don't be too overeager, either. if you're too eager, you'll try to do too many things at once, end up with information overload and end up getting nothing accomplished. first things first -- you need to know about the game. read up, learn as much as you can about your character, watch a lot of matches, etc. this is why getting tech skill is useful -- you can't get tech skill without also learning stuff like spacing, patience, timing, etc. in the process.
after that (tho you should never stop practing tech skill), isolate your bad habits and try to get rid of them one by one. sometimes you'll need your bad habits pointed out to you. some examples: reckless shield grabbing, attacking from off the ledge, trying to attack your opponent from above, spamming spot dodge, etc.