The Focus Toolkit - Peak Productivity

1

5 ChatGPT Prompts for Everyday Tasks

Copy and paste these prompts into ChatGPT. Replace the [brackets] with your specific information.

The Email Shortener

Rewrite this email to be half the length while keeping the key message. Make it clear what I'm asking for. Here's the email: [paste your email draft]

Use this before sending any email longer than 3 sentences.

The Meeting Prep

I have a meeting about [topic] with [person/team]. Give me 5 questions I should ask and 3 points I should make to look prepared and add value.

Run this 10 minutes before any important meeting.

The Quick Summary

Summarize this in 3 bullet points. Focus on what matters for someone in [your role]. Here's the content: [paste article/document]

Great for long articles, reports, or documents you need to process quickly.

The Brainstorm Partner

I'm working on [project/problem]. Act as a creative colleague and give me 10 different approaches I might not have considered. Include at least 3 unconventional ideas.

When you're stuck, this generates fresh perspectives in seconds.

The Decision Helper

I need to decide between [Option A] and [Option B]. List 3 pros and 3 cons for each. Then tell me which you'd choose and why, assuming my priority is [your main priority].

Cuts through decision paralysis with structured analysis.

Don't try to use all 5 prompts today. Pick ONE that matches your biggest time sink. Master it this week. Then add another.

2

The 2-Minute Focus Reset

Use this before any important task to clear mental clutter and get into focus mode.

Do This Before Starting Deep Work

1

Clear Your Space (30 seconds)

Close all tabs except what you need. Put phone face-down or in another room. Remove visual distractions from desk.

2

Breathe & Center (30 seconds)

Take 3 deep breaths: 4 counts in, hold 4, out 6 counts. Feel your feet on the floor. You're here now.

3

State Your Intention (30 seconds)

Say out loud (or write): "For the next [time], I will focus on [specific task]. This matters because [reason]."

4

Start Immediately (30 seconds)

Don't check anything first. Open your document. Put your hands on keyboard. Write the first sentence. Movement creates momentum.

3

Quick Pomodoro Setup

The Pomodoro Technique is the simplest way to create focused work sessions. Here's the exact setup:

25 min

FOCUS TIME

5 min

SHORT BREAK

4x

CYCLES

15-30 min

LONG BREAK

The key rule: During focus time, do NOTHING except your one task. No "quick" email checks. No "just one" Slack message. The timer is sacred. If something pops into your head, write it on paper and return to work.

How to Start Today

Use any timer app or our free Pomodoro Timer Pro Chrome extension
Pick ONE task before starting (use the worksheet below)
Commit to the full 25 minutes - no exceptions
Stand up and move during breaks - don't switch to another screen

4

The "One Thing" Worksheet

Complete this before your first Pomodoro session each day.

Today's Focus

What is the ONE task that, if completed today, would make everything else easier or unnecessary?

Be specific. Not "work on project" but "write introduction section of Q1 report"

Why does this matter? What happens if it doesn't get done?

Connect to a real consequence or benefit. This fuels your motivation.

What's the FIRST physical action to start? (Be specific)

Examples: "Open Google Doc titled X" or "Email Jane to ask for data"

When will I do my first 25-minute focus session on this?

Block it on your calendar NOW. Treat it like a meeting you can't miss.