- choose a time and stick to it (be consistent) 25 mins. 3 bells to start, 2 bells to complete

- get a buckwheat zafu, don't use kapok (kapok stuffing gets hot)

- have a friend who understands the ins and outs who can help with some fine tuning or help with pitfalls

- learn what the proper posture and positioning of your body and hands are

- return to focus again and again, you breathe in and breathe out. Out breath is the focus.

- don't have any preconceptions or ideas, don't be caught in right wrong good bad

- trust your thoughts and acknowledge them but let them pass by, don't hold on

- don't believe your own stories

- don't worry or fuss

That's a decent start.