The funny thing is, even after you've been using it for years, it will STILL be Mt Everest, and probably always will be. If you look around at the users of these forums, there will always be someone who knows more than you, and people that know less.
I think I've been through something similar to you recently. I've been using photoshop for years, so feel OK about that. But I wanted to learn lightroom as well, and felt like a real dufus with it. I was lucky enough to find a kind person here on DPS who gave me a leg-up, and showed me how to do just a few basic things. Once I felt like I had some success, I felt more inclined to learn on my own.
I still only know the basics, and when it comes to photoshop most of the time I'm stumbling around trying things to see if they work (the undo option is your friend!). But I get by.
To start you off, I'd suggest working with things you'll use all the time, and forgetting about the hard things like layers - just for now (they're great, but probably overwhelming at the moment). Once you've decided what to learn, google for a tutorial. Here are some suggestions of things I use all the time:
Image | adjustments | auto levels
Image | adjustments | shadow/highlight (brings out shadowed areas without 'blowing out' non-shadowed areas)
Image | adjustments | curves (similar to levels)
Image | adjustments | levels (similar to curves)
I also think one of the best things you can invest your time on learning is the different techniques for selecting parts of your picture. There are so many different ways. Try this one to get you started.
Select | Colour Range | Change drop down box to 'highlights' and click OK. You'll find that only the bright parts of your picture have been selected. Neat huh! There are SO many ways of selecting, that's just a neat trick.
I think once you've had some 'wins', you'll feel happier about continuing your learning.
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