hi TC,
Depending upon which PIC you choose, its a good idea to look at the 'template' files in the MPLAB directory on your hard drive.
Assuming you are using the MPLAB IDE Vx, free from microchip.
C:\Program Files\Microchip\MPASM Suite\Template\Code
Make a copy of the parts of the PIC file type that you use, enter all the CONFIG and includes etc and make yourself a 'Header.asm' file.
Use this header file as the starting point for all your program writing, just tweak the CONFIG to suit the different applications you may work on.