1. Joining Project 365 -
http://www.flickr.com/groups/project_365/ - practice makes perfect, and shooting a photo every day for 365 days in a row works *wonders*.
2. Learning from mistakes, and making them!
On the practical side, a tripod can be handy for photos where you can take your time, and a 50mm prime lens is also very handy, probably the best 'bang for your buck' you can get in a lens. A remote is also something I've enjoyed having, and a reflector and a speedlight / flash if you really start getting into it.