I will not order my trusted lieutenant to kill the infant who is destined to overthrow me -- I'll do it myself.
And get caught.
I will not interrogate my enemies in the inner sanctum -- a small hotel well outside my borders will work just as well.
Too easy to get caught.
I will not waste time making my enemy's death look like an accident -- I'm not accountable to anyone and my other enemies wouldn't believe it.
Good for later on, once your power is established. In the beginning, you'll get caught.
Despite its proven stress-relieving effect, I will not indulge in maniacal laughter. When so occupied, it's too easy to miss unexpected developments that a more attentive individual could adjust to accordingly.
Awwww... Your taking all the fun out of it!
Any and all magic and/or technology that can miraculously resurrect a secondary character who has given up his/her life through self sacrifice will be outlawed and destroyed.
That won't stop them. They'll get it from pirates, like out-of-print movies.
I will see to it that plucky young lads/lasses in strange clothes and with the accent of an outlander shall REGULARLY climb some monument in the main square of my capital and denounce me, claim to know the secret of my power, rally the masses to rebellion, etc. That way, the citizens will be jaded in case the real thing ever comes along.
Good idea, but where will you get them?
No matter how well it would perform, I will never construct any sort of machinery which is completely indestructable except for one small and virtually inaccessible vulnerable spot.
Good in theory, but difficult, if not impossible, to implement.
All other ideas should work.
(I'm just doing this for fun. My critiques are meant as comedy. I have no plans to become an overlord, and I realize this list is meant as comedy. I hope.
)