One thing to read and there is another to have that "Eyes on approach"...Meaning, reading and applying is a whole different thing...It took me years to read all the books, then applying what I read was even harder. Aline yourself with people who have the knowledge in your area.
I have talked to many new beginniers that I have come across at the shops and talked koi...but to a certain extent I find myself holding back alot more because they dont have the basics down. Learn the Basics first!!! Learn the different varities, then so and so on...