1. Learn how to read tab. If you find it difficult, start with something simple, but if you don't learn some form of music reading, you'll never learn new songs or chords.
2. Get some lessons. You'll probably surprise yourself with how much of a difference it makes. The teacher will show you the correct (or easiest) way to do certain things, teach you songs, etc, especially if you don't like self-learning from books or the net.
3. Playing the guitar shouldn't be about showing off talent, but should be about your own personal expression. If you're always trying to improve, you shouldn't be concerned about what other people think.
I think that the most important point is the first one. I found tab reading difficult at first, but now I can sight read a song or solo (if it's not too crazy fast) the first time I see it. The same will happen to you, with time.
see you on the dark side of the moon
