For poets - read widely. And honestly, write widely, too. Don't just stick to forms of poetry you're comfortable with, because challenge helps you grow as a writer.
Though I may not be a poet with a long publication history or publication intent, I can say that by staying broad in what I read/write, I can get excited about each new poem more because I know there's a lot of variety behind my creative process. Also, I think this practice moves me towards writing works that transcend my own feelings and become (or seem to become at least) things that have a life of their own.
Surround yourself with people who are serious about being writers, and who will tell you, ‘Hey—you can do better than this.’ Who will be critical of your work, but also supportive. And who will not be competitive in a negative way. — Isabel Quintero
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