when i was playing with the form of My Favorite Things (by ear, at first), i found that i could be a lot freer with the melody than i wanted. but i don't know what to do. actually i don't want to predict each note before i play it. i want to play the note that i predict. this is my main struggle currently. beyond technique and all.
i think you are doing fine. the brain cannot do otherwise than learn. over time, it almost doesn't matter what the strategy is. the learning happens. except don't forget the most important ingredient in music: fun