Interesting as these comments are, they seem to me to somewhat perpetuate the "fly it by rote" approach, rather than "being at one" with the plane. I entirely accept that there comes a size, class, and purpose of aircraft where flying by rote is the most appropriate way. A C 172, or most other GA aircraft, are not in this category.
A 172, like most light aircraft, will respond very well to being flown by feel. So feel it, and use all the elements of flying available to you, in harmony, to get the result you want. I agree that it is unwise to actually fly the aircraft so as to conflict with good airmanship, or the recommended techniques for the aircraft, but other than that, try a varity of techniques - don't just fly it by rote, or "the numbers".