I'm still following lifting programs like mindless cattle after 5+ years of lifting in the gym. I have no idea how to program my own workouts, I have no idea which exercises work which, I just do them. How do I break out of this?
Programming your own workouts is for fools. Anyone who is actually elite level at lifting might tweak their program based on how they feel but the meat and potatoes is designed by a coach. So think about it. If beginners are following someone else’s program and professionals are following someone else’s program, why should anyone in-between not be following someone else’s program. It defies simple logic. You literally do not need to make your own program. You just need to find one that works and stick to it.