Has life ever thrown a bunch of “life stuff” your way, and suddenly you’re not getting anything done — not what you want to do, and certainly not what needs doing? I’ve been there.
Lately, I’ve felt like I’m moving through molasses. The days pass, and I notice the laundry piling up, the half-finished projects, and that quiet little guilt that creeps in when things are left undone.
But I’ve also learned this: even on low-energy days, gentle progress is still progress.
This isn’t about hustle or getting your act together. This is about kindness — especially toward yourself. One of the ways I manage to get anything done in these seasons is by making a realistic list. Not a color-coded planner spread worthy of sharing on Pinterest. Just something simple and doable. The kind that meets me where I’m at.
Step 1: Start With Your Must-Dos
Even when your energy is low, life doesn’t stop asking things of you. There are some things that must be done — even if they’re not done perfectly.
Each morning (or the night before), write down your three most essential tasks. That’s it. Keep it short and realistic.
Examples:
- Pay the water bill
- Feed the sourdough starter
- Take out the trash
- Call the doctor’s office
- Put in one load of laundry
If three is too many, start with one. The point is progress, not pressure.
Step 2: Add One or Two Gentle Tasks
After the must-dos, give yourself permission to include a couple of gentle tasks. These aren’t urgent, but they make you feel like yourself. They’re small actions that help you reconnect with your space, your creativity, or your spirit.
Examples:
- Water the houseplants
- Write in your journal
- Stitch a few rows
- Light a candle and rest
- Wipe down a surface
These aren’t chores. These are kindnesses to yourself.
Step 3: Be Honest About What’s Not Getting Done
It helps to name what you’re not going to do today — and then let it go. You don’t need to carry the weight of everything all at once.
Say it out loud if you need to:
- “I’m not meal prepping today.”
- “I’m not tackling that big organizing project.”
- “I’m not cleaning the whole bathroom — and that’s okay.”
You’re not quitting. You’re conserving your energy. That’s wise.
Step 4: Keep Your List Visible — But Not Shameful
Place your list where you’ll see it — on the fridge, by your favorite chair, in your planner. Make it feel like a companion, not a to-do drill sergeant.
Write it in pen, pencil, or a favorite color. Add a doodle. Make it soft and encouraging.
And if you don’t finish the whole list? That’s not failure. That’s life.
Step 5: Celebrate the Smallest Wins
Finished something? Cross it off with flair. Say “done!” out loud. Put a gold star next to it if you feel like it.
Small wins matter:
- Emptying the dishwasher
- Making the bed
- Taking a five-minute walk
You’re doing better than you think.
Bonus: Add a “Make Me Smile” Section
This is my favorite part. At the bottom of your list, add a little section titled “Make Me Smile.” This is where you intentionally put something just for joy.
Examples:
- Watch the birds at the feeder
- Smell your favorite tea
- Text a friend something silly
- Pet your cat
- Sit in the sunshine for 3 minutes
Little things matter — sometimes more than the big ones.
A Sample Gentle List
Today’s Must-Dos:
- Call and make doctor’s appointment
- Fold towels
- Pay electric bill
Gentle Tasks:
- Refresh bedside flowers
- Listen to a favorite podcast
Make Me Smile:
- Watch the birds from the back porch
Final Thoughts: Gentle Is Enough
On days when your energy is scarce, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. But here’s the truth: gentle effort still counts.
Resting is productive.
Doing one thing well is productive.
Taking care of yourself is productive.
Let your list be light. Let it reflect love and not just obligation. One tiny step at a time — you’ve got this.
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
Thimble & Tansy participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your homemade journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to learn more.
Affiliate Links
- Ashley Nielson: The Rule of 21: Gentle Productivity (Gentle Productivity Planner) Embracing three tasks a day for each week.
- Kate Right: Productivity Transformation in 7 Days: Life-Changing Hacks to Shift Your Mindset, Create Priorities, Boost Efficiency, Reduce Stress, and Achieve Work-Life Bliss
Freebies
- Marie Carl: The Gentle Pace: Mastering Slow Productivity for Lasting Success and Well-being. Please note this is only free if you have an Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Additional Resources
- Sean D’Souza: How Gentle Productivity Gets Astounding Results
- Dipanshu Rawal: Experiencing Slow Life as a Form of Gentle Productivity