Start a task you keep putting off

Tell the AI what you are avoiding and why, and this prompt breaks the task into steps so small that starting feels easy. You get a plan for the time you have and a line to tell yourself when you get stuck.

text-start-task-you-avoid — chatgpt — 109 words

I keep putting off this task: [TASK]
Why I think I am avoiding it: [e.g. it feels huge, I don't know where to start, it's boring, I'm worried it won't be good]
Time I have today: [e.g. 30 minutes]

Break the task into tiny steps that each take 5 to 10 minutes. The first step must be so small that I cannot say no to it (for example "open the document and write the title"). Then give me a plan for the time I have, one small reward for when I finish, and one line I can tell myself if I get stuck. Be kind and practical, not preachy.

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Do only the first step right after reading the answer. Starting is the hard part.

Get a better result

What you will get

Your dreaded task cut into steps of 5 to 10 minutes, a first step so small you can start it now, a plan for the time you have, one small reward and a line to say to yourself if you get stuck.

Common mistake

The first step is still too big to start.

Fix: Reply “make step one take under two minutes and use a physical action, like opening the file or putting my shoes on”.

Also watch for

The plan has ten steps, which looks like more work than the task. Add “no more than four steps for today’s time, and leave the rest of the task for another day”.
The reward is an hour of scrolling that eats the evening. Ask for “a reward under five minutes that is easy to stop, like tea on the balcony”.

Try a variation: check-in

After step one, come back to the same chat and type “done” followed by what happened. The AI gives you the next step only, so you never see the whole mountain.

Still not right? Reply with this

Make step one a two-minute physical action, cut the plan to four steps for today and give me a reward of under five minutes.