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 purposeKey Takeaways for Happier and Healthier Social Media Habits1. Your Feed Should Reflect Your Purpose, Not Their AlgorithmSocial 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 RejectionIf 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...
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 TakeawaysOvercoming Creative Perfectionism: The Supply Trap vs. The Template SolutionPerfectionism 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 HaveShannon'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 SpacesNot 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 RitualJust 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 FlowSome 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 LineCreativity 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
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 Habits00:52 - 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 TrackExpect 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.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.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.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.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 PerfectionHere'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 UsWe'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...
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 FrameworksDitch 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 LineYour 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 UsWhether 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).
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 RelationshipsFriendship 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 LineTrue 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 UsHave 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 perfectionEpisode 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 timea...
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 OverWhy taking breaks can be the reset you need - sometimes stepping away is the best growth strategyHow life challenges shaped their perspective - Shannon's surgery recovery, Janine's move, and her husband's heart transplant journeyThe power of 20+ year friendship in keeping doors open for new beginningsHow new podcasting technology is making content creation enjoyable againPermission to grow beyond perfectionism into bigger life conversations about wellness and daily livingKey Takeaways for Recovering PerfectionistsStarting over isn't starting from scratch - you bring all your personal growth with you"We can always change our mind" - flexibility beats perfectionism every timeSmall steps create big life changes - progress over perfection winsEmbrace uncertainty - perfect plans are overrated anywayLow expectations work - if one person benefits from your work, that's successWhat's Different About The Podcast this TimeNew Technology Stack:Captivate hosting platform for better distributionRiverside recording for crystal-clear audio qualityVideo episodes now on YouTube for visual learnersAI assistance streamlining modern podcasting workflowsImproved documentation and content planning systemsSame Authentic Approach:Two genuine hosts + one engaged listener = podcast successReal conversations about imperfection and self-compassionWeekly episodes focused on doing more of what you loveThe Bottom Line on Starting OverSometimes 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 EnoughFind 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!
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 FactSince recording this episode, both Shannon and Janine became Certified YNAB Coaches! (links below)What You'll LearnHow 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 PerfectionistsStart 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.LinksWant 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 CoachingJanine's YNAB CoachingThe Bottom LineFinancial 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 QuestionsIs 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 UsHave questions about YNAB or financial peace strategies? Find us on social media @gettingtogoodenough or leave a voicemail at 413-424-GTGE (4843).
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 LoveMost 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 paralysisThe 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 teacherPractical 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 momentsThe 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 choicesFeatured Resources for Closet Organization:Marie Kondo folding techniques - The one t-shirt folding video that actually makes senseStasia Savasuk's transformative TEDx Talk about discovering your personal styleProject 333 minimalist fashion challenge - The game-changing approach to capsule wardrobesPerfect 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 measuresThis 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.
Self-Care Without Perfectionism: Key TakeawaysStruggling 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-careFeatured Self-Care Ideas from This EpisodeFor 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 MentionedAnother favorite of both Shannon and Janine: More CowbellShannon’s F-bomb-laden-but-hilarious cat video weird-looking stray cat – NSFW!Another favorite from Janine: cats playing patty cakeJanine’s go-to belly laugh video: BBC interview is interruptedA wonderful round up in the New York Times about what self care means for different peopleA New York Times article about journaling as self careReady 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.
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
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.
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 hygieneBe sure to visit the show notes at www.gettingtogoodenough.com for links to everything we talked about.
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!
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
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
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
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 downThe 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
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
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
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