I think if you want to SEO your won website or want to learn SEO for professional work, then follow General Guidelines......this is the best SEO learning site . First you shroud go through these all articles then start your SEO work. http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=2370419&parent=1724125&ctx=topic
The best way is to learn to do it yourself. Through trials and errors you will have the understanding of what methods works best for you.
Learning by practicing is the best method instead of only reading and understanding articles or guidelines..
Best SEO method or guidelines whatever we say that everything is depends on your effort. You have to invest your time and patient to follow a proper guidelines. http://www.ictreview.com/seo/seo-learning-method/
Thanks for your complement that encouraged me to more help others with my SEO knowledge and experience..
I agree with you, instead you should do it yourself this way you would be able to gain practical knowledge which would increase your confidence too.. There is no doubt to it really.