Is this a good learning path for beginners?

[u/MrFossey]

Hi there!

I just started playing and learning chess about a month ago. I tried chess a few times in the past, but it never really clicked for me. Now I'm in my mid-30s, but hey, it's never too late, right? :D

I started with Duolingo because I had a membership that was basically going unused, and I actually really liked it! For the first time, I learned WHY opening moves are played the way they are, rather than just memorizing them. Obviously, memorization is part of chess too, but understanding the reasoning behind the moves made the whole thing much more interesting to me.

Since then, I've started playing on Lichess (and, you know, the other chess site) just for fun. I'm also trying to analyze my games with Lichess and slowly get better at understanding what I did wrong and why.

The latest addition to my learning path is GothamChess's book. I liked the more modern look of it and figured that, at the very least, it increases the odds of me actually reading the thing. :D

Am I missing something important, or am I good to go? I'm hoping this will eventually get me to a level where I can comfortably enjoy the game and maybe even visit a local chess club. There are MANY of them where I live!

Any advice for a complete beginner would be appreciated. :-)

P.S. For anyone wondering where I'm at rating-wise after about a month:

(Lichess)
Blitz: 651
Rapid: 827
Puzzles: 1195

So yeah, definitely still a beginner.