I think Ive come accross more pilots lately that are affraid to fail, intimidated by wind and weather, and suffer from peer pressure. I call the latter The Peanut Gallery.
So here is the first tip; if your worried about losing your plane, the money or the time, then this hobby is not for you.

Next, plan to do several sessions of nothing but touch and go's in all weather all year round or all season long. I do figure 8 spot landing touch n go's with a modified EDF A-4, half Cuban touch and go's with a sport P-51, and so on from bigger to smaller planes all season just to practice situations like dead stick landings and high alfa flying.

Cross train on different models of different configurations and sizes. Why? Because I know of good IMAC pilots that cant take off with a P-51. If you get fixated on a certain model type then you will have trouble on others. I fly EDF, WWI, WWII, Sport, and recently turbine.

Finally learn to feel the conditions and know your position relative to the runway. If a problem comes up you need to make the best of the wind and direction your flying in to attempt a safe landing.

Above all have fun, its a hobby!... and its cheaper than a golf course membership... Lol