Some of you will have noticed that I post a lot of questions regarding translations. In general, I believe this is a good exercise, but I've come to realize that in many cases, Chinese people don't speak like how I speak Chinese.
When I speak Chinese, particularly with more complex subjects or simply subjects I haven't been exposed to, I often have to rely on a "translation box" in my head. I have to think of how I would say it in English, then translate it. With simpler and more everyday speak, I've learned to mimic what native speakers say, and so in that sense, I've picked up a more natural way of speaking.
However, I'm beginning to grow quite weary of this strict translation. Part of this is my vocabulary, but I would like to speak more naturally. The issue is, if I don't rely on a strict translation, I don't know how else to express myself.
What are some ways I can learn to speak more naturally like a native speaker?