Checklist for Automation

Getting started with automation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to begin small, with one simple task, and build from there. This worksheet is designed to help you think through your workflows before jumping into any tools. By mapping out what you do, why it matters, and what success looks like, you’ll be ready to create automations that actually save time and fit seamlessly into your day-to-day work.

Identify Repetitive Tasks
Write down the things you do over and over (e.g., sending reminders, copying info, filing receipts).

Spot Your Pain Points
Ask: Which tasks take up the most time or feel the most tedious? Those are prime candidates for automation.

Define Your Goal
Decide what you want to save—time, money, energy, or errors. Clear goals make it easier to choose what to automate.

Break Tasks into Steps
Map out the process in plain language (e.g., “I get an email → I copy the date → I add it to my calendar”).

Decide What “Done” Looks Like
Clarify the outcome you want. Is it a checklist update, an email sent, a file saved?

Start Small
Pick just one task or process to try first. Automating too much at once can feel overwhelming.

Be Ready to Review
Even simple automations need a quick check at the start to make sure they’re working as expected.