The most important piece of advice that I give new weightlifters is to not get greedy. I've been weightlifting for basically of my adult life and it took me 10 years of training before I hit respectable numbers. I do not compete and my numbers are actually pretty low for my weight class. I weightlift because I feel that the complex movements, combined with the training regimens (as well as focusing heavily on stamina and cardiovascular endurance) equates to longevity and survivability in my line of work (combat). Try and get some coaching, not from some XFit level 1 dweeb, it will go a long way. Chances are you probably have a weightlifting gym in your area.
This is starting to stray off topic, so I will put yet another plug in for Pioneer Powerlifting belts.