What are some realizations or changes that lead to vast improvement?

[Tupac]

Mine is playing slower and with a lighter attack. Rather than trying to play Master of Puppets as fast as I can over and over again, I tried playing easier, slower songs while using the best technique I could. I can play things much better at a fast speed now. Another one is playing to a track, which lead to better timing.

[fhm555]

When I realized if I didn't get better I was wasting money on equipment.

[stratovani]

When I came to the realization that the whole object of it all was to play music, not to see who could play scales and modes the fastest. That's why I always say that I practice music to play music, and I play music to practice music.