1) Don't take advice from anybody who tells you to wash your meat, (pause). That's a sign that they are self taught. They don't teach that in culinary school and no real Chef does that. The internal temp guide and a thermometer is what you use for killing bacteria. splashing water all over just causes comtaination and will get a restaurant closed down quick if reported to the health department.
2) the key to becoming a good cooking isn't about memorizing recipes, you go on youtube or find a cookbook for that. The key is mastering the cooking methods. ie) pan frying, grilling, saute etc. Master those things and you'll be able to cook pretty much anything. Anybody can sprinkle seasoning on a dish, that's not the secret.
3) When you can, also use higher quality ingrediants. A recipe might ask for water, why not use some broth? A recipe might ask for some milk, maybe some half and half will make it creamier? Always look for ways to upgrade if it makes sense, don't be afraid to experiment. Determine the reason why a particular ingredient is used and you will figure out better alternatives that accomplish the same purpose even more effectively.
4) Taste your food, this is very important and people always seem to skip this to end and then get disappointed. Taste frequently to make sure you seasoned it properly. When i was in culinary school, we literally had a bowl of tiny disposable one use tasting spoons, that we used to sample our sauces and such to make sure everything was right. Never wait till it's on your plate to find out it needs a little salt.