Todos
Turn “I want to build a product” into something you can start today
This 15-minute template does not replace long-term planning. It solves one frequent problem: the idea is large, but the next action is vague.
For: independent developers, designers, and freelancers. Basis: a manual walkthrough using current Todos fields—task text, groups, priority, and due dates. Review: Adrian Stark, 2026-08-28.
Define an outcome someone can verify
“Build an expense-tracking product” is a direction, not a task. Rewrite it as: “Let three target users record one expense on a phone and explain where they get stuck.” The result must be observable, or you cannot tell when the task is complete.
Copy these three questions
- Outcome: What can someone see or verify when this is done?
- Constraints: How much time and budget do you have this week, and what cannot change?
- Next action: What can you start within 30 minutes that has a clear finish state?
Example: the outcome is “three people complete one entry”; the constraint is “four hours this week and no payment integration”; the next action is “draw five wireframes for the add-expense flow by 20:00 today.”
Write three kinds of Todo
- Validate: book a 20-minute test with three target users.
- Build: finish the clickable expense-entry flow without accounts or payments.
- Review: record three shared blockers and choose only one for the next iteration.
Begin each task with a verb and keep one primary deliverable. If it will take more than half a day, split it until you can sit down and begin without another planning decision.
The 15-minute finish line
You do not need a perfect plan. Once you have one verifiable outcome, one current constraint, and one action you can begin within 30 minutes, the breakdown is complete. Move the remaining ideas to a “Later” group so they do not crowd out today.