# One Less Thing: Your AI Productivity Starter

An original Automately worksheet. Start with a document and the tools you already use.

## 1. Pick one actual task

Task: __________________________
Who owns the result? __________________________
What starts it? __________________________
How often does it happen? __________________________
What information do I need? __________________________
What makes the result useful? __________________________

Describe a real recent example rather than an imagined future process.

## 2. Choose the smallest useful change

- ELIMINATE: Does this task still need to happen? Confirm with its owner before stopping it.
- SIMPLIFY: Could one form, template, checklist, or clear owner make it easier?
- ASSIST: Could an AI draft or summary help while a person reviews the result?
- AUTOMATE: Are the inputs, rules, exceptions, and ownership clear enough to test a connection?

My choice: __________________________
Why: __________________________
What I will not automate: __________________________

## 3. Map the process

Input → Action → Human check → Approved output → Next step

Input: __________________________
Action: __________________________
Human reviewer: __________________________
Expected output: __________________________
Stop conditions: __________________________
Manual fallback: __________________________

## 4. Brief your assistant

"Help me improve this recurring task: [task]. Here is a real, non-sensitive example: [example]. My current tools are [tools]. My constraints are [constraints]. First identify missing information. Propose the smallest reversible change. Separate supplied facts from assumptions. Do not invent costs, compatibility, outcomes, or savings. Keep external communication and important decisions subject to my approval."

## 5. Run a safe test

Use sample data. Do not connect production credentials or send messages during the first exercise.

- Confirm you have permission to use the information.
- Write down the expected result before running the test.
- Include a normal case, a missing-information case, a duplicate case, and a stopped/closed case.
- Check what happens if the destination is unavailable.
- Confirm how to pause the workflow and finish manually.
- Assign a person to review and maintain it.

## 6. Track the real effort

Manual effort before: ______ minutes per run
Runs per week: ______
New manual effort: ______ minutes per run
Review effort: ______ minutes per run
Maintenance: ______ minutes per week
One-time setup: ______ hours
Extra software: $______ per month
Usable outputs / total attempts: ______ / ______
What broke or needed correction? __________________________

Time freed up is capacity, not automatically cash saved or revenue generated.

## 7. Keep, revise, or stop

What improved? __________________________
What added friction? __________________________
What remains uncertain? __________________________
Decision: KEEP / REVISE / STOP
Next review date: __________________________

This is practical planning material, not a verified integration or a promise of results. Provider terms, permissions, and plan limits must be checked for your actual setup.