What is the key to becoming a real top player?

Hello all,

I have decided to register here to get some advice. I am an average sort of player, I can win some small tables and can often in the big online tournaments make the prizes - i.e. finishing in the top 80 of 1000 people tournaments. However I cannot seem to do any better than this. I have a good knowledge of the game and have read books and know what I am doing but I just cannot seem to get any better.

It seems like its no fluke therefore when poker players enter 1000 people tournaments who come in the top 5. It does seem to require great skill to do that well.

My question is - for all you players who are really good and can expect to finish in the top prizes - did you ever find yourself where I currently am - i.e. seemingly the best I can do is come about 50th? Or have you just got the natural talent?

And for any top players - what is the key to your success? I mean I know my stuff - I play the hands as the books suggest you should do - but I see so many players playing hands that clearly a book says you shouldn't play. Is the key to your style of play - i.e. a tricky opponent, aggressive style, etc. Any advice would be greatly received, I love the game but I want to become so much better and I am not sure what I ought to do.

If I was to sum up how I play - I play tight, I never bluff, although I often semi bluff if the odds seem favourable. I get scared off by aggressive play - i.e. if I have a K 6 and the flop was K J 4 - I would be looking to raise a small amount depending on position, but if someone raised big I would probably fold.

Please help!!!

Thanks.