Still Need To Do Day

Still Need To Do Day timeline

1740s

To-Do: Paint the Mona Lista

While the origin of to-do lists is unknown, Leonardo Da Vinci's things to do lists are available for viewing.

1740s

Benjamin Franklin Loved Lists

Benjamin Franklin enjoyed creating lists to track his productivity and separate lists for tracking his virtues.

1980

To-do lists of celebrities

One of John Lennon's to-do list included meeting with a HBO producer and books that he wanted to read.

2001

A Procrastinator's Guide

David Allen wrote and published 'Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity', which amassed a cult following.

Still Need To Do Day FAQs

When is Still Need To Do Day?

Still Need To Do Day 2026 falls on a Tuesday, December 29. This annual observance offers a final opportunity to tackle lingering tasks before the year concludes.

What are the most common unfinished tasks?

Common unfinished tasks often include household chores like organizing closets or fixing minor repairs, administrative duties such as filing paperwork or updating budgets, and personal goals like reading a book or starting a new hobby. Many also struggle with digital decluttering.

How can I motivate myself to finish tasks?

To motivate yourself, try breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting a timer for focused work sessions, and rewarding yourself upon completion. Creating a visual checklist can also provide a sense of accomplishment.

Is Still Need To Do Day a real holiday?

Still Need To Do Day is an unofficial, whimsical holiday designed to encourage productivity and completion at the very end of the calendar year. It’s not a federal holiday, but it resonates with many who feel the pressure of unfinished business.

Still Need To Do Day Activities

Tackle a job using YouTube

Perhaps it hasn’t necessarily been a factor of procrastination —you haven’t fixed the broken toilet lever because you just don’t know how. Enter YouTube, where you can master virtually any simple housing repair through the demonstration of experts. Often, the jobs you think are insurmountable aren’t so bad, you just need to follow an example. Now whether you want to claim to your spouse you fixed it all on your own is up to you.

Get the family involved

Perhaps this December 29, you can have a house-wide day of getting things done. Ask your kids to come up with their own checklist sothey, too, can have the satisfaction of progress and completing tasks. Or, you can create a central theme, such as everyone taking on a duty in the kitchen, and by the end of the day, you’ll have gotten more done than you ever would have by yourself. Thiscould be a great way to bring the family even closer during the holidays.

Just Do It

Whatever you choose to do, the most important part of Still Need To Do Day is to simply get it done. To make that happen, the most important —and most difficult —part is to just get started. You may not want to, you may not even know how to, but getting started is the first and only step toward getting it done, as basic as that may sound. So, you’ve got two days left in the year, and one day dedicated to getting things done. What are you waiting for?

Why We Love Still Need To Do Day

It reminds us we’re not alone

If you still haven’t fixed that jammed garbage disposal, don’t beat yourself up. December 29 —and the fact thatit’s celebrated around the country —serves as a reminder that procrastination is part and parcel of being human. We can take comfort in knowing that everyone needs a day to play catch up, and also share in the misery that is cleaning the gunk at the bottom of the oven. We’re all in this together.

It increases well being

There is ample evidence that suggests completing tasks and making progress are critical for overall well-being. One Canadian study even found that procrastination has a direct correlation with obesity, poverty and depression. So, by committing one day to ticking off a few more items on your list, you can feel good about heading into the new year with a clear mind and a clean body (and home).

It enhances the holiday spirit

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a strange one. The kids are out of school, and perhaps the office is still closed, but the major celebrations are over. With Still Need To Do Day, you can make the most of this downtime. Making it a tradition for the entire household to take on unfinished business can add structure to an otherwise week-long free-for-all.