Since getting the IMCr/IR(R) I've made some sort of effort to plan each flight as IFR, even when I expect CAVOK, on the grounds that there's no point in having the rating if I'm not prepared to use it should I have to or want to. So I've always got a full list of frequencies, VOR radials, DME distances etc in front of me ... which on some flights I never look at.
Same here. Always prepare for every eventuality you can think of, even on a local bimble. The great thing about experienced guys like Piperboy writing this sort of thing up (thank you PB) is that it drills home that even the good guys get it wrong sometimes and it knocks the complacency out of you. I'm apparently at the dangerous 300 hour stage where any flight for the next 3 or 4 hundred hours will probably be my last. Knowing that makes me ultra cautious. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.