Tammie, we've all been there at some point (or will be one day), where we don't think we'll ever "get it". I'm with William, I cheat and improvise a bunch too. Depending on the chord progressions, I may have to play it "properly" so the hooks sound recognizable, other than that I'll play just parts of the chord for brevity or quick changes. Believe me, if you practice enough (enough is relative for everyone), you'll get it. Like anything else, if you truly put in the effort and time, your muscle memory will improve. For instance, you said you play Blackbird, you've got to nail those chords as written, and I learned it differently years ago with really hard chords than with the version GuitarTricks teaches, but it sounds like the original.   You're progressing wonderfully for only 2.5 years! Don't beat yourself up over a lil spilled milk, you're gonna be a rockstar!