What practical exercises helped you move from detailed realism to Impressionism?

[John19]

I'm an amateur painter who has always worked in a very detailed, realistic style, but I've recently become fascinated by Impressionism and want to learn how to capture light and atmosphere more loosely. My attempts so far just look messy and undefined rather than evocative. For artists who have studied or work in an impressionistic style, what practical exercises or mindset shifts helped you move away from painting every detail and instead focus on the effect of light and color to suggest form?