diff --git a/SESSION_START.md b/SESSION_START.md
index 14e5717..8c819d1 100644
--- a/SESSION_START.md
+++ b/SESSION_START.md
@@ -1,11 +1,14 @@
-# ZLH Session Start Checklist
+# Session Start Checklist
 
-Before making frontend changes:
+Before working:
 
-- Confirm Node.js 22 LTS
-- Confirm App Router structure
-- Review CONSTRAINTS.md
-- Review ANTI_DRIFT.md
-- Identify what can be removed before adding anything
+1. Review `OPEN_THREADS.md`
+2. Review `CONSTRAINTS.md`
+3. Confirm no drift between:
+   - Portal
+   - API
+   - Agent
+4. Confirm file model assumptions are accurate
+5. Confirm upload transport is using raw piping (`http.request`, not `fetch`)
 
-If unsure, stop and reassess.
\ No newline at end of file
+Never assume speculative features are implemented.