Let Go Of The Things You Think You Should Do (But Know You Won't)
Photo by Olivie Strauss on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
There’s a special kind of mental clutter that doesn’t live in our junk drawers or inboxes. It lives on our to-do lists.
I’m talking about the things we think we should do. The ones that hang around week after week, quietly nagging us. They sound like good ideas. Other people seem to do them. But deep down? We know we’re probably never going to do them.
Still, we hesitate to let them go.
Because maybe if we were a little more disciplined... A little more organized... A little more like that friend who makes green juice and runs half marathons...
Then maybe we would do them.
This is a big one for me.
There are things I’ve clung to for years, not because I want to do them, but because I feel like I should. And so they sit there, quietly taking up space. Not just on the list, but in my head.
But lately, I’ve been giving myself permission to let them go. Not because I’m giving up. But because I’m choosing to make room for what actually matters to me.
Let me give you an example.
I’ve fully accepted that I am not a person who cooks fancy meals. I love a beautiful recipe as much as anyone. But I do not love spending hours in the kitchen or cleaning up afterward. We eat decently healthy dinners around here, and that’s good enough for me. I can admire the elaborate cooking videos on Instagram without feeling like I need to become a gourmet chef.
Same with running. I love the idea of being a runner. I’ve tried. Many times. I’ve downloaded the apps, bought the shoes, made the playlists. And while I’ve occasionally felt good after a run, I have never, not once, enjoyed the run itself. I like moving my body, but I’ve learned that I’d much rather take a walk. So I walk. And it’s enough.
I’ve made peace with those things.
But the smaller ones? Those still trip me up.
Take following up on emails, for example. Everyone says you should follow up when someone doesn’t respond. “Circle back!” “Bump this to the top of your inbox!” And I get it. I really do. But I hate feeling like I’m bugging people.
So I’ll schedule the email to reappear a week later, as a nudge to myself. And then... sometimes I still don’t follow up. Not because I forgot, but because I just don’t want to be a burden. These days, I’ll usually give it one check-in and then let it go. But it’s still a struggle. That little voice whispers, “You should be more persistent.”
And maybe I should.
But also... maybe I shouldn’t.
Getting Started
Maybe not everything that sounds like a good idea deserves space in our brains.
Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for ourselves is to cross it off the list. Not because it’s done, but because we’ve decided we’re done with it.
So, I’ll ask you:
What’s on your list that you feel like you should do... but deep down, you know you won’t?
What would it feel like to let it go? To stop carrying the weight of it?
You don’t have to be someone else’s version of productive. You just have to build a life that feels good for you.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.