I would think a medical forum would be more appropriate for discussing problems with shifting, but oh well.
Whenever I have difficulty shifting, I eat about a dozen prunes or take a good laxative. Within a short time, my shifts are as smooth as ever.
Don't overdo it, though, or you'll be shifting almost non-stop the rest of the day and won't be able to wander very far from the bathroom.
Oh... wait... shi
fting? Ohhhhhh. Never mind.
Hey, just trying to make you feel at home.
As others have stated, practice, practice, practice. I've been driving stick for over 30 years and after my first five months of owning a Boxster, I still don't shift smoothly every time.
Welcome aboard, and have fun!
Bear