Bert is so right... ;)

As a corollary to the suggestions that learning to keep a steady tempo is important to focus on as you practice...that is (assuming you are right-handed) building RIGHT HAND TECHNIQUE is what will get you there. The hand too often overlooked--but it doesn't matter how simple, or how complex, your left hand work is, developing a smooth, confident, flowing and timely right hand (whether strumming or fingerpicking) is the mark of a player who has mastered the level they are at. As an example, the late Stan Rogers was never a flashy player, but he was a superb accompanist because his right hand was so smooth it made his guitar part an organic component of whatever song he was singing.

And the other corollary; metronomes (or the rhythm section of any cheap electronic keyboard) are useful, but to really make use of them, learn to count the beats as you play. Once you can do this, you will be your own metronome. (Then, when you start to play with other folks more, count in at the beginning and you will sound cool.)

You're doing great, eh!

W-O