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Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I know what I should be doing, so why am I still not doing it?"

If you've ever felt weighed down by all the things you should be doing to look after yourself, this episode is for you.

As I wrap up this season of Farm Life Psych, I want to leave you with something a little different. Not another strategy or another thing to add to your to-do list, but permission. Permission to let go of perfection, to stop measuring yourself against impossible standards, and to remember that being human was never meant to look flawless.

In this episode, I talk about the idea of "good enough humaning" and how aiming for 30% instead of 100% might help you show up more consistently for the people and things that matter most.

We talk about values, capacity, repair after we get things wrong, and why progress is so often found in the small moments rather than perfect ones.

If you've been carrying a heavy load or feeling like you're falling short, I hope this conversation helps you put some of those "shoulds" down.

I'd love to hear what resonated with you. What does "good enough" look like in your season of life? Come and connect with me over on Instagram at @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych and send me a message or share your thoughts. I always love hearing from you

What we cover in this episode

• Introduction to the pressure of always feeling like you "should" be doing more.
• Reflecting on the season and why returning to the basics felt important.
• Why helpful wellbeing strategies can become another source of pressure.
• Turning "shoulds" into shame and recognising this common human experience.
• Introducing the idea of "good enough humaning".
• The psychology behind the "Good Enough Parent" concept.
• Why repair matters more than perfection.
• Extending ourselves the same grace we often offer others.
• Living by our values without expecting perfection.
• Why aiming for 100% often sets us up to struggle.
• The idea of aiming for 30% instead of 100%.
• Practical examples of what 30% might look like in everyday life.
• Understanding capacity during busy farming seasons.
• Using values as a compass rather than a measuring stick.
• Small, imperfect actions that move us towards what matters.
• Final reflections and encouragement to let go of perfection.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• The concept of the "Good Enough Parent" developed by paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott.
• Research and concepts relating to attachment, rupture and repair in parent-child relationships.
  
  

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.

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Do you ever feel pulled in so many directions that you’re not quite sure how you want to show up anymore?

In this episode, I talk about something I come back to often in workshops and conversations with farmers: values.

We hear a lot about identifying our values, but living them can be much harder when life feels busy, uncertain, and full of competing demands. I share why values matter, why they can sometimes feel uncomfortable, and how they can help us find direction when life feels messy.

I also share the difference between values and goals, why values need to go deeper than broad ideas like "family" or "work", and how understanding the way we want to show up can help us make decisions that feel more aligned with what matters most. Because often the challenge isn't knowing our values. It's working out what to do when they seem to be pulling us in different directions.

If you've ever felt torn between family and farm, presence and legacy, or competing expectations within yourself or your relationships, this episode will give you practical ways to reflect on what's important and find a steadier path forward. It's not about getting it perfect. It's about having a compass to help guide you when things feel uncertain.

I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening. What value is guiding you most in this season of life? Come and connect with me on Instagram and send me a DM @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych

What we cover in this episode

• Why values can seem simple in theory but feel difficult to live out in everyday life
• How values can act as a compass during stressful and uncertain seasons
• The difference between values and goals
• Why values are ongoing directions rather than achievements to tick off
• The discomfort that can arise when our actions don't align with what matters most
• Why values clarification can be confronting but useful
• The importance of narrowing down to one to three key values
• How conflicting values can leave us feeling pulled in multiple directions
• Why broad values such as family, work or health need deeper exploration
• Exploring the question: "What about family matters most to me?"
• Different ways people can express the same value through different choices
• Examples of values including presence, connection, stability, contribution, creativity and legacy
• How values can shift across different seasons of life
• Navigating value conflicts within ourselves
• Navigating value differences within relationships and families
• Practical reflections to help identify and clarify personal values
• Using values to move beyond expectations and "shoulds"
• Finding direction when life feels overwhelming or uncertain

Connect with Steph

• Steph's website
• Digital Hub for Farmers: farmlifehandbook.com.au
• Steph on Facebook
• Steph on LinkedIn
• Steph on Instagram
• Steph's upcoming events

The Farm Life Psych podcast shares general information and personal reflections to support wellbeing — it isn't therapy, counselling, or personal advice, and it's not a substitute for support from a qualified professional. If something's sitting heavily with you, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a trusted support service. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. You're not alone, and reaching out is a strength.