Hi Gabe,
Glad that you have chosen C++, my favourite one.
I do not know C++ fully, but it helps me to learn OOPS concept. Earlier I struggled a lot to know about some oops concepts then I took some real time examples about each concept that helps me to retain some of it even now ;-)
So here is what I have done
1) If you have C++ book - do not just learn, read every line in the book like you are reading your favourite novel which helps you to understand clearly.<br />
2) Please do not do multitasking, read the concept then read the program, then try to rewrite the program in your logic. Try every program in your own logic after understanding others logic.<br />
3) Do lots and lots of paper work, practical knowledge will make you a good programmer not theoretical part.<br />
4) Share what you have learned with your friends, or ask some questions/doubts with your friends(Studies alone will gain you, if you share with others ;-))<br />
5) As @Peter said, Do not care about mistakes, just make compiler feel bad about your program(not a big deal at all) then correct it by yourself then you and compiler will be happy forever.<br />
6) Another one what I prefer is Alternative approach - Why this Why can't that? I always ask this question to myself which gives me another idea. Remember Person who found Remote control for TV, he worked hard to make others lazy ;-)<br />
Hope this helps you a bit.
Happy New Year.
Regards,
RK