Addendum to 5. Taste twice, salt once. Especially if its a sauce, since flavors intensify as it simmers.

I usually taste right at the end to avoid having my tastebuds grow numb to flavors. Even then, if I have someone nearby, I'll give em a taste and ask for notes.

Oh and an addendum to 4. Learn proper techniques and maintenance of cooking equipment. A dull knife is an unsafe knife, especially if you don't know how to chop.