As you always highlight, being patient with oneself is imperative. Especially as a beginner we might get frustrated as our focus is constantly laid on that which we cannot. I also found many people running crazy because of the many synonyms a word has with virtually no different context meaning. Like "there HAS to be some difference".
As a rule of thumb, we do better in not comparing ourselves to the language proficiency of other students, otherwise this only again leads to disappointment and capitulation.

In addition to that very important point of immersing ourselves in the language by going abroad, watching TV etc, I find reading a book aloud quite useful to get our tongue acquainted to the language flow and to remember phrases better.

Thank you, Ms. do-gooder! :)