Hi...yes, don't change quilting directions to quickly. It is also helpful to use something to have a better grip on the sandwich like finger cots, rubber finger tips, gardening gloves, a halo or like device. Also, make sure that the surface that the sandwich is sliding on is as slippery as possible...I bought the teflon slidder sheet. Some have used plastic sheeting (with hole for needle) and some have even suggested waxing the surface of your machine bed.
Practice, practice, practice...it's like skiing or riding a bike...keep trying and before you realize it things have come together and you're doing it.
And don't be too critical of yourself...I've seen stitching on quilts in quilt shops that made me feel much better about my stitches!