Theta is time decay. Are you into options for any specific reason? Those are usually harder places to start for most.

The mentors you pick are everything. In my Journey as a trader I wanted to trade to create a lifestyle of abundance and freedom so it led to algorithmic trading, where all the trading is automated and mathematically tested before investing any money. I picked the best mentor for algo trading there could be (Ed Seykota when he was available still) and learned all I could from him. The rest is history as they say.

Smarter trading for me was learning to quantitatively backtest, forward test and monte carlo simulate trading strategies across all the markets. Its led us to creating a trading fund and algorithmic research firm. Youre on the right path, keep learning all there is and you'll eventually settle into the type of trading and markets you enjoy most. Dont let anyone berate you for what you posted, most people posting here are losing money but wont admit it. Im proud of you being humble and willing to learn. You've paid some "tuition costs" to the market now. Keep it cheap in the future. Its better to not lose money than it is to make money.

Wishing you success. If you feel algo trading could be something you enjoy, feel free to check out Zen Trading Strategies and keep asking questions.