1. I think it is very correct to "observe the structure and strength of the font before writing"!
2. and the content can't be written exactly according to the copybook! Because the number of words you can practice in a day is limited, you can't be greedy! The goal of practicing calligraphy is not to finish a few copybooks a day, but to practice a few words a day! You can write the words you want to practice repeatedly according to the copybook. When you encounter words that you can't always write in your life, just trace them with your fingers twice!
I think what you are not good at is practice. Calligraphy is slow, it can't be fast. Practice more! I think there are two things that can support your practice, one is perseverance, and the other is hobbies. See if you have this or that!