deciding you are an "advanced beginner"

Pick a project that is too difficult for you but makes your heart happy. You will level up much faster and learn so many new techniques if you're working towards a finished object that you want to own. My first project was the Louise Pullover by Lisa Woolridge and I taught myself short rows, bobbles, picking up sleeves, hell even how to knit in the round. It's a little wonky in some places, but honestly? It looks pretty perfect and it's still one of my best-fitting garments. A garter stitch scarf could never.