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.

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...

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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").

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.

It's not cheating to tell someone what kind of response you're looking for. Whether it's...

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.

• [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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Even though the podcast relaunch added complexity to an already difficult recovery, it gave Shannon something positive

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.

• 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

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