The proper way to learn programming

Since today I will start to invert much more time in learning programming itself (not an specific language)seriously, at the same time I do on school at mornings but at evenings. Which new habits should I take? I'm thinking about being active here in Stack Overflow, reading some books (I already read "Head First Java") and do my own applications from my ideas.

I already know Java, some C# and some Android but I lack on design patterns... they're hard for me.

Thank you.