After losses and mixed outcomes in different poker settings, can enhancing my skills be better achieved by practicing with higher stakes or by studying strategy guides?
i reckon start with low-stake games & really dive into strategy guides. brining your learning gradually makes a huge diff so dont rush upping stakes. keep studying hands & analysing mistakes 
Based on my years of playing, i belive a methodological approach to learning can yield better results than quickly jumping into higher stakes. starting with low stakes and focusing on understanding hand selections, game theory and pot odds have greatly improved my play. reading various strategy guides and using online tools to simulate scenarios made a signifcant different. even though real game experience is important, consistently reviewing your hands and mistakes also help build the skills necessary to make better decisions at the table.