Try and label everything around your home in Russian. For example, write down the Russian word for bathroom ("уборная") on a note and put it on the door. Every time you use the bathroom, you'll see this word. This will make it easy to remember the word because you've associated it with a place. That's much easier that associating it with a word from another language. If you use this technique for everyday objects like a computer, TV, trash can, etc., it will make it much easier to remember the words.
Surround yourself with Russian culture to get a better feel for the language. A desktop background of the Kremlin on your computer will keep you thinking Russian.
Try to find movies with Russian subtitles. While watching the movie, you will start to pick up on the familiar phrases. Eventually you can watch familiar movies dubbed in Russian and you will be translating without even realizing it. The more you watch Russian movies and listen to Russian music, the more familiar you will be with the language.
Stay motivated. If you're taking a class, try looking forward to the class every day. Remind yourself how great it is going to be when you can speak another language and read another alphabet.
Go out and visit a Russian restaurant or shop. Hearing familiar phrases from experts will make you feel more comfortable speaking them.
Find fun ways to learn the language. Just about every kid in the United States learned the alphabet with a song. Russian has a different alphabet, so take some tips from these youngsters. If playing games and singing children's songs will help you learn the language, by all means, do it.