This Is the Most Important Tip I’ve Learned in the Last 17 Years

The most important tip I’ve learned in the last 17 years? 

I cannot do it all.

Let that sink in for a second. Even say it out loud if you need to!

I cannot do it all. 

It’s so much more than “I don’t have to do it all” or “I don’t need to do it all.” It’s learning that it’s actually impossible to do it all. And there is so much power in accepting that one simple truth!

But what can I do? 

I can do one good thing at a time, however imperfectly. And that is more than enough.

Why One Good Thing Has Always Been Enough

I may have fully embraced this lesson now, but boy, did I learn it the hard way! In fact, trying (and failing) to do it all quite literally broke me. 

I struggled with severe postpartum anxiety and depression after each of my four children. And the mental load of running a household—of trying to “DO IT ALL”—while battling my inner demons, eventually led me down a dark path.

I turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the pain I was feeling inside. But as you can imagine, that only added fuel to the fire, and my alcohol consumption quickly became an addiction.

After several chaotic and self-destructive years, I checked into a residential treatment center for addiction. On graduation day, my counselors gave me one crucial piece of advice: find your passion and pursue it. 

At the time, focusing on just one thing each day was all I could manage. So naturally, I started a blog and called it One Good Thing. 

Sharing one helpful idea at a time helped me feel grounded again. It helped me rediscover joy in my home and confidence in myself. Over time, it connected me with all of you—women who are doing their best, feeling overwhelmed, and just want a little help every day.

And best of all, it taught me that all-important lesson I shared above: I cannot do it all, but I can do one good thing at a time. And that is enough. I am enough.

From Overwhelm to “Why Didn’t I Think of That?”

All these years later, I’ve never strayed from my original mission to share one good thing a day, which is exactly why I created my “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” Perpetual Daily Calendar.

It’s my way of taking the best, most practical tips I’ve shared over the years off the internet and into your home. Each day, you’ll flip one page and get one tip. That’s it!

These aren’t complicated, time-consuming projects. They’re the kinds of tips that make you smile, shake your head, and say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

And because it’s a perpetual calendar, it never expires. When you reach the end, you’ll flip it over and start again—year after year.

You Don’t Have to Take My Word for It

One of the greatest joys of creating this calendar has been hearing how you’re using it and what it’s meant to you:

“I’ve had this calendar for a few weeks now, and I’ve learned or been reminded of something VALUABLE each day. My rule is not to take sneak peeks ahead!” – Carol O.

“I SMILE every time I look at my (Jillee’s) calendar! First, because I love Jillee; second, because this calendar is useful every day.” – Alvalee W.

“I love calendars. This one will be my companion for the rest of my life. Every morning, I look forward to turning the page and seeing Jillee’s advice for the day.” – Angelina C.

“This little calendar sits on my kitchen counter next to my coffee maker. Having it there allows me to get a little surprise help every day.“ – Vickie

“When my adult daughters come up against a challenge, they always say ‘WWMD?’ Translation: What Would Mom Do? Jillee makes me look so smart with her tips in the ‘Why Didn’t I Think of That?’ perpetual calendar!” – Debbie G.

Many of you have also told me you’ve bought extra copies—not just because you love it, but because it makes such an easy, meaningful gift for sisters, daughters, friends, and anyone who runs a home and could use a little support.

“I LOVE my new perpetual calendar, and am finding out about all sorts of things of a wide variety every day! I also bought these calendars for my daughter, my mother-in-law, and my daughter’s mother-in-law. We are all enjoying them immensely!!” – Geri S.

“This is so great. I bought four so I could share, and I need four more to share even further.” – Suzanne S.

“I bought one for myself a year or so ago and really enjoy the tips every day! This year I bought two more to give my sisters for Christmas.” – Betty I.

A Small Daily Reminder That You’re Not Alone

In an ideal world, I would have the chance to come visit each and every one of you, give you a big hug, and say, “You’ve got this.” But until that happens, this is the next best thing!

More than anything, I wanted this calendar to feel like a companion and a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. That small, practical help really does make a difference. And that one good thing—done consistently—can make life feel lighter.

Earlier this year, I decided to permanently lower the price of this calendar. It’s been a tough financial season for a lot of people, and I wanted this to be something more women could say yes to—whether for themselves or to share with someone they love.

And for the next 24 hours, I’m offering 40% off the calendar! Plus, when you buy 3, you’ll get a 4th completely FREE.

If you’d like one small, daily reminder that you’re capable and supported, I hope this calendar finds its way into your home.

SHOP THE “WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?” CALENDAR

NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?