Have you ever finished a big task and felt that rush of relief—like, ahhh, I’m finally caught up—and then… immediately noticed ten more things waiting for you? Same.

In this episode, we’re unpacking the productivity myth of “catching up,” why it can feel so urgent (and so exhausting), and how it connects to perfectionism and productivity.

Starting in the middle of an “atmospheric river” (aka endless rain), we talk about a surprisingly satisfying homeowner win: Shannon and Mike installed a French drain that finally solved a long-standing sidewalk flooding problem. It felt amazing to cross it off the list… until the list refilled (as it always does).

We explore where the pressure to catch up comes from and what it might look like to let go of the whole concept. We also talk about doing things for enjoyment (without deadlines or milestones), and Janine shares a simple practice that helps her feel less behind: writing down her “Big Three” tasks the night before.

What we talk about

• Why the endless to-do list can make us feel perpetually 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:...

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.

• 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

• 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.

From the Great British Bake Off to quirky comedies and riveting thrillers, creative crafts, and lots of reading, we’re diving into all the things that have been adding a little comfort and fun to our days. We chat about the shows making us smile (and cover our eyes), the joy of audiobooks and how they fit into our routines, and the satisfaction of rediscovering cozy knitting projects. We also reflect on recovery, adapting to life’s changes, and how leaning into simple pleasures—especially during colder months—can make everything feel a bit brighter. Join us for a relaxed conversation about embracing what feels good right now and finding joy in the everyday.

• 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

• 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.

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!

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

• 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.