40+ curated prompts across 6 categories, plus community submissions. Use these to plan, code, debug, refactor, review, and learn without getting overwhelmed.
I'm getting an error in my code. Before you fix it, please:
1. Ask me clarifying questions about what the code should do
2. Ask me to describe the exact error message and when it occurs
3. Ask what I've already tried
Once I answer, walk me through the debugging process by:
- Identifying the likely root cause
- Showing me how to verify each hypothesis
- Providing the fix with an explanation of why it works
Make sure I understand the fix, not just copy-paste it.
Why this works: Asks Claude to ask clarifying questions first; requests step-by-step reasoning and educational explanation.
Refactor this code for readability
By buildwithmara
Please refactor this code with these priorities (in order):
1. Readability: use clear variable names and small functions
2. Maintainability: reduce repetition and make it easy to modify
3. Performance: only optimize if it doesn't harm #1 or #2
For each change you make:
- Explain why it's better
- Show before/after side-by-side
- Flag any tradeoffs
Code to refactor:
[PASTE CODE]
What would a senior engineer do differently?
Why this works: Specifies ranked priorities; requests before/after comparison; asks Claude to show reasoning before concluding.
Explain this algorithm in plain English
By prompt_prashant
I need to understand how this algorithm works. Please:
1. First, ask me: what's your background? (e.g., beginner, 2 years experience, etc.)
2. Ask: are you more visual or prefer written explanation?
3. Then explain the algorithm at my level:
- Start with the high-level idea in one sentence
- Break down each step
- Show a concrete example with small numbers
- Point out edge cases
- Mention when you'd actually use this
Algorithm:
[PASTE CODE]
Make it click for me.
Why this works: Adaptive difficulty via clarifying questions; concrete examples; shows practical application context.
Code review: catch my mistakes
By nightowl_dev
Please review this code as if you're a strict senior engineer. Focus on:
1. **Bugs** (actual logic errors or crashes)
2. **Security** (auth, injection, exposure, validation)
3. **Performance** (obvious inefficiencies)
4. **Style** (conventions, readability)
For each issue:
- Rate it: Critical / High / Medium / Nice-to-have
- Show the problematic line(s)
- Explain the risk or why it's wrong
- Provide the fix or better pattern
Finally, list 2-3 things the code does well.
Code:
[PASTE CODE]
Why this works: Structured severity ratings and prioritized output; balances critique with encouragement.
Generate test cases for edge cases
By j_code
I have a function that I need to test thoroughly. Help me create a test suite:
1. First, I'll describe what the function does:
[DESCRIBE FUNCTION]
2. For each category below, brainstorm test cases and tell me why they matter:
- Happy path (normal usage)
- Boundary cases (edge of valid input)
- Invalid inputs (things that should fail gracefully)
- Empty/null cases
- Performance edge cases (very large inputs)
3. Then write actual test code using [TEST FRAMEWORK] format
4. Explain which tests are critical (must pass) vs. nice-to-have
What edge cases am I missing?
Why this works: Asks Claude to brainstorm before generating code; categorizes test importance; requests reasoning.
Explain this error message
By dev_atlas
I'm getting this error and I don't understand it:
[PASTE FULL ERROR MESSAGE AND STACK TRACE]
Please:
1. Translate the error into plain English (what actually failed?)
2. List the 3 most common causes for this error
3. For each cause, tell me how to check if it's the problem
4. Suggest fixes in order of likelihood
5. Ask me clarifying questions to narrow it down further
Don't just tell me the fix—help me understand what went wrong so I spot it faster next time.
Why this works: Breaks down error diagnosis into testable hypotheses; educational focus; asks clarifying questions.
Why this works: Establishes voice through iterative feedback before full drafting; requests alternatives; checks intent alignment.
Blog post outline with story structure
By writer_jess
Help me outline a blog post about [TOPIC]. I want it structured like this:
1. Hook (make them curious)
2. Problem (why should they care?)
3. Story or example (make it real)
4. Solution/advice (the actual value)
5. Action step (what to do now)
Before you outline:
- Ask me: what's the one insight I want readers to take away?
- Ask: what mistake do I want them to avoid?
- Ask: who's my reader? (their pain, their goal)
Then give me:
- Full outline with talking points
- A "hook" lead paragraph to grab attention
- 2-3 compelling section headers
- A call-to-action suggestion
Why this works: Narrative structure with clarifying questions; requests compelling alternatives; aligns outcome expectations.
Edit for clarity, not just grammar
By edit_pro
Please edit this for CLARITY and IMPACT, not just grammar:
[PASTE TEXT]
For each edit, explain:
1. What was unclear or weak?
2. Why my version didn't work
3. What I can learn (so I write better next time)
Then show me:
- A full revised version
- A version that's "punchy" (shorter, more impact)
- Points where my original was actually strong and I should keep
Finally, give me 3 principles I should remember when writing this type of content.
Why this works: Educational editing; shows learning principles; preserves strong original phrasing.
Adapt content for different platforms
By social_maya
I have one piece of content I want to repurpose across platforms. Here's the original:
[PASTE CONTENT]
Please adapt it for:
1. **Email subject line** + 2-line preview
2. **LinkedIn post** (professional, with engagement hook)
3. **Twitter/X thread** (3-5 connected tweets)
4. **TikTok script** (casual, short, energetic)
5. **Newsletter summary** (teaser with link)
For each, ask me first: what's your goal for that platform? (build followers, drive traffic, establish authority, etc.)
Then show the adaptations and explain the 1-2 key changes you made for each platform.
Why this works: Audience-specific adaptation; asks intent before executing; explains platform-specific choices.
Generate headlines and subject lines
By copywriter_alex
I need compelling headlines for [TOPIC/OFFER]. Here's what I'm selling or promoting:
[DESCRIBE CONTENT/OFFER]
My audience is: [DESCRIBE AUDIENCE]
Please generate 12 headline options. For each, label it with the technique:
- Curiosity gap (makes them wonder)
- Benefit/outcome (they get X)
- Number/specific (80% of X, 5 reasons)
- Urgency (time-limited, trending)
- Negative/fear (avoid mistake X)
- Question (makes them think)
Then tell me:
1. Which 3 feel strongest to you and why?
2. Which would YOU click on?
3. Which one contradicts the others (might test well)?
4. Any I should avoid?
Why this works: Categorizes by technique; requests expert judgment; identifies outliers worth testing.
Write copy that sells without being sleazy
By b2b_content
Help me write copy for [PRODUCT/SERVICE] that actually persuades without feeling pushy.
First, tell me:
1. What's the real problem my customer has? (Dig deeper—not just the surface problem)
2. What does solving it let them do, become, or avoid?
3. Why is my solution better than alternatives?
4. What's the one objection I need to overcome?
Then write:
- A landing page hero section (headline + subheading + single CTA)
- A 3-paragraph customer-focused benefit section (focus on their outcome, not features)
- An objection-handling paragraph (acknowledge the skepticism, then flip it)
- A PS line that creates light urgency
Make it feel authentic and helpful, not salesy.
Why this works: Starts with customer psychology before writing; clarifies real objections; explicitly avoids manipulation.
Research & Learning
Research & Learning prompts.
Research a topic like a journalist
By researchmind
I need to research [TOPIC] thoroughly for [PURPOSE: article/decision/understanding]. Please:
1. Before you start: ask me what I already know (so you don't repeat it)
2. Ask: what angle matters most? (history, technical details, controversies, practical use, etc.)
3. Ask: what would change my mind? (what evidence would convince me otherwise?)
Then research by:
- Summarizing the mainstream view
- Identifying major disagreements or debates
- Highlighting the most interesting or surprising finding
- Noting where experts actually don't know
- Suggesting 3-5 reliable sources I should read myself
Finally:
- Give me 5 thoughtful questions I should ask about this topic
- Flag any assumptions I might unconsciously have
- Tell me: if you had to change your mind about this, what would do it?
Why this works: Clarifies prior knowledge to avoid repetition; identifies genuine disagreements; suggests primary sources.
Learn a new skill with a structured plan
By learning_path
I want to learn [SKILL] because [REASON]. My background: [YOUR EXPERIENCE]. I have [TIME AVAILABLE] per week.
Before you build a plan, ask me:
1. What's a concrete thing you want to DO with this skill? (specific project, not just 'learn')
2. By when do you need to be functional?
3. Do you prefer learning from: practice, theory, examples, video, reading?
Then create a step-by-step learning path:
- Phase 1: Fundamentals (what's the minimum I need to know?)
- Phase 2: Practice (3-5 concrete projects, in order of difficulty)
- Phase 3: Mastery (how to get from good to great)
For each phase:
- Specific resources (books, courses, projects)
- Time estimate
- A mini-project to apply what I learned
- How to know I'm ready for the next phase
What are the 3 biggest mistakes beginners make in this skill?
Why this works: Ties learning to concrete application; asks preferences before planning; includes mini-projects; calls out common pitfalls.
Explain a complex topic simply
By teach_me
I don't understand [TOPIC/CONCEPT]. Please explain it to me like I'm [YOUR LEVEL: beginner/intermediate/expert in a different field].
Use this structure:
1. One-sentence summary (the core idea)
2. A real-world analogy or story that makes it click
3. Break down the key parts (what does each piece do?)
4. A concrete example with numbers or specifics
5. Why it matters (when/how do people actually use this?)
6. Common misconceptions (what do people get wrong?)
Then ask yourself: did I explain it in a way that builds understanding, or did I just use fancy words?
Finally: what's the ONE question most beginners ask about this? (and answer it.)
Why this works: Adaptive complexity via leveling; analogy-based explanation; addresses misconceptions; shows practical relevance.
Compare options side-by-side objectively
By compare_pros
I'm choosing between [OPTION A], [OPTION B], and [OPTION C]. Help me decide objectively:
First, tell me:
1. What matters most for my decision? (price, quality, time, learning curve, etc.)
2. Rank those criteria by importance
3. What would make you pick each option? (what's the best-case for each?)
Then create a comparison:
- Build a scorecard rating each option on your criteria (1-10, with reasoning)
- For each criteria: what's the actual difference, not marketing speak?
- List the biggest pro AND con for each option
- Identify which criteria might not matter as much as you think
- Tell me: which option am I unconsciously already leaning toward?
Finally: if you could only pick one factor, which would most impact your happiness with this choice?
Why this works: Ranks criteria by importance before comparing; reveals unconscious bias; focuses on actual differences.
Fact-check a claim rigorously
By skeptic_press
Someone told me [CLAIM]. I want to know if it's true. Before you check, help me:
1. Rephrase the claim clearly—what exactly are we testing?
2. Break down the claim into sub-claims (if it's complex)
3. Ask: what would prove this true? What would prove it false?
4. What's the most likely reason people believe this? (is there a grain of truth?)
Then research:
- What's the mainstream expert consensus?
- What are the strongest arguments for AND against?
- What does the actual research show? (studies, data, not just opinions)
- What are the common misconceptions or misquotes?
- Confidence level: how sure can we be?
Finally:
- Tell me the truth, the caveats, and the nuance
- Suggest one high-quality source I should read to verify myself
Why this works: Defines testable claims before researching; seeks strongest arguments for both sides; includes confidence rating.
Create a study guide for an exam
By study_strategist
I have an exam on [SUBJECT] in [TIME AVAILABLE]. Please help me study strategically:
1. First, ask: what type of exam? (multiple choice, essay, practical, mixed?)
2. Ask: which topics stress you out? Which do you already know?
3. Ask: what's your learning style? (visual, reading, practice problems, teaching others?)
Then build a study plan:
- Priority topics (hardest, highest-weighted, most likely to appear)
- A study schedule for the time you have (daily breakdown)
- 10 practice questions that test the hard stuff (with explanations)
- Common mistakes to watch out for
- A 1-page cheat sheet of essential formulas/concepts
- 3 ways to quiz yourself before test day
Finally: what's the most important concept to nail down first, and why?
Why this works: Prioritizes learning based on difficulty and test weight; tailors to learning style; includes metacognitive strategies.
Business & Productivity
Business & Productivity prompts.
Validate a business idea quickly
By founder_dev
I have a business idea: [DESCRIBE IDEA AND TARGET CUSTOMER]
Before you critique it, tell me:
1. Do you think I'm onto something?
2. What assumptions am I making that could be wrong?
3. What's the biggest risk that could kill this?
Then help me validate it:
- Who exactly is the customer? (be specific, not "everyone")
- What's their actual problem? (not what I think it is—what will they pay to solve?)
- Who's already solving this? (competitors, partial solutions)
- What would I need to charge to make this viable?
- What's the simplest way to test if customers actually want this? (in 1-2 weeks)
- Red flags I should watch out for
Finally: is this worth my time, and what should I do next week?
Why this works: Asks for honest feedback first; identifies untested assumptions; focuses on customer validation over perfection.
Create a product roadmap from feedback
By product_roadmap
I've collected customer feedback on my product [DESCRIBE PRODUCT]. Here's what they told me:
[PASTE FEEDBACK: complaints, feature requests, compliments]
Please:
1. Group the feedback into themes (what patterns do you see?)
2. Separate signal from noise (what's one person's preference vs. real problems?)
3. Rate each theme by: how many customers mentioned it, how urgent is it, how hard to build?
Then create a roadmap:
- Next 1-3 months: Quick wins (easy to build, high impact)
- Next 3-6 months: Main features (harder, but customers want them)
- Future: Nice-to-haves (cool, but not urgent)
For each item, explain:
- Why it matters (what problem does it solve?)
- How you'll measure success
- What could go wrong
Finally: which one thing should I prioritize first, and why?
Why this works: Separates signal from noise; rates priorities by impact and effort; ties features to customer problems.
Write a business email that gets response
By email_strategist
I need to email [RECIPIENT] about [PURPOSE]. Here's what I know about them:
[YOUR CONTEXT]
Before you write, help me think through:
1. What do THEY care about? (their goals, not mine)
2. Why should they care about what I'm saying?
3. What's the one thing I want them to do?
4. What's my biggest risk? (they ignore it, they say no, they misunderstand)
Then write:
- Subject line (no "Quick question"—make it specific)
- Personalized opening (not generic)
- 1-2 paragraph body (show you understand their world)
- Clear, single ask (easy to say yes to)
- A light next step (what happens if they don't reply?)
- Closing that's warm, not stiff
Before I send it:
- Read it from their perspective—would you respond?
- Point out anything that sounds desperate or salesy
- Suggest 1-2 alternative subject lines to test
Why this works: Prioritizes recipient's perspective; focuses on single ask; tests tone before sending; suggests alternatives.
Plan a project with real deadlines
By pm_clarity
I need to plan a project: [DESCRIBE PROJECT AND DEADLINE]
Help me break it down:
1. Ask: what does "done" look like? (be specific—how do we know we succeeded?)
2. Ask: what could derail this? (what risks should I plan for?)
3. Ask: who do I need to depend on? (and are they reliable?)
Then build the plan:
- Main phases (break it into 3-5 chunks)
- For each phase: tasks, who's responsible, realistic time estimate
- Dependencies (what has to finish before the next thing starts?)
- Buffer time (where could things slip?)
- Weekly milestones (how do we know we're on track?)
- Red flags to watch for
Finally:
- Timeline in calendar format (can we actually finish by the deadline?)
- One thing I should do TODAY
- When should we check in to see if we're on track?
Why this works: Defines success before planning; identifies risks and dependencies; includes buffer; suggests quick first step.
Analyze a meeting and make it better
By meeting_optimizer
We have a recurring meeting [DESCRIBE MEETING: attendees, length, purpose]. It feels like a time sink. Help me fix it:
1. First, ask: what decision or outcome should this meeting produce?
2. Ask: who actually needs to be there? (or are we just inviting everyone?)
3. Ask: what would make you feel the time was well-spent?
Then analyze:
- Is this meeting necessary, or can we communicate async?
- If we keep it: ideal length, attendees, and agenda
- Structure: how should we use the time to get real answers?
- Decisions: what should we decide in the meeting vs. beforehand?
- Follow-up: how do we avoid rehashing the same ground next meeting?
Finally: draft a new meeting description that shows the real purpose.
What's the test to know if this meeting is working?
Why this works: Questions necessity before optimizing; right-sizes attendees and time; focuses on outcomes over activity.
Pitch your idea in 1 minute
By pitch_coach
I'm pitching [MY IDEA/PRODUCT/SERVICE] to [WHO: investor, customer, partner] for [GOAL]. My pitch is too long.
Please:
1. Ask: what's the ONE thing they need to understand about your idea?
2. Ask: what would make them say yes right now?
3. Ask: what's the biggest doubt they'll have?
Then build a 1-minute pitch:
- Hook (1 sentence that makes them lean in)
- Problem (why this matters)
- Solution (what you're doing—2 sentences max)
- Why you (why you, why now)
- Ask (what do you want from them?)
Make it:
- Specific (numbers, not vague)
- Memorable (one visual/story/stat)
- Confident (not tentative)
- Conversational (like you're talking to a friend, not presenting)
Then give me 3 versions (ambitious, balanced, conservative) and tell me which would work best.
Why this works: Clarifies core message before drafting; multiple versions for different audiences; emphasizes authenticity.
Creative Projects
Creative Projects prompts.
Brainstorm ideas with structured creativity
By creative_spark
I'm stuck trying to come up with ideas for [PROJECT: story, game, business, campaign, etc.]. Here's the context:
[DESCRIBE CONSTRAINTS: budget, audience, format, tone, deadline]
Before we brainstorm, help me think:
1. What if I inverted the obvious approach? (opposite of what everyone does)
2. What's a weird combination of two unrelated things?
3. What would [different person/culture/era] do with this?
Then generate:
- 20 diverse ideas (weird, safe, bold, practical, fun, serious)
- For each idea: one sentence pitch, why it could work, why it might fail
- Highlight the 3-5 ideas you'd actually pursue
- For each top idea: what would make it even better?
Finally:
- Which idea scares you a little? (often the best signal)
- What's the fastest way to test the top 3?
- What assumption is each idea built on?
Why this works: Structures ideation with creative constraints; generates diverse options; flags assumptions and risks.
Write a story with character depth
By storyteller_kit
I'm writing a story about [PROTAGONIST] who [MAIN CONFLICT]. Here's what I have so far:
[DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'VE WRITTEN]
Before I continue, help me build the character:
1. What does your protagonist WANT vs. what do they NEED? (different things)
2. What's their biggest fear, and how does this story touch that?
3. What's a small habit or quirk that makes them real?
4. Who would they be if everything went wrong?
Then assess the conflict:
- Is it personal (internal struggle), interpersonal (with someone), or external (vs. the world)?
- What's the real stake? (what could they lose?)
- Is there a false solution they try first? (makes it more interesting)
Finally:
- Suggest a scene that reveals something about them without saying it outright
- Identify where the emotional peak should happen
- Ask: what's the moment where they change?
Why this works: Separates want from need; builds internal conflict; suggests showing over telling; marks emotional arc.
Design a world or setting that feels real
By worldbuilder_ray
I'm building a world/setting for [GENRE/PROJECT]. Here's the basic concept:
[DESCRIBE YOUR WORLD]
To make it feel real, let's answer:
1. What's different about this world from ours? (magic, technology, culture, geography)
2. How does that difference change daily life? (what do people do?)
3. What are the rules? (what's possible, what's not?)
4. Who has power, and why?
Then build:
- 3 specific locations (what makes each feel real? sights, sounds, conflicts)
- Daily life details: how do people eat, work, socialize, relax?
- One problem everyone in this world deals with
- Visual reference images (style, color, architecture)
- Internal logic: if X is true, what else must be true?
Finally:
- What's one small detail that would feel weird to an outsider but normal here?
- What's the biggest assumption your world is built on?
- How is this world a mirror of a real-world issue?
Why this works: Grounds abstract worldbuilding in concrete details; asks for logical consistency; ties to real-world themes.
Give creative feedback that helps
By critique_coach
I need feedback on [CREATIVE WORK: writing, design, music, etc.]. Here's what it is:
[DESCRIBE OR PASTE YOUR WORK]
Before you critique, understand my intent:
1. What effect do I want it to have? (move people, entertain, inform, persuade?)
2. What am I most uncertain about?
3. Am I looking for: harsh honesty, encouragement, specific technical fixes?
Then give feedback structured as:
- What works really well? (be specific—what landed for you?)
- Where does it lose you? (where do you need clarity, emotion, or interest?)
- One thing I'd change: [specific suggestion with reasoning]
- One question: [something that might unlock improvement]
- Honest final thought: did it do what you intended?
Finally: what's the smallest change that would have the biggest impact?
Why this works: Asks intent and preference before critiquing; balances honest criticism with specificity; suggests highest-leverage fix.
Develop a character voice or persona
By voice_dev
I'm creating a character [NAME, ROLE] for [PROJECT]. I want their voice to feel distinct and real.
Help me define them:
1. How would they describe themselves? (not the truth, what they THINK of themselves)
2. What's their verbal tic? (word they overuse, speech pattern, accent flavor)
3. What don't they talk about? (blind spots reveal character)
4. Are they more formal or casual? Direct or indirect? Emotional or detached?
Then:
- Write 3 pieces of dialogue: angry, amused, vulnerable
- Write an internal monologue about [their conflict]
- Write how they'd explain their job to a kid
- Identify 2 words or phrases that are "theirs"
Finally:
- Read it out loud—does it feel natural or forced?
- Would you recognize this character by voice alone?
- What's one thing that surprised you about how they'd sound?
Why this works: Develops voice through internal contradiction; includes verbal tics and blind spots; tests authenticity through performance.
Outline a creative project from concept to finish
By create_plan
I want to make [CREATIVE PROJECT: podcast, book, video series, game, etc.]. I have the core idea but need a roadmap:
[DESCRIBE YOUR IDEA]
Before I plan, tell me:
1. Why does this idea matter to YOU?
2. Who's your ideal audience, and what do they love?
3. What's the hardest part you'll have to figure out?
Then build the roadmap:
- **Phase 1 (Research/Setup):** what do you need to learn or create before starting?
- **Phase 2 (Creation):** break it into milestones (how many pieces, in what order?)
- **Phase 3 (Polish/Release):** timeline and format
- Resources needed (tools, people, money, time)
- 3 ways it could fail—and how to catch the problem early
For each phase:
- One concrete thing to do THIS WEEK
- How you'll know you're ready to move to the next phase
Finally: what's the smallest version you could make to test the idea?
Why this works: Ties project to personal motivation; identifies hardest problem early; emphasizes MVP testing approach.
Life Admin & Planning
Life Admin & Planning prompts.
Make a major life decision
By decision_maker
I'm trying to decide between [OPTION A] and [OPTION B]. This decision [CONTEXT: big move, job change, relationship, investment, etc.].
Before I decide, help me think clearly:
1. What am I really afraid of? (fear often drives decisions more than logic)
2. If I don't decide now, what happens? (sunk cost, time, regret?)
3. In 5 years, which choice will I be happier about?
Then analyze:
- What do I know vs. what am I just assuming?
- Which option would I choose if fear wasn't a factor?
- Which option would I choose if money wasn't a factor?
- What could I learn from choosing each path?
- Is there a third option I haven't considered?
Finally:
- What's the decision point? (what would change my mind?)
- If I choose A, what would need to be true for it to work out?
- If I choose B, what would need to be true for it to work out?
- What's my gut telling me? (separate from logic)
Based on all this, what should I do?
Why this works: Separates fear from logic; identifies hidden assumptions; explores counterfactuals; includes gut check.
Plan a big project or trip
By planner_sarah
I'm planning [PROJECT/TRIP] for [TIME FRAME] with [CONSTRAINTS: budget, who's coming, must-dos].
First, clarify with me:
1. What does success look like? (specific outcomes, not vague vibes)
2. What's the biggest risk or thing that could go wrong?
3. What are you most excited about?
Then build the plan:
- **Phase 1 (Before):** what needs to happen 1-2 months out? (bookings, prep)
- **Phase 2 (Execution):** day-by-day or week-by-week breakdown
- **Phase 3 (Buffer/Wrap):** flex time, contingencies, follow-up
For each phase:
- Specific tasks with owners and deadlines
- Budget breakdown (where could you overspend?)
- Backup plan for the top 3 things that could fail
Finally:
- One thing I should do TODAY
- What's the most common mistake people make with this kind of planning?
- How will you know if it's going well?
Why this works: Defines success before planning; anticipates failure modes; breaks into phases with daily/weekly details.
Get unstuck from a difficult situation
By coach_perspective
I'm stuck in [SITUATION]. Here's what's happening:
[DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM]
Before you advise, help me understand:
1. How long has this been going on?
2. What have I already tried? (and why didn't it work?)
3. What would change if nothing changed? (what's the cost of staying stuck?)
4. What am I not saying out loud? (the real issue, not just the surface one)
Then let's think through it:
- What's in my control vs. what isn't?
- What assumption am I making that could be wrong?
- Who could help me that I haven't asked?
- If I had no fear, what would I do?
- What's the 1% improvement I could make this week?
Finally:
- What's actually blocking me: knowledge, courage, resources, or clarity?
- What would I tell a friend in this situation?
- Is the real problem what I think it is?
Why this works: Separates surface problem from root cause; asks what's been tried; focuses on controllable actions.
Build a personal budget that sticks
By budget_real
I want to get my money under control. Here's my basic situation:
- Monthly income: $X
- Major expenses (rent, bills, debt): $X
- Where the rest goes: [DESCRIBE]
- Money goals: [DESCRIBE]
Before we budget, ask me:
1. What's causing money stress? (too much spent, not enough earned, both?)
2. What do I spend money on without thinking about it?
3. What's the one thing I'd save money for if I could?
Then build:
- Where every dollar goes (be specific, not vague categories)
- "Free money" (expenses I can cut without suffering)
- Savings target (realistic, not fantasy)
- Budget by category with: what I'm spending now vs. target
- One thing I can do this week to save $X
Finally:
- How do I track this without obsessing?
- What will make me actually stick to this?
- When should I check in to see if it's working?
Why this works: Asks root cause before budgeting; identifies painless cuts; ties to personal goals; builds real accountability.
Design your ideal week
By time_architect
I want to design a week that actually works for me. Right now I feel: [HOW YOU FEEL: overwhelmed, bored, scattered, unmotivated].
First, tell me:
1. What's one activity that makes you feel alive?
2. What's taking up time that doesn't feel worth it?
3. What would you do more of if you could?
Then map out an ideal week:
- How many hours for work/obligations?
- How many for focus/deep work? (when does your brain do its best work?)
- How many for rest/fun/hobbies?
- How many for relationships/social?
- What time of day do you do each? (peak energy hours for peak tasks)
Now make it realistic:
- What can't change? (fixed commitments)
- Where can you create 3-5 hours for something that matters?
- What's one thing you should stop doing?
Finally:
- What's one week day that's completely negotiable?
- If you actually lived this week, how would you feel?
- What's the first change to make?
Why this works: Starts with values before scheduling; ties time to energy levels; identifies what to stop; tests sustainability.
Tackle a habit you want to change
By habit_shift
I want to change [HABIT: quit, start, do more/less]. Here's the situation:
- How long has this been the pattern?
- Why do you do this? (what need does it fill?)
- What's the cost of not changing?
Before you give advice, help me understand:
1. When do you do this most? (time of day, trigger, emotion)
2. What makes it hard to stop? (what's the real barrier?)
3. What would make it easier? (environment, support, reward)
Then design a change:
- **Tiny first step:** what's 1% of the goal? (not the whole thing at once)
- **Environment:** what needs to change so the new habit is easier?
- **Trigger:** what's a cue that reminds you? (time, place, another habit)
- **Reward:** what makes the new habit feel worth it?
- **Tracking:** how will you know you did it? (simple, visible)
Finally:
- What's one week where you'll test this?
- Who can help keep you honest?
- When does this habit get easiest? (start there, not your hardest moment)
Why this works: Identifies the real trigger and need; starts with 1% change; ties environment to habit; suggests accountability.
Community
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