Episode Details

Have you ever spent days worrying about something that turned out to be no big deal? Are you  overthinking things that drain your energy and your joy? Maybe it is work project, a hard conversation, or simply what to cook for friends. Anxiety feels so real in the moment, but looking back, we often realize we were spinning our wheels for nothing.

In this episode, Dr. Beth is joined by Megan, a recent college graduate and therapy client, for an honest conversation recorded right after one of their sessions. It all starts with a pot of taco soup Megan made for her church small group and the anxiety she felt beforehand. From there, they explore where perfectionism and self-criticism come from, how family patterns quietly shape the way we talk to ourselves, and why “good enough” can be one of the most freeing ideas we embrace. It’s a warm, relatable look at what it means to rewire anxious habits and rest in an identity that isn’t built on performance.

What You’ll Learn

• Why worry is like pressing the gas while your car is in park, and how much energy it drains

• Common thinking traps like overestimating stressors, underestimating yourself, and catastrophizing

• How messages we absorb growing up can turn into lifelong patterns of self-criticism

• Why naming what you did well isn’t bragging, and how to talk about your strengths honestly

• The “good enough” mindset, and why a seven out of ten is often more than enough

• What Tim Keller’s idea of self-forgetfulness and the call to be a good steward teach us about finding our worth in Christ, not in what we do

About Our Guest

Megan is a recent college graduate navigating the early years of adulthood, marriage, and finding community through her church small group. With refreshing honesty, she shares her own journey with anxiety, overthinking, and perfectionism, and the faith-rooted truths that are helping her let go of the pressure to get everything just right.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller

If you’ve ever overthought something small or struggled to believe your best is good enough, this episode is for you. Take a moment to notice where perfectionism might be stealing your joy, and share this conversation with a friend who could use the reminder that they don’t have to be perfect. Find more encouragement at www.neverperfect.org.

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