I've been practicing piano for a few years as a self learner. When I start a new piece, I am always struggling to play the correct notes. After much practice and I start memorizing which notes to play, then my hands follow along and I can start playing smoothly.
It just feels like I'm slowly memorizing a piece until I can play it. I somehow think that this may be an incorrect method and I need to be more comfortable at reading the notes.
Am I approaching things incorrectly? Do I need to implement other types of practice? Right now I just start a new piece and try to work my way through it without any other supplemental exercises, be it physically on the piano or practicing with pen and paper.
Just to note, I have done substantial reading on music theory so I do get the hang of some aspects like tempo, etc.