For most people, it will take years of training in ping pong to attain adequate levels before playing well. This can apply to both aims of doing so recreationally or competitively. The common thread between the two is that mistakes will be made. But there is no need to fear them, as they are necessary for success.
All past and present great players have made mistakes before when playing table tennis. What others have experienced before us, can be used to our advantage positively. It tells us what to avoid repeating, and what is required to overcome the same situations if we are to experience them ourselves.
Failure is intimidating, and many will be afraid of it. But it does not signal the end of the world, especially in a sport like ping pong. In fact, mistakes can strengthen our skills and characters at the same time, benefiting our game.
Future errors can be prevented through the most common, yet ultimately crucial, qualities of hard graft and sound commitment. Becoming lazy is the worst scenario for a ping pong player. No progress can be achieved that way. The best players in the world are often the hardest working of the lot.
Discipline must be applied to table tennis training. Taking a day off might be required to avoid burnout, but it must be the exception and not the rule. There are always stories of top players who did not fulfill their potential due to lack of discipline.
Avoid injuries by getting decent quality equipment from the beginning. Many have tried to save some money and opted for cheaper equipment. But those could lead to problems along the way, such as poorly padded shoes or bad materials used in table tennis paddles. Give yourself a good start with good equipment that allows better enjoyment of a game of ping pong.
Learn to walk before you jump. Do not be distracted by what others have been making a mistake of, and that is to emulate top players before having a sound foundation of their own. Master the basics and the advanced skills will follow later.
Putting them all together, learning from others' and your own failures and errors, a platform for success will be created. While achieving the highest levels of excellence in ping pong does require some measure of luck and talent, the above will also assist in realizing such a dream.