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 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-care

Featured Self-Care Ideas from This Episode

For 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 Mentioned

• Another favorite of both Shannon and Janine: More Cowbell
• Shannon’s F-bomb-laden-but-hilarious cat video weird-looking stray cat – NSFW!
• Another favorite from Janine: cats playing patty cake
• Janine’s go-to belly laugh video: BBC interview is interrupted
• A wonderful round up in the New York Times about what self care means for different people
• A New York Times article about journaling as self care