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+# Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
+
+> A practical guide to avoid common mistakes when working with OpenClaw agent workflows.
+
+## Concept Confusions
+
+### 1. Cron vs Heartbeat
+
+**Why it's confusing:**
+- Both relate to "scheduled execution"
+- Often appear together in workflow configurations
+
+**Correct understanding:**
+- **Cron** = Trigger (WHEN to run)
+- **Heartbeat** = Task content (WHAT to run)
+- Relationship: Cron triggers → reads HEARTBEAT.md → executes task
+
+**Analogy:**
+- Cron = Alarm clock (rings at set time)
+- Heartbeat = Todo list (what needs to be done)
+
+---
+
+### 2. sessionTarget vs payload.kind
+
+**Why it's confusing:**
+- Both affect execution behavior
+- Documentation doesn't clearly state they "must match"
+
+**Correct combinations:**
+- ✅ `main + systemEvent` = Lightweight tasks (<1 minute)
+- ✅ `isolated + agentTurn` = Independent tasks (long-running, needs isolation)
+- ❌ Mixed combinations may cause cron to trigger but not execute
+
+**Decision tree:**
+```
+Need scheduled automatic execution?
+├─ Task < 1 minute and needs main session context?
+│   └─ Yes → main + systemEvent
+└─ No
+    └─ isolated + agentTurn
+```
+
+---
+
+### 3. Payload Independence
+
+**Why it's confusing:**
+- Assumption that isolated sessions automatically inherit AGENTS.md/SOUL.md
+- Assumption that they can "rely on main session rules"
+
+**Fact:**
+- Payload is an **independent instruction source**
+- Does **NOT** automatically read AGENTS.md, SOUL.md
+- Must explicitly include all required instructions
+
+**Correct approach:**
+```
+# ❌ Bad (assumes automatic AGENTS.md reading)
+Check system status for me
+
+# ✅ Correct (explicitly states all instructions)
+Read HEARTBEAT.md if it exists (workspace context).
+Follow it strictly.
+Do not infer or repeat old tasks from prior chats.
+If nothing needs attention, reply HEARTBEAT_OK.
+```
+
+---
+
+## Practical Traps
+
+### 4. One-time Cron Forgetting autoDelete
+
+**Problem:**
+- `schedule.kind: "at"` (one-time)
+- Forgot to add `autoDelete: true`
+- Expired cron jobs remain in the list indefinitely
+
+**Solution:**
+```yaml
+schedule:
+  kind: "at"
+  at: "2026-03-07T09:00:00+08:00"
+autoDelete: true  # ← Must add this
+```
+
+---
+
+### 5. Forgetting to Sync Cron Payload After Rule Changes
+
+**Problem:**
+- Changed rules in AGENTS.md
+- Assumed isolated sessions would automatically know
+- But payload is independent and doesn't auto-inherit
+
+**Solution:**
+Every time you change AGENTS.md rules, check if related cron payloads need同步 updates.
+
+---
+
+### 6. Timeout Too Short
+
+**Problem:**
+- Isolated sessions have default timeout
+- External APIs may be slow (seconds to tens of seconds)
+- Script execution may take several minutes
+
+**Solution:**
+```yaml
+session:
+  timeoutSeconds: 300  # 5 minutes
+```
+
+---
+
+## Best Practices
+
+### Before Creating a Cron Job
+
+1. **Determine the execution pattern:**
+   - One-time or recurring?
+   - Lightweight or long-running?
+   - Needs main session context or isolated?
+
+2. **Choose the right combination:**
+   - Quick check: `main + systemEvent`
+   - Background task: `isolated + agentTurn`
+
+3. **Write explicit payloads:**
+   - Include all necessary instructions
+   - Don't rely on implicit context
+   - Test the payload manually first
+
+### Maintenance Checklist
+
+- [ ] Review cron jobs monthly for expired one-time jobs
+- [ ] Sync payload instructions when AGENTS.md changes
+- [ ] Monitor timeout settings for slow operations
+- [ ] Check session target matches task requirements
+
+## Related Documentation
+
+- [`cron.md`](./cron.md) — Complete cron system documentation
+- [`nodes.md`](./nodes.md) — Node configuration and management
+- [`ios_arch.md`](./ios_arch.md) — iOS architecture specifics
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