends to turn into overthinking, you’re not alone. In this episode, we share a good-enough approach to easier decision-making—plus the maximizer vs. satisficer mindset and our “rule of three.” Shannon shares her word of the year for 2026: choose —a reminder to make decisions on purpose instead of feeling swept along. We also dig into the difference between being...

It’s the end of the day, you’re tired and hungry, and you’re standing in front of the refrigerator hoping it will offer a suggestion...again. In this episode, we talk about why dinner can feel so complicated (even when food is readily available) and how a little “good enough” planning can make weeknights calmer. Meal planning isn’t just about food—it’s about reducing decision fatigue at the exact...

We kick this episode off with a very real-life moment: Janine opened the refrigerator right before recording and realized it was past time for the dreaded clean-out… again. (You know the one—mystery containers, missing storage bowls, and the hope that nothing has started to smell.) That prompts a conversation about procrastination—why we do it, what’s actually happening underneath it, and how we c...

What if the “secret to happiness” is…doing a small, slightly uncomfortable thing now—so tomorrow (and next week… and tax season) feels easier? In this episode, we talk about what we’re calling the discomfort dividend : the idea that a little effort, inconvenience, or mild discomfort in the present can pay you back later with more ease, less stress, and better momentum . We share real-life examples...

Have you ever finished a big task and felt that rush of relief—like, ahhh, I’m finally caught up —and then… immediately noticed ten more things waiting for you? Same. In this episode, we’re unpacking the productivity myth of “catching up,” why it can feel so urgent (and so exhausting), and how it connects to perfectionism and productivity. Starting in the middle of an “atmospheric river” (aka endl...

Ever catch yourself waiting for the “perfect” moment before you start something new? In this episode, Shannon and Janine break down how embracing imperfection, self-compassion, and progress over perfection can help you finally take that first step—no matter how messy it feels. What We Talk About 01:45: The myth of readiness—how perfectionism and waiting for the “right time” keep us stuck  03:...

From the Great British Bake Off to quirky comedies and riveting thrillers, creative crafts, and lots of reading, we’re diving into all the things that have been adding a little comfort and fun to our days. We chat about the shows making us smile (and cover our eyes), the joy of audiobooks and how they fit into our routines, and the satisfaction of rediscovering cozy knitting projects. We also refl...

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...

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....

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 Se...

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,...

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...

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 energ...

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...

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 sea...

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 yo...

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 st...

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 de...

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...

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 -...

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 t...

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 transf...

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...

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 m...

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 l...