How did you learn MATLAB, or generically speaking, how did you learn your first programming language?

I need to become proficient in MATLAB in the next couple weeks. I have a couple books but all I seem to be doing is copying stuff and making dumb piles of numbers.

How did you learn MATLAB, or how did you learn your first programming language, or how do you learn them now that you know plenty? How long did it take you when you first started? What do you use it for? Does your brain also melt after approximately 60 minutes with it or is there something wrong with me?