AI Prompts for Real Life: Templates That Actually Work
Everyone knows AI can help with work tasks, but what about the mundane stuff that actually eats up your time? Here are the prompts I actually use for handling everyday life admin - the kind of stuff that’s boring but necessary.
Note that I’m typically using Claude with the gmail integrations and the Notion MCP configured, so it has access to my emails, calendar, etc.
Email and Communication Management
Email Triage
I have [number] unread emails in gmail. Help me figure out which ones actually need responses and which are just noise.Difficult Conversations
Help me write a polite but firm email to [recipient] about [issue]. The tone should be [supportive/professional/friendly] while also being [clear about boundaries/addressing the problem/getting results]. The situation is: [brief context]Declining Requests
Draft a response to this [volunteer request/invitation/commitment]. I'd like to help but can't commit to [specific constraint]. Here's the original message: [paste message]Professional Follow-ups
Write a professional but friendly message to [contractor/service provider] who's [running behind schedule/not responding/need clarification on]. I need to [specific outcome] without being pushy.Household Task Organization
Overwhelm Management
I need to organize all the tasks in my notion todo list. Help me prioritize what's urgent vs what can wait.Document Organization
Turn this pile of [medical records/insurance forms/receipts] into something organized I can actually use. Here's what I have: [list documents/notes]Task Breakdown
I need to [specific large task like "organize garage" or "plan move"]. Break this down into manageable steps I can actually complete, considering I have [time constraints/other limitations].Bill Management and Budgeting
Budget Analysis
Analyze our monthly recurring expenses and help me identify what we could cut if we needed to save [specific amount]. Here are our current expenses: [list expenses with amounts]Tax Preparation
I need to set up a simple system for tracking tax-deductible expenses throughout the year. I'm [employment status] and typically deduct [types of expenses].Financial Decision Making
I'm comparing [number] different [insurance quotes/loan offers/service plans]. Help me understand what I should actually compare beyond just price. Here are the options: [details]Appointment and Schedule Management
Scheduling Optimization
Help me figure out the best time to schedule [number] different appointments without disrupting [work schedule/family commitments]. Please analyze my calendar and find the ideal times.Coordination Logistics
I need to coordinate a [repair/delivery/service] appointment when someone will be home. Help me figure out the logistics.Recurring Appointment Tracking
Create a system for tracking all the recurring appointments we need - [doctor checkups/car maintenance/etc]. Create todo list items for them in notion and reminders in my calendar.Home and Life Management
Project Planning
I'm planning to [home improvement project/life change]. Help me think through everything I need to consider, including timeline, budget, and potential complications.Maintenance Systems
Create a household maintenance schedule for [house type/living situation]. I need to stay on top of [seasonal tasks/regular upkeep] without it becoming overwhelming. Create todo list items in notion and reminders in my calendar.Emergency Preparedness
Help me create a [emergency plan/disaster kit/important documents list] for a family of [number] in [location/housing type]. Keep it practical and actually doable.Research and Decision Making
Service Provider Selection
I need to find a [contractor/service provider/professional] for [specific need]. What questions should I ask, what should I look for, and what are red flags to avoid?Product Comparison
I'm trying to choose between [products/services] for [specific use case]. My priorities are [list priorities] and my budget is [amount]. Help me compare these options: [list options]Local Research
I'm new to [area/situation] and need to find [services/resources]. What should I be looking for and where should I start? My specific needs are: [list needs]Problem Diagnosis
I'm having an issue with [appliance/system/process]. Before I call a professional, help me troubleshoot what might be wrong and what information I should gather.Tips for Better Prompts
Be Specific About Constraints: Instead of “help me organize,” say “help me organize my home office that I use 3 days a week, has limited storage, and needs to work for both computer work and craft projects.”
Include Context: AI works better when it understands your situation. Mention family size, living situation, work schedule, or other relevant factors.
State Your Preferences: If you prefer simple solutions, hate complicated systems, or need something that works on mobile, say so upfront.
Ask for Examples: Add “give me specific examples” or “show me what this would look like in practice” to get more actionable advice.
Iterate: Start with a basic prompt, then follow up with clarifying questions based on the first response. AI gets better with more context.
The key is treating AI like a helpful assistant who needs clear instructions. The more specific you are about what you actually need, the better the results you’ll get.
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