Backsliding Happens (And That's Totally Okay)

Getting to Good Enough

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 Habits

00:52 - 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 Track

1. Expect 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 Perfection

Here'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 Us

We'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 plans?

• Leave us a voicemail: 413-424-GTGE (4843)
• Find us on social: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @GettingToGoodEnough
• Email us: [email protected]

Please share this with anyone who’d benefit from hearing that getting derailed is totally normal.

Want more?

• Episode 104: Try Compassion - Perfect connection for the self-compassion themes discussed, including "how easy it is to be hard on yourself" and "techniques Shannon uses to help her clients be less hard on themselves"
• Episode 105: Enjoying Imperfection - Links to the broader theme of embracing imperfection and "Shannon's shift from wanting perfectionism to enjoying good enough"