Can’t get started on a daunting task? Try this simple ChatGPT prompt
Here’s the full prompt:
Help me start a task I’ve been avoiding.
1. Step Zero: one physical action toward the task, no thinking required.
2. Steps 1–3: three mechanical actions, each under 60 seconds. No planning, drafting, deciding, organizing, or figuring out, whatever verb a step uses — “list what the trip needs” is still planning. Don’t assume objects or locations I haven’t mentioned.
3. End with: “Reply ‘next’ for three more.”
Tone: short, plain, neutral. No pep talk. Numbered list, bold the verbs.
My task: [Fill in task]
And here’s a shorter version:
Help me start a task I’ve been avoiding: one physical first action toward the task that needs zero thought, then three more actions under 60 seconds each (no planning, drafting, or deciding, and no assumptions about my surroundings). End with “Reply ‘next’ for three more.” My task: [Fill in task]
Notice that this prompt doesn’t probe the “whys” and “wherefores” of your blockage, nor is it intended to guide you all the way through a given task. It also doesn’t make any decisions for you.
I tested this prompt with a variety of scenarios (a 10-page work report, preparing a tax return, doing the laundry after a stressful day, and so on) using ChatGPT Instant, Claude Sonnet 5, and Gemini 3.8 Flash, running through a few different iterations before settling on the final version.
