I suggest steps first. Work with Aperture Priority and/or Shutter Priority settings first. See the relation in the exposure triangle and how altering one variable will alter the other two as your camera adjusts to make a usable image. As you learn the relationship between the three, and start to look at light, you will see/experience/learn how to manipulate them individually and then in combination. Then using Manual mode with auto ISO lets you alter 2 of the three, and then, if you wish full Manual is an easy last step.

IMHO, when you leave Auto Mode, you stop taking pictures and start capturing IMAGES!!!! Best to all!!

I shot for probably 25 years in auto mode. Four kids and a busy life so that was fine for me. A year ago I decided I now have the time so I need to finally get out of auto. I read tons of books, watched videos, read stuff online (including the Hog...thanks for all the help)! The most important part for me was learning the exposure triangle and shooting a zillion different ways until it made sense. I never used aperture or shutter priority until after I learned manual. As I speak (type) my camera is working for me, taking a 40 minute time lapse of the sunrise at the beach. So sometimes it’s still good to make your camera do all the work while you just sit with your coffee, watching the sun come up over the ocean! :)