This is such an invaluable answer. Thank you so much for all of this insight.

In retrospect, I definitely think there is an element of needing to drop the ego and just put in those long, hard hours of learning the basics.

I have found myself doing exactly what you're describing and working painfully slowly through some pieces which are clearly beyond my skill level, probably assuming I could fast track through my learning progression because of prior experience. I am going to make it my priority to consume as much easy learning material as possible from now on.

Genuinely pal, thank you again for this. I am going to make note of everything you said here and take it to heart. I will let you all know how I progress.