I am a first-year math student and I am having difficulties applying newly learned theory to problems.
For example, my current calculus book is Real Analysis: Series, Functions of Several Variables, and Applications which is very theory-heavy. I read the chapters with caution and write down all important definitions and theorems, however when it comes down to solving actual problems (be it the ones in the book or the ones from problem sheets) I am always in a "foggy" state not really knowing what to do.
So my question is how can I apply the theory I learn better? and if you have any good study methods/tricks those will be deeply appreciated as well.