Everyone learns at different paces, but there are some fundamental aspects to learning that apply to everyone.

One important thing is to define an excercise, whether it be strumming, chords, transitions... whatever, and spend a small amount of time practicing these each day.

A set time (no more than 10 min.) where you fully concentrate on just that one thing, shutting everything else out. No Radio, TV or other distractions in the background.

You really don't get any more benefit doing 20 min. of something when you're 1st learning it. In fact, as you get closer to 20 min., your playing will degrade as fatigue and mind-wandering begin to creep in.

Also, a significant amount of learning takes place in the Brain while you sleep. Ever notice that when you begin learning something often the next day it comes easier?

That's because your Brain fully processes the information and commits it to memory during the sleep cycle. Focused playing for 5-10 min. is sufficient for your brain to commit the task to long-term memory as opposed to short-term memory. This also highlights the importance of sleep, so make sure that you get good sleep every night (as possible).

Having fun (noodling) is also essential ! It is why you took up guitar in the first place and can motivate you to keep practicing.

Being over 50, I've done quite a bit of research into things like Memory and age-related Memory Loss, Senile Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, I began the guitar partly because of recent studies which show a statistically significant drop in age-related Memory Loss and Alzheimer's in people who take up a musical instrument after age 50. CT scans show a significant increase in bloodflow to the Brain and Neural activity in such people. But, I also wanted to learn guitar for many years, so it seemed doubly benefitial.

My wife is 10 years younger than I, and I don't want to spend my waning years looking across the room wondering who that strange woman is sitting in the chair !

Plus, I want to be able to play reasonably well enough to do some jamming with others, maybe some open mic nights, perhaps some writing, and possibly even some light gigging.

cheers!

Ever notice that when you begin learning something often the next day it comes easier?

That's because your Brain fully processes the information and commits it to memory during the sleep cycle.

The chord will reveal itself once you achieve Tanlightenment.

I nominate this for the post of the year 2013 so far.