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” 1. Goal: 5-part beginner Arduino video series uploaded to YouTube. 2. Phases: Topic planning → Scripting → Filming → Editing → Uploading → Promotion. 3. Deliverable (Filming Phase): Raw footage for Video 1. 4. Tasks: