Whenever some tutorial uses some “magic” (like “take the dot product because that will …”), look that up and try to understand that specific thing. Don't just use it: Understand what it does - FOR THE CAUSE. Not theoretically, but practically for what you are doing. That way it will stick.
The fact that I should really learn some concept for what it does and how it does it will definitely work since this is the way I memorize stuff anyway, that is some really good advice for me! Thank you again!