Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

From dusty gym memberships to untouched vision boards, let’s talk about the thing you keep avoiding – and how to either finally do it or let it go guilt-free.

We’ve all got that one thing. You know the one. It’s been sitting on your to-do list for months, maybe even years. You’ve rewritten it, moved it to a new notebook, typed it into your phone, and even whispered it to yourself in the mirror like a motivational mantra. But no matter how many times you promise yourself this is the week, it never gets done.

Maybe it’s that online course you signed up for during a late-night burst of ambition. Maybe it’s the closet you swore you’d KonMari into submission. Or maybe it’s the side hustle idea that’s still just a Notes app entry with a single bullet point. Whatever it is, it’s become the ghost of goals past, haunting you with guilt and a vague sense of failure every time you glance at your list.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. Let’s dive into why that one thing never gets done – and how to either finally tackle it or let it go without beating yourself up.

Why Does That One Thing Never Get Done?

1. It’s Not Actually a Priority (Even If You Think It Should Be)
Let’s get real: sometimes we put things on our to-do lists because we feel like we should do them, not because we actually want to. That language app you downloaded because “it’s good to learn something new”? If you’re not genuinely excited about it, it’s probably not happening. And that’s okay.

Ask yourself: Is this something I truly care about, or is it something I think will make me look/feel more accomplished? If it’s the latter, it might be time to let it go.

2. It’s Overwhelming (and You Haven’t Broken It Down)
Big goals are intimidating. “Write a book” sounds amazing until you’re staring at a blank page wondering where to even start. The key is to break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Instead of “write a book,” try “brainstorm three chapter ideas” or “write for 15 minutes today.”

3. You’re Waiting for the “Perfect” Time
Spoiler alert: the perfect time doesn’t exist. You’re not going to magically have a free weekend with zero distractions, a fully charged laptop, and a bottomless cup of coffee. Start where you are, with what you have. Progress, not perfection.

4. You’re Just Not That Into It
And that’s valid. Interests change, priorities shift, and what felt important six months ago might not matter as much now. If the thought of tackling that item fills you with dread instead of excitement, it’s okay to take it off your list.

How to Finally Get It Done (or Let It Go)

Option 1: Commit and Conquer
If you’ve decided this thing is worth doing, here’s how to make it happen:

• Set a Deadline: Give yourself a realistic timeline. “Someday” is not a date.
• Schedule It: Block off time in your calendar like it’s a meeting with your future self.
• Find an Accountability Buddy: Share your goal with someone who’ll check in on your progress (and maybe hype you up along the way).

Option 2: Release and Reclaim
If you’re ready to let it go, do it with intention:

• Acknowledge Why It’s Not Happening: Be honest with yourself about why this goal no longer serves you.
• Celebrate What You’ve Learned: Maybe you didn’t learn Spanish, but you learned that language apps aren’t your thing. That’s valuable self-knowledge.
• Make Space for Something New: Remove the old goal and replace it with something that excites you.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

That lingering to-do list item isn’t just about productivity – it’s about how we see ourselves. Every time we glance at that unchecked box, we’re reminded of what we haven’t done, which can chip away at our confidence and sense of accomplishment.

But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t tied to your to-do list. You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or behind just because you haven’t done that one thing. Life is messy, priorities shift, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let go of what’s no longer serving you.

So whether you decide to finally tackle that goal or release it with grace, remember this: you’re doing better than you think. And that dusty to-do list? It doesn’t define you.

Final Thought:
Life is too short to stress over unchecked boxes. Whether you conquer that lingering to-do list item or decide it’s time to let it go, do it with intention, self-compassion, and a little bit of sass. After all, you’re already doing enough – even if your to-do list says otherwise. 💅🏾✨