Yes, I'm sure you can get better at them by learning about the different types of clues. There are several websites you can google. I can usually recognise an anagram but a cleverly hidden answer often fools me.
Have a go at some of the smaller simpler ones in local papers and mags. Then, if you can't work out an answer make sure you check it out later. If you still can't 'see' it ask the forum to explain.
Four months is not long at all. I've been doing them for about 4 years and I'm sure for some who visit this forum it's more like 40!
Of course I didn't mind you asking. Better than watching the Eurovision Song Contest or football!