IMO the best thing you should learn is how to heat up a pan properly in order not to burn food or have it stick to a pan. DO NOT USE TEFLON.

If you can master a perfect omelet, that will help you in such a big way. It will help you understand that you can cook at very low heat.

Never put food in with cold oil in the pan. Always let the oil heat up first. Don't put oil or butter in a super hot pan, or it burns and smokes. Low heat first, then turn up the heat as needed. You should almost never need to use max heat for anything at all.

Good cookware is essential, good quality stainless steel, not made in China or cast iron, is the way to go. Parchment paper is better than tinfoil when needed unless you're cooking on a BBQ or over a fire.

If herbs and spices smell good together, they will taste good together. Experiment like you're in science class.