FWIW, I am a bit past the circuit stage, but when I was doing it I would study the handout every night. After each lesson I would go home and review what I did wrong, and why. I still do this now when I do practice circuits.
However, the day comes, when it all just clicks, and you will wonder why you found it so hard! Thats the day it starts becoming a motor skill and you are doing things, and reacting to situations without thinking about it! This is why I spend so much time memorising stuff away from the plane, so next time I dont have to think about it.
BTW, for me it took a bit longer than a younger student. You did not mention age, but a 40 year old will take longer than a 20 year old. Also, the more frequently you fly the less revision you do each lesson and the faster you pick it up.