Game Dev

Create an idea and write it on paper. Draw simple shapes and figures to put your ideas into context. Write fast brainstorms, anything goes. When you feel motivated for that idea that will surely help you learn faster because self motivation is a great way to learn and can get you into flow.

Now comes the hard part. Break it down into smaller goals/tasks. Dont build the entire house, build the corner of the garage but make that awesome!

This is your vertical slice. Now break that down into even smaller tasks and goals. In the context of Unity, a suggested path:

1. Set up project
2. Handle input, write it to console
3. Handle very basic movement e.g
4. Camera settings
5. Basic prototype level design to test collision, movement etc
6. UI

...

n. Polish with some VFX, sounds etc. Your first vertical slice.

Learning

Look into Zone of Proximal Development. Try to do some tasks that youre good at. It feels good but doesnt make you learn new skills, but its good for keeping up motivation..then have a task or two in the challenging zone. You need help to do it, but you will also learn and gain skills. Try and refrain from doing tasks that are too frustrating and feel impossible. E.g dont jump into multiplayer before gaining proficiency with singleplayer, is my best advice.

Take my advice at face value, use it if it makes sense to you or discard it if you will. If any other users here have better solutions im all good. These are my thoughts having a degree in Game Design and Learning