Actually working on smaller individual projects would be a good approach. One thing 3ds Max and the larger software packages have is a set of tutorials that work you through all the different areas of the software. When you complete them, you know the basics. There are tutorials but no combined set. Each project could focus on a specific area. Every software package has features that are not fully exploited. What I have found interesting is that there are so many people on this forum that are acquainted with the features in such detail both in the Poser and MAX forums. This is a very valuable asset.