I'll tell you a secret, the Thoth changes you.
Very subtly, and over time, it works on you, it opens you to new avenues of thought and study and even if you don't see it happening, you slowly change as your wisdom grows. This is spiritual study we're talking about, merely thinking about the Tree as Tarot is a form of meditation, a way of using the cards. For me it is the primary way of using them, although you can use them as you will. Through study of the cards, their symbols, interconnections and the Tree you will be, in essence, studying about
yourself, and that's worth all the time it takes, even if it takes a lifetime.
My practical recommendation is that you start with understanding the most basic definitions of the Sephiroth, one at a time. After the fifth you'll start to see that what seemed daunting at first actually has sense and logic, and it won't be so frightening anymore. While the Tree is endless, just reading it is actually quite simple. After about a month you'll start to see connections and parallels between cards you would never think about otherwise, and it will be so illuminating you'll just understand why it was worth it. After you reach that point, it's just a matter of flapping your wings and flying. Trust me on this, I'm not wrong.