Generate a reusable checklist for any recurring task

Create a tight, ordered checklist with time estimates and common failure points for a task you repeat.

Change note: Initial version

Prompt

Create a reusable checklist for: {{task}}

Context: {{context}}
Who does it and how often: {{frequency}}
Level of rigor needed: {{rigor}}

Build the checklist with these rules:
- Group items into phases: Before, During, After. Use only the phases that apply.
- Order items by the sequence they should happen in real life.
- Each item must be a single, observable action ("Verify X", not "Think about X").
- Mark the 3 to 5 items most often forgotten or most costly to miss with a warning symbol.
- Add a rough time estimate at the end of each phase.
- Keep to {{max_items}} items. Cut anything a competent person would do automatically.

After the checklist, add a short section "How to improve this list" with 2 or 3 questions I should answer after the next time I use it.

Output as a markdown checklist with [ ] boxes so I can paste it into a notes app.

Variables

• {{task}}Tasktextrequired

  Default: Preparing and publishing a weekly newsletter

• {{context}}Contextlongrequired

  Default: Solo creator, uses Substack, includes a sponsor slot and 3 curated links

• {{frequency}}Who and how oftentextrequired

  Default: Me, every Thursday

• {{rigor}}Rigorselectrequired

  Options: light, standard, high stakes

  Default: light

• {{max_items}}Max itemsnumberrequired

  Default: 15

Example output

**Before (about 60 min)**
- [ ] Collect 3 links and write a one-line take on each
- [ ] Confirm the sponsor copy and link are the latest version ⚠
- [ ] Draft the intro in under 100 words
- [ ] Choose a subject line and one backup

**During (about 25 min)**
- [ ] Paste content into the Substack editor and apply the template
- [ ] Click every link, including the sponsor link ⚠
- [ ] Add alt text to images
- [ ] Check the preview on mobile
- [ ] Send a test email to yourself ⚠

**After (about 10 min)**
- [ ] Schedule or publish at the usual time
- [ ] Share on one social channel
- [ ] Record open rate and clicks in your tracking sheet
- [ ] Send sponsor the live link and screenshot ⚠

**How to improve this list**
1. Which step took longest, and can it be templated?
2. Did any link or detail fail after sending?
3. What did you do that is not on the list?

Notes

Limiting the item count and flagging the costly-to-miss steps keeps the list usable rather than exhaustive. Reuse it and revise after each run using the improvement questions.