My routine often involves thinking about a build when I'm away from the bench. This is a habit I developed in my career in design.

I find it useful to think about a problem without staring it in the face, where I might get sidetracked or discouraged by details that actually might be keeping me from the solution.

If I can get familiar enough with the parts on the sprue, and with the general flow of the build described in the instructions, I can sometimes visualize assembly beforehand, and do a 'dry run' in my head. Doesn't always work, but a good mental workout for my aging brain.

At the bench I have two monitors, one usually has the instructions (downloaded from Scalemates). The other will have images from my 'Inspiration folder' or relevant bookmarked web sites.

I listen to music, preferably without lyrics as I find that too distracting. Have a sip of the brew of the day.

And of course, I leave this site open in one window, enjoying the 'remote companionship' and the knowledge that somewhere out there, there's a 'whole lotta building going on'!