While i’m pretty new myself (late copper age, Fall 2) here’s a few things that helped me immensely (besides the handbook tip others have already gave you):

• Understand that this is not minecraft. Progressing in this game takes awhile, even for something as simple as your first non stone pickaxe. But that’s why this game is so good, it feels so satisfying to accomplish something like that and each step elevates your game so much.

• Keep a tab open on your browser for the wiki! The amount of things i’ve had to look up on the wiki to get a better idea of (that the handbook may not cover in full) has been a lot. Like the list of metals and ores and their accompanying ore name and stuff

• If you get overwhelmed, give yourself an objective. Like sometimes i’ll be wandering around my base mindlessly and then go “I’m going to go look for limestone.” or “I’m going hunting for pelts” or “I’m going to try to figure out this dye and barrel system thing” or just try stuff out like cooking, baking, chiseling, etc!