Great job! I thought the instrument rating was the hardest yet. Understand that while you have another rating, you now have the *ability* to become a better pilot. Better skills come with experience, obviously. You can't get experience if you don't go get it. Understand that there is a difference in being instrument current, and instrument proficient. It is definately a perishable skill. Whenever you are flying with another pilot and have the chance, go under the hood for 20 minutes. Shoot a couple of approaches each month, not every six months. You will be amazed at what you can do if you remain a proficient instrument pilot.
A there I was story from today. Flew from Clarksville, TN, to Maxwell AFB. Normally a 2 hour flight. Today it was 3.6 due to many diversions around weather. We (myself and my daughter) were flying a Piper Aztec. Dodging Tstorms, flying in canyons of clouds. Negotiating holes in the clouds at 10K like an obstacle course. Almost the entire way the air was smooth, even though we had Level 3,4,5 Tstorms on either side. Got clear of the Tstorms, and finished the remaining hour in solid IMC, but smooth as can be. Didn't have to shoot the approach, but nevertheless it was a great experience, and great training. Not once was I concerned, just alert. I knew what the airplane could do, trusting the instruments, etc, etc. Got the airplane and most importantly my daughter on the ground safe. I was tired, but hey, a pat on the back was in order.
The point of the story is not to show how cool I am (or not) but it just confirms that the system works. We are taught in training that it works. We know it does, but does it REALLY work? Until you fly it single pilot IFR you aren't really subconsciously convinced, in my opinion. I had an instrument IP once state to me, "A good IFR pilot is a lazy pilot". Ask for help if you need it. Use your crew. Ask flight watch for suggestions. Ask center what other aircraft are doing in the vicinity.
Again, congrats on your hard work. Keep the blue side up.
