1.

Chess improvement happens stage by stage

2. Spend atleast an hour a day on chess to see some improvement
3. Analyze your games to know what you were missing
4. Some good DVDs would help you to learn main concepts easily
5. Make sure to play in rated tournaments, the more higher opponents you play the better your
chances of improving your game.
6. Dont underestimate the clock, I have lost many games because of clock
7. Write down your thoughts after the game
8. Coaching is necessary, all great players had coaches and will have as far as I can see.
9.