The first thing for us to think about is, we are on an online business and our concern is to create a website. This website should contain the niche we would want to impart to a group of people. Building it takes time and work with the content.
There only three things on how we can monetize our website: first-affiliate programs-promoting products of other websites or advertisers, second-your own product like eBooks, third-your content through an organic search with Google AdSense.
Time is indeterminable depending on your work as the website owner. Others have made it 3 months, others in 6 months, and others made it in one year and so forth.

As it is your first week it probably feels like there is so much to see, read and learn. I stuck to doing the certification and followed each step without moving forward before actually applying the steps to my site. Small steps but it has stood me in good stead. Don't be distracted at this point by everything else that is going on in the community, there will be plenty of time for that later.
Animals and sport are great but narrow the niche down. For example I have a site about training my toy poodle. Animal based but a smaller niche. Try to go too broad and you will come unstuck.
Hope this is helpful
With Grace and Gratitude
Karen

Thanks for your feedback. I will be more focused on a smaller niche for sure. I'll follow the training before moving on.
One step at a time - right.