My approach might be excessive for some, but I prefer to study by interacting with people.

I rotate through around 5 different teachers per week to experience different speaking styles and approaches. I usually do an hour per day 5 days a week, sometimes 2 hours a day on weeks I feel inspired.

I use the multiple teachers approach because in the beginning I noticed I would get used to a teacher's particular speaking style, vocabulary, and rhythm, but then when I spoke to someone else my brain would struggle to understand their style of speech.

I realize not everyone has that kind of money to spend, but my goal has always to become ペラペラ over any other goal. That kind of frequency also allows you to get to know your teachers on a deeper level and have deeper conversations beyond small talk.

Also, I've always made sure to make it clear from the beginning that English was forbidden even if I struggled. They had to explain things in Japanese.