The key to ultimate succcess is the determination to progress day by day.
Only play into a variation in which your opponent is strong if you have your own personal novelty ready!
The number of 'unneccessary' errors that have been committed on move 41 are legion.
Your practical results will improve when you play what you know, like and have confidence in.
In Chess, at least, the brave inherit the earth
You must be able to handle a variety of move orders during the first 5-6 moves - otherwise you'll find yourself 'tricked' time and time again.