You know that list we all have in the back of our minds—the one full of things we swear we’ll get to “one day”? That’s what I like to call my One Day List. It’s not urgent, it’s not scheduled, but it’s always there—waiting with random tasks, and ideas I want to tackle eventually. From reorganizing the closet to trying out that homemade pasta recipe, this list is my low-pressure way of keeping track of the stuff that matters… just not right this second.

I’ve seen that some people have One Day Lists that are more like bucket lists—with big adventures and once-in-a-lifetime goals. And hey, if that’s your style, go for it! But for me, the two are a little different. My bucket list is reserved for the big stuff—like traveling to Italy or skydiving. My list is more everyday and personal. It’s the space for small projects, little joys, and things that don’t have a timeline.

One of the things I love most about a One Day List—especially as someone who loves to plan—is that it gives you the satisfaction of organizing your thoughts without the pressure of a deadline. It’s like giving your future self options, not obligations. You still get that satisfying feeling of organizing your thoughts and keeping track of things you want to do—but there’s no guilt if you don’t get to them right away. It’s a low-key kind of planning that sits right between staying productive and giving yourself the freedom to take your time.

As you can see, it’s basically a bunch of to-dos that need a bit more thought or time than your average quick task. I’ve kept a running list like this for years—I just add to it when something comes to mind and take things off as I go. I usually pull it up when I’m either feeling randomly ambitious or just looking for something to do. You’d be surprised what actually gets tackled in those moments!

A One Day List is one of those simple things that quietly makes life feel a little more manageable. It’s a place to collect ideas and to-dos—without any pressure to tackle them right away. Some items might sit there for years, while others get checked off the next day. It doesn’t have to be fancy or perfectly organized; it just has to work for you. There’s no right or wrong way to make one—this list is yours, so make it whatever you want it to be. Whether you keep it in your phone, a notebook, or on scattered sticky notes, it’s always there when inspiration (or motivation) decides to show up!