In one of the threads, someone suggested taking a "photography course." You can do that at independent courses or community colleges. Here's an online course that's been helpful to a few that I know:
http://digital-photography-school.com/
A key is to actually do the work. There are weekly assignments. Over a year or so, you will have addressed most important issues, in-depth, if you keep at it.
Also, join an online group where you see lots of pix like you'd like to take. If the do the critiques, start submitting your pix and reacting to what they say.
Dave