How long did it take you to become a profound chess player?

I just started and I love it! I play it for the relaxation and the 'theory' that playing it can increase ones intelligence quotient. Which I can understand because there involves a certain element or degree of logic involved. "If he moves his knight here then I can move my pawn there..." So help me to understand the ideas behind this game. How long did it take you to become a notable chess player?