How to Theme Your Eightly
A quiet trick to bring direction to your day
Sometimes a list is just a list. And that’s fine. You write what matters, do what you can, and start fresh the next day. But some days — especially when your mind feels scattered, or you’re coming back after a break — it helps to give your Eightly a shape.
That’s where themes come in.
A theme isn’t a goal. It’s not a rule. It’s just a way to point your day in a direction.
What is a Themed Eightly?
A themed Eightly is a list shaped by a gentle focus — something that gives context to your choices. You still write up to eight tasks, but instead of writing whatever’s in your head, you write what fits the shape of the day.
Think of it like setting the scene before the action starts. It helps you choose what belongs today, and what doesn’t.
Why Use a Theme?
Themes are useful when:
You’re returning from a break or feeling foggy
You want to reinforce a direction, not just manage tasks
You’re balancing multiple roles and need to pick one for today
You’re trying to build an identity, not just a to-do list
Themes can bring calm, clarity, or energy. They help you avoid writing a list that feels like everyone else’s priorities — and return to your own.
Examples of Themes
Here are a few common ways people theme their Eightlys:
Reset Day
A simple theme for when life needs a tidy-up. Clean, sort, restock, catch up.
Work Focus
All Eight items relate to a specific project, goal, or deadline. A classic focused work day.
Domestic Day
Laundry, bills, kitchen cupboard, food shop, repair jobs. The things that make life run.
Wellbeing
Hydrate. Stretch. Call the doctor. Rest. Walk. Journal. Read. Not a day off — a day for you.
Creative Day
Make, write, explore, start something. Could be art, music, writing — or just thinking time.
Parenting Day
Tasks that make the day run well for your child. Organise school things. Cook together. Ring grandma. Read the book you keep saying you’ll read.
Unknown
A real theme! For days that feel uncertain. Use it to make gentle progress, without forcing clarity.
How to Set a Theme
Before you write your list, take a moment. What kind of day is this?
Ask: What do I want to shape this list around?
Choose a word or phrase. Just one.
Then, write your Eightly — keeping that theme quietly in mind.
Do You Need a Theme Every Day?
Not at all.
Many people don’t use themes every day. But on the days you do, they can sharpen your focus even further. A theme doesn’t add pressure — it simply helps you decide what deserves your attention today.
Eightly is always focused. A theme just helps guide where that focus goes.
Themes are here if you need them. Like everything in Eightly, it’s about what serves you.
One Theme. Eight Choices. One Clear Day.
If you ever feel stuck, scattered, or spread too thin, try theming your Eightly. It’s a small shift — but it gives shape, direction, and meaning to the day ahead.
We’ll be sharing more theme ideas soon.