I found that once I was aware of my sissy-la-la pedaling on toes thing, I just couldn't do it so much anymore- I became too aware of it and kept correcting it automatically. After a while of this awareness you just start doing it less and less. Toe pedaling seems to very really common when you're starting out.

It's not a big deal and we really shouldn't feel bad when people point it out to us. It's just one of many many efficiency biking tips we'll hear -and benefit from!- over the years from various helpful people.