11 Effective ChatGPT Prompts for To-Do Lists

11 Effective ChatGPT Prompts for To-Do Lists

1. The Priority Matrix Prompt

This prompt helps you organize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix. It separates urgent from important tasks to help you focus on what truly matters.

• Purpose: Creates a structured to-do list categorized by urgency and importance.
• Prompt: “Create a prioritized to-do list using the Eisenhower Matrix for my tasks in [your role/project]. For each task, consider deadlines, impact, and resource requirements. Group tasks into Urgent & Important, Important but Not Urgent, Urgent but Not Important, and Neither Urgent nor Important categories. Format each task with a deadline, estimated time needed, and any dependencies.”

2. The Project Breakdown Prompt

Complex projects need systematic breakdown. This prompt helps you create a hierarchical task list that makes big projects manageable.

• Purpose: Transforms large projects into actionable task lists with clear dependencies.
• Prompt: “Break down my project [project name] into a detailed to-do list. Include main deliverables, subtasks, milestones, and dependencies. Format the list with nested bullet points, estimated completion times, and specify if any tasks can be delegated. Add tags for #high-priority, #dependent-task, or #quick-win where appropriate.”

3. The Weekly Planner Prompt

Weekly planning requires balance and realistic time allocation. This prompt creates a structured weekly to-do list that accounts for both fixed and flexible tasks.

• Purpose: Generates a balanced weekly schedule with prioritized tasks.
• Prompt: “Create a weekly to-do list template for [specific week dates] that includes: 1) Daily recurring tasks,
  2) Project-specific tasks for [project name],
  3) Personal development goals, and
  4) Buffer time for unexpected issues.
  Organize tasks by morning, afternoon, and evening blocks, and include estimated duration for each task.”

4. The SMART Goals To-Do Prompt

Based on Peter Drucker’s SMART criteria, this prompt ensures your tasks are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

• Purpose: Transforms vague objectives into concrete, actionable tasks.
• Prompt: “Convert my goal of [your goal] into a SMART to-do list. Break down the goal into specific tasks, include measurable outcomes for each task, ensure they’re achievable within [timeframe], relate them to [larger objective], and assign specific deadlines. Add checkpoints for progress tracking.”

5. The Time-Blocking Prompt

Cal Newport’s deep work principle emphasizes focused time blocks. This prompt creates a to-do list optimized for time-blocking.

• Purpose: Organizes tasks into focused time blocks for maximum productivity.
• Prompt: “Create a time-blocked to-do list for [specific date] that groups similar tasks together. Include:
  1) Deep work sessions for [main project],
  2) Shallow work blocks for emails and routine tasks,
  3) Buffer zones between tasks, and
  4) Break periods.
  Specify the optimal time of day for each task based on energy levels.”

6. The Daily Success List Prompt

Inspired by Gary Keller’s “The ONE Thing,” this prompt helps identify and prioritize your most impactful daily tasks.

• Purpose: Creates a focused list emphasizing high-impact activities.
• Prompt: “Generate a daily success list for [tomorrow’s date] that identifies:
  1) The ONE most important task that will make everything else easier or unnecessary,
  2) Three supporting tasks that contribute to the main goal, and
  3) Essential maintenance tasks. Include specific success criteria for each task.”

7. The Accountability To-Do Prompt

This prompt creates lists with built-in accountability measures. It helps track progress and maintain momentum.

• Purpose: Generates tasks with clear tracking and accountability mechanisms.
• Prompt: “Create a to-do list for [project/goal] with built-in accountability measures. Include:
  1) Specific success metrics for each task,
  2) Check-in points,
  3) Progress tracking mechanisms,
  4) Potential obstacles and solutions, and
  5) Reward milestones.
  Add who needs to be informed or consulted for each task.”

8. The Energy Management Prompt

Tony Schwartz’s energy management principles suggest aligning tasks with your energy levels. This prompt creates an energy-optimized task list.

• Purpose: Aligns tasks with natural energy patterns for optimal performance.
• Prompt: “Create a to-do list for [timeframe] that matches tasks with optimal energy levels.
  Categorize tasks as:
  1) High-energy focus work,
  2) Creative tasks,
  3) Routine administrative work, and
  4) Low-energy tasks. Include recommended times of day for each category based on my typical energy patterns of [describe your energy patterns].”

9. The MIT (Most Important Tasks) Prompt

Based on Leo Babauta’s MIT concept, this prompt helps you identify and prioritize crucial tasks.

• Purpose: Creates a focused list of truly important tasks.
• Prompt: “Generate a Most Important Tasks (MIT) list for [timeframe] that includes:
  1) Three absolutely essential tasks that must be completed,
  2) Supporting tasks that enable MIT completion,
  3) Nice-to-have tasks if time permits. Include why each MIT is crucial and its impact on [your goal/project].”

10. The Flexible Flow Prompt

This prompt creates adaptable to-do lists that accommodate changes. It’s perfect for dynamic work environments.

• Purpose: Generates flexible task lists with built-in adaptability.
• Prompt: “Create a flexible to-do list for [timeframe] that includes:
  1) Core non-negotiable tasks,
  2) Flexible tasks that can be rearranged,
  3) Optional tasks for available time, and
  4) Contingency plans for each major task.
  Add task dependencies and alternative approaches for each item.”

11. The Review and Adjust Prompt

Regular review and adjustment are crucial for effective task management. This prompt helps optimize your existing to-do lists.

Purpose: Helps refine and improve existing task lists.

Prompt: “Review and optimize my current to-do list for [project/timeframe].
Analyze for:
1) Task priority alignment,
2) Resource allocation efficiency,
3) Timeline realism,
4) Potential bottlenecks, and
5) Missing dependencies. Suggest specific improvements and reorganization based on productivity best practices.”