beammeupscottie = its not a dumb question at all mate - I remember puzzling over this as well. This is a function of the way we're taught, as everyone else has said. Everyone else has already given you the practical answers you need above.
I actually think the way we're taught is OK because it gives us a step-by-step fool-proof approach... however, the trick is to realise as time goes on and you gain experience that you can cut corners and relax a bit with it. But until you feel OK with this, definitely keep asking the "dumb" questions!
Enjoy the weekend everyone - if the bl**dy wx lets us!
Andy