For many of us, daily “care tasks”—cleaning, cooking, and laundry—carry an unspoken weight. We often tie these simple chores to our self-worth, believing that a spotless home equates to success, while clutter signals failure. But what if these tasks were just that: morally neutral routines with no bearing on our value as people? In this powerful TED Talk, KC Davis, a therapist and a mom of two with ADHD, offers a kinder, more practical approach to daily care tasks for getting by on days when it feels like you’re barely holding it together.

Through her personal narrative, she sheds light on the hidden burden of care tasks, especially for those of us facing emotional, mental and physical challenges. By viewing these tasks as “morally neutral”—no longer tied to ideas of success or failure—we are free to customize self-care in ways that truly serve us. She shares her own struggles, from dealing with postpartum anxiety to facing a house in disarray during the COVID lockdown, and explains how “good enough is perfect” became her new mantra. In candid, humorous moments, she explores how sometimes half-assed efforts are enough and functional. 

This video isn’t just about cleaning tips; it’s about permission to break from perfection and care for yourself in ways that work for you. Whether you’re using paper plates or temporarily storing dirty dishes in sealed bags to avoid pests, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way—just the way that lets you function with sanity.

In her thought provoking TED Talk, KC Davis highlights that care tasks don’t have to be a reflection of our worth, but simply a matter of survival in the face of everyday challenges. It’s about acknowledging our struggles, practicing compassion for ourselves, and choosing the methods that allow us to navigate life with more ease. 

Watch the full video here