As not a programmer that works with programmers, here is my unfounded knowledge on how to be a better programmer:

• learn good logic, not just syntax
• use the right tool for the job
• keep code readable and simple, if it's needlessly fancy, it's "lion-tamer" code
• spend the majority of the time defining the problem and planning the solution, writing the code is the small part
• don't get stuck in the past or the future, things are changing but some solutions still remain viable
• get outside of the software industry and solve problems elsewhere. A tradesman doesn't care or know about programming, and just needs a solution - working with non-programmers and solving their issues will help with communication and thinking
• know how to research problems online rapidly

Shitty programmers: - say it can't be done and leave it at that - are arrogant - are poor communicators - are irritable because they get interrupted (hint, be good at communicating when focus is necessary) - get frustrated by problems - don't know how to prioritize - don't know how to balance effort (getting it out vs doing it really well)