I started with scraps and muslin swatches, then I graduated to placemats and I also made "pieces" of quilted fabric sandwiches to use in making totes. Once I was able to pretty much turn them out with regularity, I just recently graduated to my first lap quilt. I try to practice at least 2 hours a week. The optimum word is try. If I could do it one hour a day I'm sure I'd progress much faster, but my real life doesn't allow me that.
My other words are of encouragement. It is worth it, at least that is my mantra. I look at other members on the board's photos of stunning quilts they've FMQ and I try to be inspired (as opposed to envious). The good news is, as good as they are, they all started out where you and I are starting - with the first scraps and the learning curve to be mastered.
Good luck!