Started foolishly trading stocks at 18 using news and tips from people which is a disaster, luckily I learned my lesson young and quickly without losing too much money. Overtime I learned more and more about trading and the market, eventually expanding into just about trading any instrument and market with relatively low spreads/commissions.

I highly suggest reading Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, it has a little bit on everything in regards to trading.

I also highly suggest for any newbie to start and demo trade, developing a system, psychology, methodology, money management, and trade management.

A system consists of
1) Psychology/Mental Aspect
2) Money Management
3) Trade Management
4) Planning
5) System

That is my hierarchy of trading importance. The system which is last in the list, is of least importance. The concepts 1-4 are of most importance and are the keys to long term success.