Checklist Planning Prompt: Turn Any Goal into a Done List

Create a checklist for: [YOUR GOAL OR PROJECT]

Include:
- Clear, actionable items (starts with a verb)
- Logical order (what comes first, second, third)
- Time estimates if relevant
- Group related items together

Make it checkbox-ready (I want to check things off as I go).

After you describe your goal, the AI will:

1. Break it into checkable items (each with a clear done state)
2. Group related tasks (logical sections, not random order)
3. Start each with an action verb (Call, Write, Schedule, Review)
4. Order by sequence (what needs to happen first, second, third)

What to expect: You’ll get a focused, easy-to-scan breakdown you can act on right away.

Your vague goal:

“Prepare for next week’s doctor appointment.”

What you get with checklist:

Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before the appointment

• List current symptoms (what’s worse/better since last visit)
• Write down questions (max 3 priority questions)
• Gather recent test results or MRI reports
• Update medication list (doses, frequencies, any changes)
• Check insurance card and ID are in wallet
• Set 2 reminders: 1 day before, 1 hour before

Day of appointment

• Take medications as usual (unless told otherwise)
• Bring water and snack (appointments run long)
• Wear easy-to-remove clothing (for exam)
• Arrive a little early for check-in

After appointment

• Request summary of visit (in patient portal)
• Schedule any follow-up tests or appointments
• Fill new prescriptions same day (if prescribed)
• Update symptom journal with doctor’s notes

Say this into your phone or computer:

“Create a checklist for this project” (then describe the goal)

Variations for Different Situations

For Events or Trips

Create a checklist for [EVENT/TRIP].

Include:
- What to do before (1 week out, 1 day out, morning of)
- What to pack
- Day-of tasks
- After tasks (cleanup, follow-up)

I have MS and manage fatigue/mobility challenges.

For Recurring Tasks

Create a weekly/monthly checklist for [RECURRING TASK].

Include:
- Daily items
- Weekly items
- Monthly items
- Mark which can be skipped on low-energy days

Make it sustainable for someone with MS.

For Work Projects

Create a checklist for this project:

[DESCRIBE PROJECT]

Include:
- Prep phase
- Execution tasks
- Review/completion phase
- Dependencies (what blocks what)

Break larger tasks into smaller, doable chunks.

For Health Management

Create a health management checklist for [CONDITION/SYMPTOM].

Include:
- Daily tracking items
- Medication reminders
- Appointment preparation
- When to call doctor (red flags)

Make it simple for brain fog days.

Pro Tips

• For overwhelm prevention: Add: “Mark 3 items as ‘Do These First’ — the minimum to make progress.”
• For energy management: Add: “Label each item with the effort it needs (low, medium, high).”
• For collaboration: Add: “Note which items I do versus which I delegate.”
• For pacing: Add: “Group items by how much focus they need (quick wins vs. deeper work).”

Quick Reference

Why This Works

The “checklist” trigger:

• Signals the AI to create sequential, actionable items
• Forces granular breakdown (no vague “work on project”)
• Creates external memory so you don’t have to remember what’s done
• Provides dopamine hits (checking boxes feels good)

The psychology:

• Brain fog makes remembering progress impossible
• Visible checklists remove “what did I already do?” anxiety
• Clear done states prevent endless tweaking

Works across all AI platforms:

• ChatGPT (free or paid)
• Claude (free or paid)
• Microsoft Copilot
• Google Gemini

Troubleshooting

“The checklist is too long and overwhelming.”

• Add: “Maximum 10 items. Focus on essential tasks only.”
• Or: “Create a ‘minimum viable’ checklist — just the must-dos.”

“I don’t know what order to do things.”

• Add: “Number the items in the exact order I should do them.”
• Or: “Mark dependencies: which items must be done before others.”

“Items are still too vague.”

• Add: “Each item must be specific enough that I can start immediately without thinking.”
• Or: “Replace any vague items with concrete actions.”

“I need reminders, not just a list.”

• Add: “For each item, suggest when to schedule it (morning/afternoon/evening, which day).”
• Or: “Create time blocks: Monday tasks, Tuesday tasks, etc.”