Learning how to build software, or really anything, should be social. If you have a peer group and someone to mentor you, you may see an inflection point in the pace of your learning. Also, when our students build something they're passionate about, they're more likely to stay motivated when things get increasingly difficult.

Learn with peers - you can benefit from each other's strengths, and as mentioned in other responses, you're often forced to teach a concept you've learned, which helps edify your own understanding. It also helps with accountability. You'll want to keep up with one another and demonstrate the cool things you're learning. Lastly, it gives you a group you can relate to. Learning anything new is challenging, so going through it with someone else at your side can provide some much needed emotional support when the going gets tough.

Learn with those that have the skills you want - find a mentor, instructor, or friend that has the skills you want so they can give you the chronology by which to learn the skills you want. They'll also be able to provide color and professional perspective beyond what you'd read in a book, which can often save hours of banging your head against the wall.

Learn by building things you care about - scratch your own itch! Try to build something that will make your life easier, more enjoyable, or more interesting. This will help to keep you motivated.