Another "light bulb" moment for me was learning to be more efficient with my false casts. When I started, I don't think I ever cast without three or four back casts involved.

Watching and Reading some more proficient folks (especially from FAOL), and throwing larger deer hair poppers for Northern, I adjusted my approach and now it's very rare for me to false cast more than twice. I'm saving energy, and focusing on making each movement of the rod as efficient as possible, like you mentioned (which has added to my distance as well).