Texting takes some getting used it...it's basically like learning to type. It took me awhile to really get any kind of speed going (I used to be SO slow, especially with a number pad) and then to get good accuracy. Now I can use both a number pad and a full keyboard (haven't ever tried a touch screen) with pretty consistent success.
If you don't text that often, it's harder to learn. I didn't get a good handle on it until I was texting more frequently.