The Art of the August “Almost Done” List (Instead of To-Dos) [A Softer Way to Plan Midlife Projects]
Ever feel like your to-do list is silently judging you?
Each unchecked box whispers “not enough,” even when your days are full, your energy is low, and the season is asking you to slow down. Especially in August, when summer lingers and fall quietly approaches, that pressure to "wrap things up" can feel heavy.
But here’s a refreshing idea:
What if you made an "Almost Done" list instead?
This gentle approach to planning honors the projects, intentions, and creative sparks you’ve already started — and helps you close them with grace, not guilt.
In this post, you’ll learn how to create an “Almost Done” list that feels peaceful, satisfying, and perfectly aligned with the rhythm of August.
🌿 Why Traditional To-Do Lists Often Backfire in Midlife
By the time we reach midlife, most of us have:
Tried every planner system
Abandoned countless productivity apps
Grown weary of chasing “efficiency”
We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that doing more doesn’t always mean living better.
To-do lists tend to:
Prioritize urgency over meaning
Ignore how we feel in favor of what looks productive
Grow longer even as we check things off
An “Almost Done” list flips that script. It celebrates what’s in motion, what’s meaningful, and what simply needs a gentle nudge to finish — not a sprint.
✍️ What Is an “Almost Done” List?
An “Almost Done” list is a seasonal planning ritual where you gather projects, ideas, or intentions that are already in motion — and bring them to a soft, satisfying close.
It’s not a list of what you should start.
It’s a list of what you’re ready to complete — calmly and kindly.
This works beautifully for:
Creative projects in progress
Home or kitchen items
Self-care intentions
Seasonal reflections
Gentle transitions (like prepping for fall)
☀️ Why August Is the Perfect Time for This List
August holds a unique energy: it’s both a pause and a pivot.
The light begins to shift
The pace slows, but planning stirs
You feel the edge of something new… but you’re not quite there
It’s the ideal moment to:
Tie up loose ends
Revisit unfinished projects
Let go of what no longer fits this season
Move forward with clarity — not clutter
🧺 How to Create Your August “Almost Done” List
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own — no productivity apps required.
1. Gather Your In-Progress Projects
This can be light and intuitive. Look around your space or think through the past few months.
Ask yourself:
What have I started that I’d like to finish gently?
What would feel good to finally wrap up?
Examples:
A half-stitched embroidery hoop
A recipe you printed but never tried
A summer book you’ve been meaning to read
A drawer that’s halfway decluttered
A journal page left unfinished
2. Choose 3–5 That Matter Most Right Now
Keep it light. Keep it seasonal. You’re not creating a task list — you’re curating a moment.
Ask:
Which of these feels meaningful or energizing to complete?
Which one would bring me peace just by being done?
This step is about discernment, not obligation.
3. Write Your List with Soft Language
Use gentle, encouraging phrasing that honors your pace.
Examples:
“Finish stitching the sunflower piece — no rush.”
“Bake the berry crisp recipe I printed in July.”
“Wrap up the summer journal — even if it’s messy.”
“Sort just one drawer — the rest can wait.”
This is your seasonal closure list, not a productivity challenge.
4. Celebrate the Completion, Not the Perfection
When you finish something — even imperfectly — pause to notice how it feels.
Ask:
Did this bring me more peace or joy?
Was it worth completing just for me?
There’s power in choosing enoughness over “never done.”
✨ Final Thoughts: A New Way to Feel Complete
You don’t need to finish everything.
You don’t need to hustle toward closure.
You just need to honor what’s almost done — and give it a soft place to land.
This August, let your planning be gentle.
Let your list reflect your season.
And let “done” mean enough.