Marriage & Relationships January 17, 2025 5 min read

Help for procrastinators

Help for procrastinators.

Procrastinators often know what they want to do, but when the tasks start, they struggle to get out of “executive mode” and into “production mode.”. All that kind of procrastinator needs is a boss to tell them what to do. Well, ChatGPT can be your boss.

You are the CEO of your life.

Delegate middle management to ChatGPT.

You can now focus on being the best “producer.”

7 Simple Steps to Get Stuff Done

Step #1: Write down your to-do list for the week.

Use this format: I need to do X to get result Y because of reason Z.

Step #2: Copy it into ChatGPT with this custom prompt.

Below is my to-do list for the week.

Please ask me questions about my to-do list to help me clarify my plans for the week.

(Paste todo list here)

Step #3: Answer any of ChatGPT’s questions about your to-dos.

Answer the questions one by one.

Let it update the list as you go.

Ask questions about the questions if you need more clarity.

Step # 4: Follow up with this prompt.

Take each task discussed before and break it down into step-by-step instructions; don’t miss a step.

For each task and each step, estimate how long it will take.

Tell me what I need for each step and what the desired outcome is.

Note all dependencies of each task or step before the description.

Output as a table.

Step #5: Edit as needed.

Once you see things as a table you might notice that there are some errors of bad estimations. Correct them.

Step #6: Export to an iCalendar or CSV file to import into your calendar using this prompt.

Please create a calendar import file (CSV or iCalendar format) for the previously discussed tasks. Each task should include its steps, estimated time, and dependencies as calendar events. Set each event on the appropriate day and ensure there’s a clear description for each event. Include specific times based on an 8-hour workday, starting at 9:00 AM.

Step #7: Import the file

Import the file into your calendar and adjust the events to match your schedule and your previously made appointments. If anyone else is involved in a task, invite them using the calendar.

You may have to convert the CSV file to ical format. Use https://csv-to-ical.chimbori.com/ for a free conversion.

When you do the tasks limit yourself to only the allotted time. If that is impossible tell ChatGTP where you went over or under the allotted time.

Over time the AI will get better and better at helping you plan tasks as it adjusts to your workflow and pace. Feel free to modify the prompts such as adding locations for tasks to be done.

Eventually, I suspect that Chat GTP will be able to talk directly to your calendar and plan around your existing maintenance schedule and weekly habits, even offering advice on being more efficient.

Why This Works

This process forces you to think in an orderly manner and plan your activities rather than “daydream” about them getting done. Once a time is sec

Using the AI just makes the whole thing faster and easier which should appeal to the procrastinator in you.

Example Below

Example Weekly To-Do List

Work: I need to prepare a presentation for an upcoming team meeting to ensure clarity in communication because it will help align everyone on project goals.

Work: I need to complete the first draft of a client proposal to secure their business because it’s essential for maintaining growth.

Work: I need to update the company’s website with recent achievements to showcase progress because it boosts credibility with clients and stakeholders.

Work: I need to review and approve the final version of the monthly newsletter to ensure accuracy because it reflects the organization’s image.

Work: I need to organize my email inbox to prioritize important tasks because a clear inbox improves efficiency.

Personal: I need to set up a budget plan for the next month to better manage finances because staying on top of expenses prevents overspending.

Personal: I need to read a chapter of a book on personal development to gain new perspectives because it supports my growth and learning.

Personal: I need to book an appointment for a health check-up to monitor my well-being because prevention is better than cure.

Personal: I need to sort and donate unused items from my storage space to reduce clutter because it simplifies my living environment.

Family: I need to organize a family game night to strengthen relationships because shared fun creates lasting memories.

Family: I need to help a family member with a personal project they’re working on to show support because teamwork builds trust.

Family: I need to plan a day trip for the weekend to spend quality time together because it helps maintain a strong family bond.

Miscellaneous: I need to write a thank-you card to a friend for their recent help to express gratitude because appreciation strengthens friendships.

Miscellaneous: I need to clean and reorganize my desk space to improve productivity because a tidy environment enhances focus.

Miscellaneous: I need to research local volunteering opportunities to give back to the community because contributing positively is fulfilling.

The Table

The Weeks Schedule

Importing the finale weeks tasks into your calendar may present some challenges. I’m sure someone so inclined could create an app to make it easier however this is the final results with my test data.

Conclusion

Using ChatGPT to organize tasks, plan logically, and create a weekly schedule offers benefits that can streamline both personal and professional life. By breaking down tasks into actionable steps, estimating time requirements, and accounting for dependencies, ChatGPT helps you approach your responsibilities systematically. This clarity not only ensures that nothing important is overlooked but also allows for efficient prioritization of time and resources.

Moreover, ChatGPT can translate complex to-do lists into practical schedules that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. It adapts to your preferences, balances workloads, and incorporates personal and family commitments, all while reducing the mental load of planning. By leveraging its ability to generate structured outputs like calendars and importable files, you can save valuable time and focus more on execution rather than preparation.

Ultimately, ChatGPT helps you to stay organized, manage your time effectively, and maintain a well-balanced schedule, making it an invaluable tool for achieving productivity and peace of mind.

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