To use any technique, just ask yourself WHY you want to use it.. When that is clear you will find logic for the next step.. Just try to understand WHY and you will really learn instead of just copying someone. Ofc its good to have some direction like people here said already but you should experience and sometimes make a mistake to really learn and use a technique out of the box sometimes, combine 2 techniques and stuff.. Only use a technique if it sounds logical to your plan. MAKE A PLAN :D