How do you stay ahead of the curve in the front-end development world?

I’m not sure that “staying ahead” of the curve is really what’s needed. There are so many new technologies coming out that one could easily spend too much time studying them all, and run the risk to make the wrong bets. That said I would suggest:

1. Staying up-to-date on the latest release(s) of the web frameworks / technologies you already know. Still using Bootstrap 2.0? Time to switch to 4 etc…
2. Look for new trends in technology usage: you don’t need to be first… just need to be right. So when something new and interesting comes and is getting popular you aren’t taken by surprise. Just do a search for “Top Web Frameworks <insert your year>” and follow the top 3.
3. Fit for purpose: make sure you stay focused on the technologies you actually need. Invest time in a technology you know will be valuable to you.

Finally find a place in your current project portfolio to implement the new framework / technology… because 70% of the learning happens by doing.