Prompt library
Plan a deep focus session
The on-ramp task defeats the start-resistance that costs the first 20 minutes, and the capture pad converts distraction from a derailment into a one-line note. Landing notes exploit the cheapest productivity trick that exists: tomorrow's momentum is manufactured during the last five minutes of the current session.
Last reviewed July 17, 2026
The prompt
Plan a focus session.
The work: {{work}}
Time available and energy level: {{state}}
Produce:
1. The target: restate the work as a finish line for THIS session, sized truthfully to my time and energy ("a rough full draft of section 2", not "make progress on the report"). If my work item is too big for the slot, cut the scope, not the quality bar.
2. The ramp: the 5-minute on-ramp task that gets my hands moving before resistance organizes (re-read yesterday's last paragraph, list the section's 3 points).
3. The setup checklist: the 4-5 concrete pre-conditions (which files open, which apps closed, phone where, water, the do-not-disturb setting), so starting is mechanical.
4. The distraction protocol: the capture pad rule (stray thoughts get one line on paper, not a browser tab) and the pre-written line for the moment I want to check something ("note it; verify after").
5. The block structure for my time: work/break rhythm matched to my energy, with break activities that do not hijack attention (no feeds; walk, water, stare out the window).
6. The landing: the last 5 minutes are for leaving a note to my next session (where I stopped, the next first step), because tomorrow's ramp is built today.
One session, one target; parallel targets are how sessions evaporate.Run in idaptOpens a new chat with the prompt prefilled. Nothing sends until you press send.
Fill in the variables
| Variable | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {{work}} | What the session is for | the conference talk outline I keep avoiding |
| {{state}} | Time and true energy level | 90 minutes, morning, decent energy |