Learning table tennis begins with…   starting the right way.
Before you develop many bad habits, consider hiring a professional coach to guide you on your journey.  The coach will give you the needed tools to reach a high level as well as advice on tournament, practice routines, and physical training.  It is much easier to start learning a new stroke than it is to change an old habit.
 
Developing solid strokes starts with…   moving the right way.
All good coaches begin teaching footwork from the first or second lesson.  By moving into position for each ball, you can avoid reaching and leaning while learning to be consistent in your spin and control.  Even at an elite level, most player practice 3-4 hours of day on their footwork.
 
Becoming tournament tough starts with…   thinking the right way.
In tournaments, you have about 4-7 seconds between points.  During this “dead” time, you must be able to quickly analyze what you did right or wrong, be able to calm yourself down, be able to strategize for the next point, and be able to go through your pre-point routine.  If you can train yourself to think between points, you can form strategies during the match and coach yourself.  Thinking the right way also involves encouraging yourself and avoiding negative thoughts.  Instead of saying to yourself, “Bob, don’t push that ball!”  You should say to yourself, “Bob, after you serve, get back in position, move your feet, and be brave in looping.”
 
Tournament preparation begins with…   practicing the right way.
Most of the drills during a practice session should be geared to help your game.  Try to practice the way you actually play – this seems obvious but is not commonly used.  For example, if you are 2-wing looper, then don’t merely do forehand footwork.  Try to do intense footwork using both your backhand and forehand.  If you are a good blocker, then do drills mixing offense and defense.  If you have a strong loop against backspin, then start most of your drills with a heavy backspin serve, then loop, then start the drill.  Too often, players focus each session only on their weak point.  It is vitally important to practice your strengths.  In order to become a complete player, you must have strong strengths that you can win 5-6 easy points with.
 
Building confidence starts with…  believing the right way.
By staying positive and believing in yourself, you can accomplish much.  If you are always criticizing your serve, your footwork, and your beer belly, then you won’t have the confidence to play your best.  You will play 50% better with confidence – regardless if you are winning or losing.
 
Major improvement begins with…   losing the right way.
You will probably learn more from losing than from winning.  If you win a match, you will probably just want to do the same thing on the next match without really thinking “why” you won and “what” you did.  However, if you lose, you will more likely be considering what you did wrong and what you need to improve.  After a hard loss, you will likely return to the practice hall with a renewed focus on what you need to change.