I too have started learning C++11 recently after having never really had success picking up the language in the past.

Coming from C I found C++ to be really difficult when I tried to pick it up a few years ago. I have since learnt Python,Ruby and C# and now I am having alot more success. So I really do second your opinion that learning something like Java (in my case C#) really helps a ton.

I also highly recommend checking out the books recommended here: http://isocpp.org/get-started I am currently reading C++ Primer. :)