I usually start with a quick drum loop if I don't have a melody in my head or anything. From there I add melodies or scrap it. I generally keep up that process until I have a nice loop going or an idea for what I want to do. Once I have an idea or loop going I'll start to focus on structuring things a bit. If I like how things sound I'll usually start doing more meticulous shit like playing with my levels, swapping sounds, messing with compression, etc. I'll either end up saving the track for later or finishing the arrangement. Mixing and mastering comes last and usually are a day or two apart unless I'm in a hurry.

I scrap projects a lot, not when its too far in but usually just in the loop phase, helps me come at things fresh. I usually always fuck with faders, I don't know if that's a good or or bad habit at this point. I drink too much coffee, skip too many meals, and don't drink enough water, but that usually means it's gonna be a banger.