HAVE A FLIGHT PLAN of 10 minutes or so, including things like take off procedure, trimming maneuvers, practice landing approaches, and landing procedures. If you have a plan, you will be more engaged and less nervous.

I always have a friend with me for maidens. Two sets of eyes and ears.

Prior to engine start:
1- check the CG
2- fuel the tank (sounds crazy, but......)
3- Do your 'walk around' of the plane and make sure all is assembled and tight
4- power radio gear and check for correct and free movement
5- range check
6- check radio for all switches in correct possitions

start engine

after engine start:
1- warm up for a minute or so
2- check for proper throttle response and take the time to make necessary adjustments
3- range check
4- check radio switches again

take off into the wind

I use expo to reduce the likelyhood of overdoing it till you have a feel for the plane.