Well, in fact I guess I am not that good.
I started about one year ago doing crappy animations on the main timeline (
![[3eyes] [3eyes] [3eyes]](/data/assets/smilies/3eyes.gif)
) and I just learned actionscript to solve my design-issues; not for database stuff and other things, and I am still not able to work object oriented and use strings (just some examples).
I started by doing the tutorials in the help-files of flash itself. but I have to admit that I personally think that those of flash5 where much better than those of mx.
anyway after working through them (those of flash5) I tried and tried, did much google-research and finally, shortly before I reached the point of indefinite desparation

I bought a book (unfortunately a german one) that quickly went over the main issues of flash (like how to use tools,...) and explains the very basic commands of actionscript just like if-statements,... and contains many usefull examples that one can need on websites. just like menus, scrolling movieclips, listeners, handlers...
the necessary scripts are explained step by step so that I could follow them.
If you speak german...
there are some examples from the book and I guess you can buy it there too
but after that first insight i have to admit that i myself learned most from asking questions here on tek-tips.
OldNewbie, BillWatson and Wangbar gave me lots of advice and have always been very helpful.
I guess trying to find one's own solution is the best way to realize what challenge has to be taken. Then, if you can't figure it out yourself, asking precise questions might help you a lot...
that's all I have to say for now
keep your head up and just ask!
regards