How can I become an exceptional SEO professional?

I've been working in SEO for several years and have a solid understanding of on page SEO, technical SEO, keyword research, content optimization, and link building.

Lately, I've realized that SEO is changing quickly with AI search, AEO, GEO, and LLM based search experiences. I don't just want to keep up—I want to become someone who truly understands modern search.

If you were starting again today, what would you focus on?

Some questions I have:

• Which SEO skills provide the biggest competitive advantage today?
• What books, blogs, newsletters, or YouTube channels are worth following?
• Which technical skills should every SEO learn? (Python, SQL, JavaScript, APIs?)
• How important is data analysis compared to traditional SEO?
• What projects helped you level up the fastest?
• What mistakes slowed down your growth?

My long term goal is to become an SEO strategist who can solve complex problems, not just complete SEO checklists.

I'd love to hear what made the biggest difference in your career.