Give Yourself Permission (and Space) to Do the Thing
I recently read I Didn’t Do the Thing Today: Letting go of the Productivity Guilt by Madeline Dore. It is such an inspiring book about working with our own rhythms and motivations. Creating the circumstances for you to work, rather than solely focusing on the task getting done. If you want to feel good and have your hand held through your tasks, read this book.
Anyway, it got me thinking:
You’ve got a goal. You’re inspired. You might even have a plan.
But somehow, it’s not happening.
Not because you’re lazy. Not because you lack discipline.
But because you haven’t fully given yourself permission—and the space—to actually do the thing.
And you’re not alone.
In her beautifully honest book Dore reminds us that life doesn’t always follow a tidy to-do list. We ebb and flow. Some days we’re on top of everything; other days, just making tea feels like a win.
What if we stopped expecting perfection, and instead focused on making space to begin—imperfectly, compassionately, realistically?
You Don’t Need More Motivation—You Need Permission
We often treat personal goals like bonuses—something we’ll get to if there’s time after everything else. But the truth is:
If it matters, it deserves a place—not just leftovers.
Dore writes about how chasing the “ideal day” can trap us in comparison and disappointment. Giving yourself permission means letting go of that perfect version of how it should look, and embracing how it can look today.
Try asking:
What if I stop waiting to earn this goal?
What if showing up as I am is enough?
Commitment Needs a Container
Intentions are powerful, but they need structure.
If a habit matters, it needs a home in your day—not just a mental post-it.
Create a gentle container for your commitment. Not a rigid schedule, but a supportive space. That could be:
A recurring time block in your calendar
A quiet corner for reflection or journaling
A notebook on your bedside table
A simple Google Task that reappears each week
Dore talks about rituals as “bookends” to our days. You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just start with one act that invites you in.
Redesign Your Environment (Gently)
New habits don’t stick when we’re operating inside the same old systems.
So ask: what around me is making this harder than it needs to be?
Could you:
Put your journal in plain sight?
Create a calming space to stretch or meditate?
Let go of one obligation that’s crowding everything else out?
This isn’t about hacking productivity. It’s about creating a life that supports who you are—and who you’re becoming.
Stop Waiting for the “Right Time”
The “right time” is often a myth. Life is unpredictable. Schedules get messy. Energy fluctuates.
But if we wait for everything to be perfect, we’ll keep postponing what matters.
So instead: Start where you are. Small. Real. Human. One step. One moment. One “thing” at a time.
Gentle Questions to Reflect On
Take 10 minutes this week and explore:
What is something I keep saying I want—but haven’t made space for?
What would giving myself full permission to pursue it look like?
What’s one thing I can remove, shift, or soften to support this commitment?
You don’t have to do it all today. You don’t even have to do the “thing.”
You just have to make a little space. And trust that’s enough.
You’re Not Behind—You’re Becoming
Madeline Dore beautifully reminds us that our days are not failures just because we didn’t cross off every task.
Your progress isn’t measured in boxes ticked, but in the space you give yourself to grow.
So today, give yourself permission.
Make a little room.
And take one imperfect step forward.
