[MilnerRoute]

I would just say start programming now -- and trying to learn new things.

What will really make you as a programmer is the ability to pick up entirely, new things. And what really makes that happen is having had that experience before, many times, so many times that you know that whatever new things comes along will at least resemble something that you've already done.

In short, it's more about developing confidence in yourself and nurturing enthusiasm for programming itself. I think that can take you a long, long way....