Here is my list of 10 ways to improve your mixing skills:
1. Practice mixing.
2. Get feedback.
3. Apply feedback.
4. Mix some more.
5. Practice mixing more.
6. Keep practicing.
7. Practice mixing some more.
8. Mix something different.
9. Get more feedback.
10. Practice mixing again MORE.
I have the crappy speaker thing covered!
When I go to guitar center shopping for monitors I'll tell the clerk. "Those monitors aren't shitty enough!!! What are you trying to do....cause me to make mixing mistakes??? I need shittier speakers than this. Don't force me to go to Best Buy!"
lol