How do you create a simple direction guideline that you don't spend forever making but also use to help yourself from wasting time?

What I did:

Built an n8n server for automations.

Constraint:

Trying to figure out too much at one time - operating at 30,000ft view instead of taking one simple step at a time.

What I tried:

Worked on n8n automations but got distracted by the endless options and option paralysis.

Current hypothesis:

Set up simple automations first. Asked ChatGPT for 80/20 automations that give the most bang for buck. Identified a website monitor with direct download to spreadsheet as my first automation - helps me track important changes on key websites while learning the basics.

What I learned:

Start with baby steps. A simple diagram of where you want to go can prevent wasted time without turning into a multi-day planning session.

Next action:

Study n8n automation basics for 1 hour, implement 1-2 basic automations, then spend 1 hour creating a tracker to document my automations and their purpose.

Ask the room:

How do you create a simple direction guideline that you don't spend forever making but also use to help yourself from wasting time?

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