Go out at times when there isn't something special that you are shooting and try it out. See what you are lacking and read and try. It's one of those things you just have to jump in and do at some point. Just don't get so hooked on having to shoot in manual mode that you miss those important events and things. You can jump back and forth as needed. I also recommend you take a class many photographers offer one day classes where they really teach you all about shooting in manual mode. I've found that was the best thing for me to be comfortable shooting in manual mode.