The reset
Separate the signal from the pile.
Notes, messages, half-decisions, and requests are inputs—not a plan. Before drafting, organizing, or delegating, pull only the information that changes the work.
The clear brief template
Answer these five prompts in plain language.
- Outcome
- What needs to be true when this work is complete?
- Audience
- Who will use, approve, or be affected by it?
- Context
- What information, decisions, or work already exists?
- Constraints
- What must be included, avoided, or finished by a certain date?
- Next action
- What is the smallest useful move you can make next?
Put it to work
Make the next move visible.
Use your answers to write one sentence: “Create [deliverable] for [audience] so that [outcome], using [context], by [constraint].”
Then choose a next action that can be completed without another planning session: outline the sections, ask one decision-making question, collect two missing inputs, or write the opening draft.
Keep the momentum
Need help moving from the brief to the plan?
The Clear Work Prompt Pack gives you practical prompts for turning raw context into a focused brief, an actionable plan, a first draft, or a considered decision. Instant digital access for $9.99.
View The Clear Work Prompt Pack