How can I take my average guitar skills to the next level?

·Make sure you know your fundementals.

·Understand that guitar is a life journey, that you will always need time to improve.

·Put competent techniques on the back burner, when learning new techniques.

·If you treat yourself and instrument with dignity it makes a diffrence. If you want to be serious about guitar, then you'll have to buckle down and look at effectiveness in practice, and time efficiency.

·Eat a piece of humble pie, play with anybody, even if they're not as good as you, learning to be a leader will make you a better musician. Being a good follower will too, but it's better to follow before you lead.