I find that a combination of reading and doing does the job. Do, until you hit a wall, or you realize that there must be some way to do things better. Then read

I find that a combination of reading and doing does the job. Do, until you hit a wall, or you realize that there must be some way to do things better. Then read, and try to see if somebody else has found that way. Obviously, sometimes also just read because it sounds like you would like to know what the book says. Rinse and repeat. By the way, books are easy to get for free these days on the net. I remember 20 years ago when I would spend crazy money on books ... No more! Also, these days I read more papers than books. Which are also easy to get for free.