For 1.8 learn to block-hit and w-tap block-hitting is clicking right and left click at a similar time, and w-tapping is briefly letting go of the w key after you hit.
You'll also want to strafe but you'll learn that with time.
Heh, I remember building a "camp ground" in creative (was literally just an oak log i set on fire) and trying to blow up a mountain. Then I remember going into survival mode in hard difficulty, I made sand into sandstone thinking it was useful, then dying to 20 mobs trying to kill me.