A couple thoughts.

1. Don't let others goad you into going. Take it up when YOU are ready.
2. Don't rush on anything. Don't let anyone distract you from checking stuff BEFORE.
3. Even if you checked it at home... check it before T.O.
4. You've checked control travels, directions, but do it before takeoff.
5. MOST IMPORTANT - if something - ANYTHING - looks, feels, or acts "weird", DON'T FLY it. Find it and fix it.
6. See 1.