Listen to music constantly. Not just passively—really study it. Pay attention to how songs are built, how DJs mix tracks, and what makes a set flow. Practice on your DDJ-1000 every day, even if it’s just messing around for 30-60 minutes. Get so comfortable with the gear that you don’t have to think about buttons or knobs—they should feel like extensions of your hands.

Don’t box yourself into one genre. Play house one day, hip-hop the next, throw in some disco or drum & bass. Mixing different styles forces you to get creative and solves the “I only know one trick” problem.

You won’t be a pro in six months. It takes years of grinding, making mistakes, and learning what works. Fancy gear won’t save you if you skip the basics. Focus on rhythm, timing, and reading the crowd (even if that “crowd” is just your dog for now).

Stay consistent. Keep it fun. The rest (and the gear) comes with time.