The never ending debate as to what works best...when we have examples of everything but nothing working best. Some of the biggest guys in the game keep detailed log books, track EVERYTHING including sleep/food in addition to loads, sets, reps etc. Dorian Yates, Jordan Peters, Dante Trudel, Dusty Hanshaw. Then, you have guys who are purely instinctual like Phil Hernon. He trained as many days as he could, took a day off when he felt he needed it and ate only when hungry. Personally, I find value in structured training blocks with progressive overload...followed by a structured deload/deconditioning...and then repeat. Mentally, that is what is easiest for me to wrap my head around. I think this is a left brain/right brain thing. Some guys like science and math.... some guys like arts and crafts.