We live in a world that glorifies hustle. Productivity is worn like a badge of honor, and the idea of doing the “bare minimum” is often met with guilt or shame. But the truth is, some days, the best thing you can do is simply show up and go through the motions.
Not every day has to be high energy, deeply fulfilling, or full of accomplishments. Some days are about survival, about doing just enough to keep things moving, and that’s okay. Today was that day for me, and I have certainly had days like this before.
The Reality of Energy Ebbs and Flows
Our energy isn’t infinite, and life doesn’t operate on a steady, predictable rhythm. There will be days when you wake up feeling off—maybe you're tired, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood to give 100%. And instead of forcing yourself to push beyond your limits, what if you allowed yourself a little grace?
Going through the motions doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you recognize your current capacity and honor it. It means doing what’s necessary—getting out of bed, handling essential tasks, showing up for responsibilities—without demanding peak performance from yourself.
It might be a day where all that you can think about ( and daydream about) is being in your most comfy PJs and having comfort food for dinner !
Why Doing the Bare Minimum is Sometimes Enough
It Prevents Burnout – Always pushing yourself to maximum effort can lead to exhaustion. Restoring balance means knowing when to ease up. My husband often reminds me … “ You know, it’s actually ok to sometimes do “ NOTHING “ lol
You’re Still Moving Forward – Even when you’re not at your best, doing something (even just the basics) keeps momentum going. Progress doesn’t always have to be big. You can perhaps check off the most important tasks for the day, and leave it at that.
It Respects Your Humanity – You are not a machine. Some days will be slower, and that doesn’t make you lazy or unworthy. It makes you human.
Giving Yourself Permission
The next time you feel guilty about not doing enough, remind yourself: some days are just like that. And they don’t define you. The world won’t fall apart if you’re not operating at full capacity for a day (or even a few). Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
The more human we are, and perhaps even share with others that we have these “ off days” the more it gives the people we love permission to do the same.
So if today is one of those “just get through it” days, let that be okay. Do what you can, take care of yourself, and trust that tomorrow might feel different.
Because showing up—even in the smallest ways—is still showing up. And that matters.
I always hope that these posts might just reach someone that needed to hear it.
Take care.
Tanya