Try tinyhabits (free 5 day email course). What I got from this is even for non habit stuff (like a one off todo list item) you can write it like this:

Pick up sponge

Instead of:

Clean my car

Picking up a sponge is a lot easier! Once it’s in your hand well you’ll be more motivated.

Or “clean car driver side mirror” which is a one minute job. Try to stop yourself cleaning the car after doing that!