Same way you do with programming, pick a tool (language) and start making something! You won't get better at something being intimidated and never trying :)

I grew up watching Norm Abram as a kid. Watching something come to life is so rewarding. Failing however is very painful (possibly expensive) as you can't take back cuts!

I'd suggest watching some Paul Sellers videos, hand tool oriented: https://www.youtube.com/user/PaulSellersWoodwork

Power tools are nice, and I have acquired plenty over the years, but if you aren't in some kinda shop just cranking out pieces for customers the hand tool way is very rewarding (and challenging)

Also like programming, you can always improve and learn more

The idea of creating things out of wood always appealed to me, but I never knew I could turn it into a satisfying hobby until I set out to build a built-in bookcase in my home (a very typical gateway project) Before woodworking I tended to collect and discard hobbies.

As others have mentioned, I suggest picking a project and going for it. Woodworking for Mere Mortals is a great source of introductory projects you can start building with limited power tools and experience, to get a taste. If you enjoy it, the next thing you know you'll be buying antique tools on ebay, pre-ordering Lost Art Press books and arguing about sharpening methods or bevel up vs bevel down. Or, you'll be happily creating things out of pallet wood using a jigsaw and orbital sander. The craft is very wide and very deep and I make no value judgement on how people enjoy it, I'm just happy to see people building things themselves.

If you don't have any space or tools, seek out a MakerSpace. I'm a member of my local one here in New Haven, solely for the community as I have my own "shop". It would be a great source of tools and help if I were just starting out.

Practice. Practice Practice. Also workshops, find a small wood shop in your area. We have woodcraft here, which offers various classes on the weekends. Most small colleges also still have some wood working courses.

My dov tails still suck though so I may be off.

Don't know about the OP, but I took an evening woodworking course at a local college. 24 weeks, 1 hour a week, £129.99. When I left, I felt like I could build anything (I was wrong - but that's a whole nother story).