tip #5: routines

it's always good to try and have a routine. getting yourself into a routine can make life a lot easier and quicker on the trail. my uncle and i started getting ours down by about the second trip. when we get into camp we usually set up our sleeping area which either involves setting up a tent or just putting our sleeping bags in the shelter. next i usually get changed into more comfy clothes while my uncle gets firewood. now we can't always have fires so sometimes this is when we would both get changed. then we usually  just relax maybe have a cup of coffee or just lounge around until we make dinner. once we eat its just more relaxing and talking before we go to bed (you can see now why good company is key).
my uncle usually wakes up before me in the mornings so he makes the coffee in the morning then wakes me up. we have breakfast together and then just break down camp and get ready to walk again.
sometimes the routine switches up a bit but it generally always stays the same. it took us a trip or two to get it down to a science but we've done it so many times now its kind of hard to screw up. having someone who works well with you really helps too.
more than likely this is how most people set up and break down camp but it's more about the little things like who collects firewood and who starts it. all of those little steps in between stopping and sleeping are the things that take time to figure out how and when to do them to make your life easier. i would by your second or maybe even the end of your first trip you would have some idea as to how you want things to work.
life can be simple or complicated, it all depends on how you work your routine.

tip #4: you are the company you keep

being out there for days on end can be relaxing and fortifying for the soul. while out on the trial i've run across so many people who walk by themselves and you can always pick them out. they're the ones who come up to every person and start a conversation since they more than likely haven't spoken to anyone else for days. personally i don't know that i could be out there walking for 6 months all alone and this is why i suggest you bring at least one person out there with you.
now i wouldn't say to bring a whole big group because chances are you won't be enjoying the sites and scenery but one or two people just keep conversation with while you're walking or when you stop is kind of nice. be sure though that whoever you bring is just as into the backpacking as you are and is also on the somewhat the same level of experience. you wouldn't want to be out there with someone who complains a lot or you have to teach everything too.
since going with my uncle i have found that we get along very well and work together almost seamlessly. we both really wanted to go to do this and he is a bit more experienced than i am, i'm learning a lot from him. i've been camping all my life so i have most of the basics down.
being with someone that you really click with is very important and sometimes you might find that you're one of those people that just enjoys being by themselves which is fine too. just remember that it's about getting outside and having fun and enjoying yourself. i know some of my posts make backpacking seem like a lot of work but really its kind of like a working vacation. in the end i always enjoy myself as i hope you will too should you decide to go for an adventure in the woods.