Yes: write everything on paper first. Start with the logic and then go to basic code in short-hand form and make sure your logic and all is good. It's what I do and it works like a charm. Much easier and faster for me than trying to work it out on a computer (I don't work well on computers, I get distracted and can't type fast and some other stuff). May not work for you down the road, but it will at least help you get started with transferring your logic to code.
I disagree with the writing on paper part on the grounds that I can barely read my own writing most the time

I do agree with start with logic first, though.
Depending on what the OP wants to do, though, I might suggest a more forgiving first language. Not that C++ is super difficult or anything, but that you have to do everything yourself. Other languages will be more willing to help you do certain things.
Programming is nothing more than problem solving, logic, a pinch of math, and the syntax requirements of your specific language. The first two are the ones most people need to work on.