For people building self-initiated paths, such as freelancing, creative work, solo projects, uncertainty is constant. When progress feels unclear or external validation is missing, many people experience one or more of the following emotions: self-doubt or negative self-talk, emotional and physical tension, over-planning, avoidance, burnout, a sense of being 'behind' or 'not good enough'.

This project focuses on people who have already chosen a self-directed path, but struggle to stay with it emotionally with common emotional patterns identified through research.

These insights were validated through qualitative research, including:

Reddit community analysis (freelancing, startups, digital nomads), informal interviews, self-reflection and lived experience as part of the target group.

The core flow of Gently is intentionally simple and repeatable

Before any questions, users are guided through a subtle somatic pause, helping them reconnect with physical sensations and settle their nervous system. This reduces cognitive load and creates a sense of safety.

A short, three-question check-in helps users name their loudest inner critics, how they respond to them, and what they need in this moment. Soft responses after each question gently normalize their experience and help reduce shame.

For users seeking reassurance, the app gently reconnects them with their original intention and reminds them that uncertainty often comes before clarity. The tone is calm, human, and mentor-like — never instructional or clinical.

For users seemingly have lots perspectives and become trunnel visions, the app gently puts things into perspective for them and help them to see the bigger pictures. It acts as a gentle and wise mentor who doesn’t preach but guides.

For users experiencing burnout—especially those who tend to do more and push harder despite their body’s signals—the app gently encourages slowing down, focusing on fewer things at a time, and listening to the body.

Once the user completes the check-in, they’ll receive a summary highlighting key points and main takeaways.

An optional space for daily support, including: grounding practices (breathing, sensory pauses), journaling prompts, gentle words and affirmations.

This section supports users outside of moments of crisis, helping build ongoing trust.

A series of grounding practices including breathing, sensory pauses, and gentle stretches to help users settle their mind, body, and spirit.

Journaling

A guided journaling space with journaling prompts helping users gain clarity, release mental weight, and reconnect with themselves.

Daily reminder

Gentle daily quotes invite users to pause, breathe, and return to the present moment.

The visual language of Gently is designed to feel: warm, calm, human & unhurried.

A soft, muted color palette invites a sense of calm. Lora and Lato are used as the primary typefaces for their warmth, approachability, and high readability. Gentle, hand-drawn illustrations add personality and a human touch.