For someone who is very new to competitive programming, what is the most efficient way to upsolve?

Many people have suggested the A2OJ.com ladder, others have suggested solving questions from previously held contests, some even say that anything works as long as it is a question:)

But there has to be an efficient method to learn and upsolve, what do you think is it?

I had solved 1 question yesterday and this morning my rating was 389. 2-3 hours later I am unrated and the contest is now unrated for me, can someone please explain, I am new to all of this.