diff --git a/tasks/main.yml b/tasks/main.yml
index d9ad759..ce7024c 100644
--- a/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/tasks/main.yml
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 - set_fact:
     all_backup_paths: "{{ all_backup_paths | default([]) + (lookup('file', 'inventory/group_vars/' + item + '.yml') | from_yaml | dict2items | selectattr('key', 'equalto', 'backup_paths') | map(attribute='value') | list | first | default([])) }}"
   loop: "{{ group_names }}"
+  when: all_backup_paths is not defined
 
 - debug:
     var: all_backup_paths