Learning seamanship is not just about taking courses, but about experience - especially in difficult or challenging situations. And experience has very little to do with the number of miles sailed - and everything to do with what happens during those miles.
Learning to sail involves treading a fine
line between being safe and responsible and stretching yourself. Like learning any skill, progressing as a sailor involves consistantly stepping just outside your comfort zone.
So bite off more than you can chew - but not too much more!