Home · Plan & organise · Break a big task into small steps

Just ask 1 minUnder a minute

Break a big task into small steps

A job feels too big to start. Get small, clear steps you can begin in the next ten minutes.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me break a big task into small steps.

The task: [e.g. sort out the spare room, write my tax return, plan a wedding]
Done means: [what finished looks like]
Deadline: [date or "none"]
Time I can give it: [e.g. 30 minutes a day]
What's making it hard to start: [e.g. don't know where to begin, boring, scary]

First ask me up to 2 questions if you need them. Wait for my answers.

Then give me:
1. A numbered list of steps, each one under 30 minutes.
2. Make step 1 so small I can do it in the next 10 minutes.
3. Group the steps into days or sessions to fit my time.
4. Mark any step where I'll need something from someone else.

Plain UK English. No step should be vague, like "get organised".

Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. e.g. sort out the spare room, write my tax return, plan a wedding: a short note you already have. what finished looks like: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

Loading the outline…