> Where I can watch videos/read books, and fully feel like I understand everything. However, when hand touches keyboard I realize I didn't really retain any of it.
Always type everything down from a tutorial when you follow it. Don't even copy and paste, literally type it down. And make small adjustments here and there, according your personal taste and experience.
That doesn't even really work for me. I can type on autopilot. I've found the best way for me is to implement the tutorial thing in a different programming language. Something about translating between languages requires just enough mental work to help make it stick.
Always type everything down from a tutorial when you follow it. Don't even copy and paste, literally type it down. And make small adjustments here and there, according your personal taste and experience.