This is what I've learned, I hope it helps.

One of the things that we talk about is that everybody’s body is different. We each react to chemical compounds in different ways. The same can be said of our minds. We each analyze and catalog information differently.
This can lead to problems. The first problem is that some of us (me), get so stuck on one idea that we start running before we’ve learned to walk. The second is that we (me) get so anxious to get started that we start before we’ve completed our plan, or without having the necessary compounds on hand.

In order to avoid this I’ve set up a protocol that I am (trying to) adhere to. It’s not a cycling protocol, but at management protocol.

Step 1
Diet and exercise. We know that the results you will see in any AAS cycle will be directly tied to how good your diet and routine are. If your diet is clean and correct and your workout regimen solid, then you will see great results. It will be much less, if any, without these two things being locked in. I do not start a cycle unless I’ve been 90 days 90% successful on my plan. That gives me a little wiggle room, but it also means I’m consistently working toward getting better.

Step 2
Research the compounds. Most of us ask questions in the open forums about our cycle plans, and while that is a great way to get opinions it can also lead to more confusion. Once you have gone through this phase, research each of the compounds and see if they are going to be adding the correct synergy to your cycle. NEVER USE COMPOUNDS THAT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND! If you don’t know what a compound does and how it works, then don’t use it.

Step 3
Ask for cycle advice from someone you respect, privately. I love the forums, but when it’s time to crack down and make a decision I’d prefer to talk one on one with one of the gurus here. They may ask you questions about why you have decided to run a certain compound, but then again they may not. In my most recent experience the reply was “Looks good for me bro...” It was all I needed. It told me I hadn’t made any critical errors.

Step 4
Shopping! This is where I get excited, it’s a good thing I can’t go into Wal-Mart and buy gear. I’d end up walking out with one of everything… of course with Wal-Mart at least I’d be able to return it.
When I do my orders, first I buy my AI, then I buy all my PCT gear. I don’t buy the fun stuff till last. Even then, usually I can’t afford to buy the whole cycles worth at once. So my rule is not to start my cycle until I have at least 50% of my AAS on hand.

I hope that this was helpful to someone, I know it’s made my experiences much better.