Steps Prompt: Break Overwhelming Tasks into Easy Actions

I need to [MY OVERWHELMING TASK].

Break it down into 5 small, concrete, sequential steps I can do one at a time.

For each step:
- Give it a clear, action-focused name.
- Explain the action in one simple sentence.
- Describe the effort each step requires (quick, moderate, or deep focus).

The first step should be the absolute smallest, easiest thing I can do to start.

After you paste your overwhelming task, the AI will:

1. Break it down into a numbered list of small steps
2. Name each step with a clear action
3. Make the first step incredibly easy to overcome procrastination
4. Estimate time for each step so you know the commitment
5. Give you a clear starting point to get moving

What to expect: The output gives you a short sequence of doable actions with an easy first move.

Your situation:

I need to “plan a weekend trip.” It feels like too much. Where do I even begin?

What you get with steps:

Here are 5 small, concrete steps to plan your weekend trip. Do them one by one.

1. Decide the vibe (quick win): Text a friend: “Relaxing, adventurous, or party weekend?” Choose one. This decision makes all others easier.
2. Pick a place (short browse): Google “[Vibe] weekend trips near me.” Look at three options. Pick the one that seems easiest.
3. Book lodging (steady focus): Open Airbnb or Booking.com. Search for your chosen place. Book a spot with good reviews that fits your budget.
4. Find one fun thing (light research): Google “[Place] main attraction” or “[Vibe] activity in [Place].” Pick one thing you want to do.
5. Pack the essentials (grab-and-go): Grab your phone, wallet, keys, and a pre-packed “go bag” with toiletries and a change of clothes.

First Step: Text a friend right now to decide the vibe.

Say this into your phone or computer:

“Steps for planning my weekend trip” (then add your task)

Variations for Different Situations

For a Vague Project

Break down "create a new website" into 7 sequential steps.

For each step, tell me the action, what kind of focus it needs, and one tool I'll need. Make the first step something I can start immediately.

For a Multi-Day Task

I need to "clean the garage." Break this down into a start/middle/finish plan.

For each day, give me 3-4 concrete steps. Focus on sorting, cleaning, and organizing.

For Learning a New Skill

I want to "learn how to use Notion."

Break this down into 5 beginner-friendly steps. The first step should not even involve opening the app.

Pro Tips

• Make steps even smaller: Add: “Make each step so small it feels effortless to start.”
• Focus on the outcome: Add: “At the end of these steps, I should have [SPECIFIC RESULT].”
• Stuck on a step: Say: “Break down step #[NUMBER] into 3 even smaller sub-steps.”

Quick Reference

Why This Works

The “steps” trigger:

• Tells the AI to create a sequential plan
• Shifts focus from the overwhelming whole to manageable parts
• Forces small steps so you aren’t given another giant project

The psychology:

• Overwhelm comes from ambiguity; checklists create clarity
• Tiny first steps build momentum (done is motivating)
• Time estimates reduce the fear of an endless task

Works across all AI platforms:

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

Troubleshooting

“The steps are still too big.”

• Add: “Make each step something I can complete in one sitting without losing focus.”
• Or: Run the prompt on a single step: “Break down step #3, ‘[Step Name]’, into 3 smaller steps.”

“The plan is not in the right order.”

• Add: “The steps must be sequential. I cannot do step 2 before step 1.”

“AI includes steps I already finished.”

• Add: “Assume I have already completed [TASK YOU’VE DONE]. Start from there.”