Random Task Generator

One press gives you one small put-off job, how long it takes and what counts as done.

Done: Say no to the invitation or favor you will not take upSay no to the invitation or favor you will not take up5 minutes. Done when the other person knows, kindly and without an essay.

Next step Add a compliment to the message Done? Draw a chore next

How it works

This random task generator picks one small job you have been putting off: Answer the invitation, Label the folders in your filing box, Put air in both bicycle tires. Each says roughly how long it takes and what counts as done.

Read the full guide

Pick a kind and a length

After your first press, two menus under the button narrow the draw. One sets the kind: papers and mail, phone and computer, errands, messages and calls, car and bike, or plan ahead. The other sets how long you have: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, half an hour or an hour. The times are our own rough estimate. Tick a task when it is done; ticks stay on this device.

What is left out

There is no cleaning or tidying here; those jobs are on the chore page. No card tells you what to decide about money, health or the law. A card may say find, file, book or renew, and the decision stays yours.

Tips

Do the first task the page gives you. Pressing again is one more way of putting it off.

Questions and answers

Can the random task generator pick from my own list?

No. This page draws from our list of common put-off jobs. To choose between tasks you type in yourself, use Pick for me.

What can I get done in five minutes?

Set the time menu to 5 minutes. You get jobs such as Answer the invitation, Top up the washer fluid or Write tomorrow's three most important jobs, each with a finish line.

How do I stop putting small tasks off?

Make the job small and give it an end. Every card here names what counts as done, so you know when to stop. Press once, do that one and tick it.

All 150 tasks

Papers and mail 25

Ask to be taken off one mailing list 15 minutes. Done when the request is sent to a sender whose mail you never read.
Change your address on one account that has the old one 15 minutes. Done when the account shows the new address.
Check when your ID card or license runs out 5 minutes. Done when the date is written where you will see it.
Clip each warranty to its receipt 15 minutes. Done when the warranties you can find each have proof of purchase attached.
Copy the dates from appointment cards into your calendar 5 minutes. Done when every card on the fridge or in your bag is entered.
Empty one box of old paperwork An hour. Done when each item is kept in a folder, shredded or recycled.
File the loose papers on the counter 15 minutes. Done when each sheet sits in a folder or the recycling.
Fill in an emergency contact card for your wallet 5 minutes. Done when the card is written and in the wallet.
Fill in the form that has sat on your desk Half an hour. Done when it is complete, signed and ready to go.

Show all 150 tasks (141 more)

Papers and mail, continued

Find out the month your passport expires 5 minutes. Done when the expiry date is in your calendar with a reminder six months ahead.
Find your birth certificate and note where it lives 15 minutes. Done when you could tell someone exactly where to look.
Finish the thank-you card that is overdue 15 minutes. Done when it is addressed, stamped and by the door.
Gather the appliance manuals into one folder 15 minutes. Done when the next manual you need is in a single known place.
Label the folders in your filing box 15 minutes. Done when every folder has a name you would search for.
List where your important papers are kept 15 minutes. Done when someone you trust could find each document from the list.
Open the pile of unopened mail 15 minutes. Done when every envelope is open and sorted into act, file or recycle.
Put the instruction sheets for flat-pack furniture in a bag 15 minutes. Done when sheets and spare fittings are together and labeled.
Recycle the catalogs and flyers by the door 5 minutes. Done when the stack is in the bin and the surface is clear.
Scan one important document and save the copy 15 minutes. Done when the file opens and has a name you will recognize.
Send back the slip that a school or office is waiting for 15 minutes. Done when it is signed and in the bag or the mail.
Send off the envelope that has sat sealed for days 15 minutes. Done when it is stamped and in a mailbox.
Shred the old statements you have finished with Half an hour. Done when the pile you set aside for shredding is gone.
Sort this year's receipts into one envelope An hour. Done when the loose receipts from bags, pockets and drawers are together.
Start a folder for this year's tax papers 5 minutes. Done when the folder exists, is labeled and holds the first sheet.
Write down the serial numbers of your bike and laptop 15 minutes. Done when both numbers are stored somewhere other than the items.

Phone and computer 25

Add an emergency contact to your phone's lock screen 5 minutes. Done when the contact can be reached without unlocking the phone.
Archive the email older than a year 15 minutes. Done when the inbox starts within the last twelve months.
Charge the power bank and the spare batteries 5 minutes. Done when everything is plugged in and you have set a reminder to unplug.
Clear old screenshots off your phone 15 minutes. Done when the screenshots album holds only ones you still need.
Copy your phone's pictures to a second place Half an hour. Done when the newest photo shows up in a second place.
Delete the apps you have not opened this year 15 minutes. Done when every app left on the phone is one you use.
Empty your downloads folder 15 minutes. Done when what you need is filed and the rest is deleted.
Fix the contacts of people who moved or changed number 15 minutes. Done when the three you know are wrong are fixed.
Get the offline printer working again An hour. Done when a test page comes out.
Install the updates your phone keeps asking about 15 minutes. Done when the settings screen says it is up to date.
List the subscriptions and trials on your accounts 15 minutes. Done when each is on one list with its renewal date.
Look at what is filling your phone's storage 5 minutes. Done when you know the three biggest users of space.
Merge the duplicate contacts in your phone 15 minutes. Done when each person appears once.
Put your bookmarks into folders 15 minutes. Done when the bookmarks bar shows folders you can name.
Rename the documents called Untitled 15 minutes. Done when a search for Untitled finds nothing.
Replace the password you know is too old 15 minutes. Done when the new one works and is saved where you keep passwords.
Review which apps can see your location 15 minutes. Done when each app on the list has the setting you chose.
Run the waiting updates on your computer Half an hour. Done when it has restarted and no update is pending.
Shut the tabs you opened to read later and never did 5 minutes. Done when the open tabs fit on one screen.
Sign out of your accounts on the old device in the drawer 15 minutes. Done when the device shows no account of yours.
Sort the files on your desktop into three folders 15 minutes. Done when the desktop shows folders and nothing loose.
Test that your backup can restore one file 15 minutes. Done when a file you deleted on purpose is back.
Turn on two-step sign-in for your main email 15 minutes. Done when a sign-in asks for the second step.
Unsubscribe from five emails you never open 5 minutes. Done when five senders have confirmed you are off the list.
Wipe an old USB stick and label it 15 minutes. Done when it is empty and says what it is for.

Errands 25

Bring overdue books back to the library 15 minutes. Done when your account shows nothing overdue.
Buy the cards for next month's birthdays 15 minutes. Done when each card is in an envelope with a name on it.
Buy the gift for the next occasion on your calendar An hour. Done when it is bought and you know where the wrapping paper is.
Buy the printer ink you keep running out of Half an hour. Done when the spare cartridge is next to the printer.
Collect the parcel waiting at the pickup point 15 minutes. Done when it is home and opened.
Do the one thing that needs a visit in person An hour. Done when you have been to the counter and hold the stamped paper or receipt.
Drop off or collect the dry cleaning 15 minutes. Done when the ticket is used or safely in your wallet.
Drop off the picture you want framed Half an hour. Done when you have the order slip and a collection date.
Get a spare key cut Half an hour. Done when the new key has opened the door once.
Get passport-size photos taken Half an hour. Done when you have prints that meet the size your form asks for.
Hand back a neighbor's dish or tool 5 minutes. Done when it is back on their doorstep or in their hands.
Hand in an old phone or cables for recycling Half an hour. Done when the drawer of dead electronics is lighter.
Pick up a box and tape for the thing you need to mail 15 minutes. Done when the item is packed and sealed.
Refill the things you always run out of Half an hour. Done when soap, tape and trash bags each have a spare.
Return the bottles or cans that carry a deposit 15 minutes. Done when the bag by the door is gone.
Stock the drawer with spare bulbs and batteries Half an hour. Done when you have checked which sizes you use and bought those.
Stock up on postage and envelopes 15 minutes. Done when both are in the drawer where you look for them.
Take a borrowed item home to its owner Half an hour. Done when it is in its owner's hands with a thank-you.
Take back the purchase you meant to return An hour. Done when you have the refund slip or the exchange.
Take dead batteries and bulbs to a collection point Half an hour. Done when the jar or bag of them is empty.
Take the bag of donations to the drop-off An hour. Done when the bag has left your home or your trunk.
Take the broken appliance in for repair An hour. Done when it is at the repair shop and you have a ticket.
Take the clothes that need altering to a tailor An hour. Done when they are pinned, left there and you know the pickup day.
Take the watch in for a new battery Half an hour. Done when it is ticking on your wrist.
Take the worn shoes to be reheeled Half an hour. Done when you hold the collection ticket.

Messages and calls 25

Answer the email you have opened three times 15 minutes. Done when the reply is sent and the email is filed.
Answer the invitation 5 minutes. Done when the host knows whether you are coming.
Answer the question the group chat is waiting on 5 minutes. Done when your answer is posted.
Ask for the reference you need 15 minutes. Done when the request is sent with the date you need it by.
Call the relative you keep meaning to call 15 minutes. Done when you have spoken, or left a message with a time you will try again.
Confirm next week's booking 5 minutes. Done when you have a reply or a confirmation number.
Dial the number you keep putting off 15 minutes. Done when you have dialed and said the first sentence.
Email your question to the person who knows 15 minutes. Done when the question is one they can answer in a line.
Fill in the survey you agreed to 15 minutes. Done when the last page says thank you.
Introduce the two people you said you would connect 15 minutes. Done when both are on one message that says why.
Offer a friend two evenings you are free 5 minutes. Done when the message is sent with real dates in it.
Reply to the oldest message you owe 5 minutes. Done when it is sent, even if it is three lines.
Report the broken thing to whoever fixes it 15 minutes. Done when the landlord, the office or the city has it in writing.
Return the voicemail 15 minutes. Done when you have called back or replied in writing.
Say no to the invitation or favor you will not take up 5 minutes. Done when the other person knows, kindly and without an essay.
Send a second, shorter message to whoever has not answered 5 minutes. Done when a short, polite nudge is sent.
Send the birthday message due this week 5 minutes. Done when it is sent or scheduled for the day.
Send the note a teacher or coach is waiting for 15 minutes. Done when it is sent and you have copied in anyone who needs it.
Send your new address to the people who need it 15 minutes. Done when family, close friends and anyone who mails you have it.
Share the pictures you promised after the event 15 minutes. Done when the other person has them.
Tell the giver how the present is being used 5 minutes. Done when your message names the present and what you do with it.
Tell the group which dates work for you 5 minutes. Done when your answer is in the chat.
Write the letter you have been composing in your head An hour. Done when the complaint or the compliment is on its way.
Write the review you promised a small business 15 minutes. Done when it is posted and says one specific thing.
Write to the friend you have not heard from lately 15 minutes. Done when you have asked one real question and left room to answer.

Car and bike 25

Apply for next year's parking sticker 15 minutes. Done when the new sticker or its confirmation is in hand.
Book the bike in for a tune-up 15 minutes. Done when the shop has a date for you.
Book the car in for its service 15 minutes. Done when the date is confirmed and in your calendar.
Check that the spare tire and the jack are there 15 minutes. Done when you have seen and touched both.
Check the car's tire pressures 15 minutes. Done when all four match the figure on the door sticker.
Clear out the glove compartment 15 minutes. Done when it holds the manual, the papers and nothing sticky.
Clear the trunk of things that do not live there 15 minutes. Done when only the spare, the tools and the emergency kit remain.
Find the spare key for the bike lock 5 minutes. Done when it is on a hook you will remember.
Fit new wiper blades Half an hour. Done when the windshield clears in one sweep.
Look over the tread on all four tires 5 minutes. Done when you know whether any tire needs showing to a mechanic.
Look over your bike helmet for cracks 5 minutes. Done when you have checked the shell, the foam and the strap.
Look up when the car's inspection is next due 5 minutes. Done when the date is in your calendar with a reminder.
Photograph your license plate and tire size 5 minutes. Done when both pictures are in an album you can find.
Put a few drops of oil on your bicycle chain 15 minutes. Done when the chain runs quietly and the extra is wiped off.
Put a flashlight and a blanket in the trunk 15 minutes. Done when both are in the car, with fresh batteries in the light.
Put air in both bicycle tires 15 minutes. Done when both tires are firm to a thumb press.
Put the car's registration and insurance papers together 15 minutes. Done when both are in one sleeve you can find in the dark.
Read the engine's dipstick 5 minutes. Done when you have read the oil level with the car on flat ground.
Refuel while there is still a quarter left 15 minutes. Done when the gauge reads full.
Save the roadside assistance number in your phone 5 minutes. Done when it is in your contacts under a name you would search.
Set the bike saddle to the right height 15 minutes. Done when your leg is almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Switch on both bicycle lamps to test them 5 minutes. Done when front and back both shine and spare batteries are found.
Tighten the rattle on the bike 15 minutes. Done when the bell, rack or fender no longer moves.
Top up the washer fluid 5 minutes. Done when the reservoir is full and the cap is on.
Walk round the car and test every light 15 minutes. Done when a helper has confirmed the brake lights too.

Plan ahead 25

Add school or work closure days to the calendar 15 minutes. Done when the next three months are entered.
Block out a day for the big job 5 minutes. Done when the calendar shows it and the people affected know.
Book the tickets for the trip you have agreed on An hour. Done when the confirmation is in your inbox.
Check the weekend weather against your plans 5 minutes. Done when you have a second plan for rain.
Check which documents your next trip needs 15 minutes. Done when you know what is required and when each one expires.
Decide the evening meals for the next seven days 15 minutes. Done when each night has a meal and the missing ingredients are listed.
Give a date to something you keep calling sometime 5 minutes. Done when it is in the calendar with a start time.
Line up someone to water the plants during your trip 15 minutes. Done when a named person has said yes and has a key.
List the gifts to get before the holidays 15 minutes. Done when every person has a name and an idea beside it.
List the people to tell about your news 15 minutes. Done when nobody close would hear it secondhand.
List what needs doing before the season turns 15 minutes. Done when coats, boots, filters and bookings are on one list.
List what to ask the plumber or mechanic next time 15 minutes. Done when the list is saved where you will find it on the day.
Put next month's birthdays in your calendar 15 minutes. Done when each has a reminder a week ahead.
Put tomorrow's bag by the door 5 minutes. Done when keys, papers and lunch box are in or beside it.
Read through your calendar for the next two weeks 5 minutes. Done when nothing on it would surprise you.
Renew the membership or card that expires soon 15 minutes. Done when the new expiry date is in your calendar.
Set a reminder for the thing due next month 5 minutes. Done when the reminder will reach you a week before.
Set out the forms and ID for tomorrow's errand 5 minutes. Done when everything is in one envelope by your keys.
Settle who hosts the next get-together 5 minutes. Done when a host and a date are agreed in writing.
Work out the route and the parking for somewhere new 15 minutes. Done when you know when to leave and where the car goes.
Write the first ten steps of the big project 15 minutes. Done when the first step is small enough to do today.
Write the grocery list before you are hungry 5 minutes. Done when the list follows the order of the store.
Write the packing list for your next trip 15 minutes. Done when the list covers clothes, papers and chargers.
Write tomorrow's three most important jobs 5 minutes. Done when they are on paper, in order.
Write your questions for the next appointment or meeting 15 minutes. Done when the three that matter most are at the top.

How this list was compiled: Written for this site on 2026-09-30: all 150 tasks and their finish lines are our own wording, and no list was copied. They are small jobs that people put off: papers and mail, phone and computer, errands, messages and calls, car and bike, and planning ahead, 25 of each. The time on each card is one of four bands, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, half an hour or an hour. The bands are our own rough estimate of the hands-on time for a typical case and were not measured; travel and waiting are left out, and your own job may be bigger. Each card ends with what counts as done, so the task has an end. Left out on purpose: cleaning and tidying, which are on our chore page; anything done for fun; and any rule kept up for days. No card tells you what to decide about money, health or the law: a card may say find, file, book, check or renew, and what you do next is yours to decide, with advice from someone qualified where it matters. No company, product or service is named. Titles and ids were compared by script with our chore, activity, challenge, project, skill and kindness lists and with every other list on this site, and reworded where they came close; no task is a chore reworded. Licence: own work