In my experience, getting to the "next level" always requires building something substantial. Just like trying to speak or write in a foreign language is always

In my experience, getting to the "next level" always requires building something substantial. Just like trying to speak or write in a foreign language is always better than learning about that language. If you feel like you want to grow as a programmer, pick a project (or contribute to an existing one), and learn whatever is needed to do it.