[runjake]

As others state, the best way to think like a programmer is to program, but also seeking a senior programmer as a mentor helps. Also, browsing code on sites like StackOverflow and Github but you kind of need to develop a quick sense of good vs bad code. There is a lot of both on those sites.

[chpp]

I have this issue with learning guitar right now. Finding a competent mentor, on recommendation, is surprisingly difficult.

I spend a lot of time on git reading code, shamelessly stealing function and seeing how they work in my code. I am glad that there is benefit to what I am doing. Thank you for the advice!

[Ramp_]

+1 A mentor is always a great thing to have and can really speed up the rate at which you improve. However, better than just any mentor is one who thinks, or sees things the same way you do. Working together on problems will result in dramatic improvements if the mentee has the right attitude.

[organsnyder]

+1 on the mentorship part—that's huge. I learned much more from my mentor at my internship than I did from my CS classes.