I think you should change your approach. I labored to understand computer programming from the various resources available on the internet. The moment I thought I had it figured out, a new term would pop up and make me feel like I know nothing. Gamedev makes me feel that way too. hehe.

One day I gathered my thoughts and used a piece of paper to write them down in an easy to understand way. I then made a tutorial using that information. I use it as a reference for me and for others to help them understand it (this also helps as a refresher you can refer to if you perhaps stop programming for a while and want to go back later).

I do the same thing for every new subject I learn. I make it so simple a baby can understand it (at least that is what I aim for).

Next I look for shortcuts to doing things. I also like to make building blocks. Building blocks are pre-made items that can be adapted and re-used to make new things. The keyword is Modular Design. There is modular programming and there is modular modeling. This cuts out a lot of stress and you can get things up and going far faster.

Here are some of the shortcuts I use:

Google sketchup for quick modeling and making modular pieces

Makehuman for quick 3d characters (exports rig and everything)

Quidam Studio (also for 3d characters)

Sculptris (or any sculpting software) for organic shapes.

Texture atlases for faster render time and texture optimization

Baking textures, materials, shadows (cuts on processing time)

Greebles to add detail to models (makes it look complex when it isn't)

Customizable game script (this is a script I made that helps me get things moving right away. All I have to do is change one variable, and I get things working.

Test areas (these are just 3d models with a bit of ambient occlusion in them that I can use to test mechanics in. I have several test areas:

http://forum.maratis3d.com/viewtopic.php?id=797

I also use a lot of procedural stuff. I use the Tree Sketch app for the ipad to quickly make trees. (I also use sketchup for landscape modeling. I am also going to check out using the HelloFlower app to make flowers. Both export to obj. Also, the 123d Creature app for ipad is like Zbrush on the ipad. Free also. It exportes to obj as well.

I am still trying to make things go faster, and so I am always looking up new ways to do things faster. hehe.

Personally, I think you would not get so annoyed if you saw some progress or had something to show for all the work and research you did. Even if you made a small level that isn't complicated, it would perhaps give you inspiration to make something more.