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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.
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.
The prompt · Grok
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 Grok chat. Do not connect an inbox or another app.
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.
You describe the task and when it needs to be done.
The assistant asks what's making it hard to start.
You get a numbered list of small steps, with the first one tiny on purpose.
What happens
Use Grok Bot to 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.
Tools
Paste the prompt, fill the blanks, copy the draft.
- Grok Bot — required. Drafts from the text you paste. Nothing is sent.
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