Aug 26 • Shared Resources
Breaking projects into steps system
I asked ChatGPT to help me create a system to go from large project into actionable tasks, here it is.
Project Breakdown System
1. Define the Goal (Outcome-Oriented Start)
- Write down the end result in one clear sentence:
- Example: “A website that allows users to log in and view their profile data.”
This ensures you know what you’re aiming for before slicing it up.
2. Identify Major Phases (Chunking)
- Break the project into 3–6 broad phases that reflect natural milestones.
- Common categories:
Example (for the website):
- Setup → Backend → Frontend → Testing → Deployment.
3. Break Phases into Deliverables (Concrete Outputs)
- For each phase, define deliverables — tangible outputs, not vague activities.Example (Backend Phase):
4. Convert Deliverables into Action Tasks (1–2 hour chunks)
- Each deliverable should break into tasks you can complete in a single sitting.
- A task should begin with a verb and be doable, not conceptual.Example (Database schema deliverable):
5. Apply the "Too Big? Cut Again" Rule
- If a task feels overwhelming → it’s too big.
- Keep slicing until you get to something small enough that you can clearly imagine starting it right now.
Checklist for a “good task”:
- Takes 15 min to 2 hours.
- Starts with a verb.
- Has a clear outcome.
- You know how to begin immediately.
6. Sequence & Prioritize
- Decide the order with Dependencies First:
- Mark “Must Do First” vs “Can Do Anytime.”
Example:
- You can’t code the API until you have the database schema.
7. Use a Tracker (Visualize Progress)
Choose a simple system to manage tasks:
- Kanban board (Trello, Notion, GitHub Projects, Post-its on a wall).
- Seeing progress builds momentum.
8. Review & Iterate
- At the end of each session/day:
- Weekly: Review progress and re-plan.
📌 Quick Example Walkthrough
Project: “Create a YouTube tutorial series”
- Goal: 5-part beginner Arduino video series uploaded to YouTube.
- Phases: Topic planning → Scripting → Filming → Editing → Uploading → Promotion.
- Deliverable (Filming Phase): Raw footage for Video 1.
- Tasks:
Each is bite-sized and easy to start.
Let me know what you think. I will start using this to be able to start on something when the entire project looks overwhelming.
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Breaking projects into steps system
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