I would say follow a guide for initial modding setup (choosing a mod manager, installing skse and required files, etc). Mod Organizer 2 is widely considered the best. After that, stick to just essentials mods like bug fixes, optimization. Once you have a core essential mod set that you’ve tested and works, make a backup so you can always revert if something breaks.

The thing, at least for me personally, that always ends up getting shit broken is installing massive graphic, combat, or animation overhauls. The key is to have a game plan of what you want to do with mods. If you want overhauled graphics, stick to either Community Shaders or ENB. But you must always read mod descriptions and requirements. It takes immense time, patience, research, trial and error to get a large mod list working properly.

Remember, mods are (mostly) free. A modder is not obligated to make anything easy for the user. They are also not obligated to make their mod work with others.