Becoming a more proficient pilot is a life-long process.  It requires frequent flights, aggressive recurrent training, and quality instruction.  The road to pilot proficiency is paved with one-on-one flight instruction, books, videos, magazine articles, and lots of refresher seminars and workshops. 

The proficient pilot NEVER stops learning.  Once you stop learning, the probability of safe outcome from future flights begins to edge backward.

Advanced flight training should begin the day following the completion of your private pilot certificate.  It typically begins with the instrument rating, then progresses up through certificated flight instructor and/or ATP.