Talking of time ... I just looked back through my logbook. The 1st lesson was logged in 1990 (trial lesson) and I qualified in 1995!
I started flying as a bit of fun never EVER expecting to get my PPL - I just thought it would be much too difficult and costly.
I can still remember my 1st ever circuit at Jersey with the CFI (Phil Ringsdore - a VERY patient man
) - into Rwy 09 - all I could see was the cliff looming at me
After that, I was well and truly hooked and by hook or by crook was going to do the thing properly. That didn't happen until 1993 and I got a bank loan to pay for the course up front as it was a bit cheaper than by the hour.
So, take it in stages. You don't have to rush it. But for gods sake enjoy it. After all, isn't that what it's all about? Unless of course you are pushing for a career at the pointy end of a flying charabang.