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
- 03:49: 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.
