Rules of Programming: Always Try New Techniques and Always Try to Improve
As a programmer, it's very important to keep up with what's latest in the programming world. By trying new techniques and by solving the same problems in new ways, you'll improve your skills and become a better programmer.
Giving oneself small challenges is always helpful, whether it's programming or not. Learning a new programming language is a challenge. Trying to be creative is a challenge.
We need challenges to keep improving. And if you don't get challenges in work, then give yourself challenges (or switch job).
Rule #5 of programming:
Always try new techniques and always try to improve