@Scott Whaley Watching tutorial videos, and actually doing just as you are is the best way. As you advance it will become easier.
I can't stress how important it is to get into the habit of editing nondestructive. Here's a some basic information to get you started,
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/nondestructive-editing.html You might have already seen these, but
Free Tutorials has a ton of free tutorials, easy to understand and follow along. Another is
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...MQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0A4iXkEnflXJBO-y7CLwrf
Also remember that while PS has the ability to perform editing functions in multiple ways, you have to determine which techniques will work best with your image. That ability comes with experience.
