It is as hard or as easy as you want it to be. I have been quilting for years, consider myself knowledgeable and make some really wonderful quilts (if I don't say so myself) However, there are some things that I just don't think are worth the effort for me. There are so many beautiful basic patterns that I haven't finished with. I'm happy at the intermediate level of difficulty.
Practice makes perfect. I love how when you are concentrating on a project you can clear your mind of all the other junk going on outside. When you are done, you have something beautiful. Who could ask for more?