A few years ago, I was on the line to a ref going for 5 to 4 promotion. On the other line was his mentor. At half time and full time the other line debriefed the ref in the changing room. Listening in, I learned so much that day.
One thing that has always stuck in my mind. DFK about 20m(?) outside box. Ref gets wall back etc., and then blows whistle as he jogs in to position. This was evidently a pet peeve of the observer, and he made it known that the ref should have got himself into position, and then blown. Game restarts say 10 secs later, but you are in position to see what you need to see.
Id never thought about it before, but now, every ceremonial free kick, I get myself in position, look up, look around and only then when I am happy, do I blow the whistle. You (op) probably know this now. All we can do is learn.
And, for the record, “my” ref did get his promotion and I was delighted to do a line or two for him the following season as a newly minted L4.