There is no "right way..." simply adjust the gears until you have a comfortable rotating rhythem with your legs. If you go uphill, readjust to maintain about the same amount of effort... if you go downhill, readjust. The whole point is to maintain your effort and cadence as well as possible for the varying load of the road.

There is no reason to have to progress evenly through the gears... there is no "sycro" mechanism involved. The only caveat is to try to avoid using the big ring up front with the big gear in the back, and vice versa... the small ring up front with the small gear in the back should also be avoided.

There is no "1st" gear, "2nd" gear etc that must be followed.

Enjoy your bike and have a good time... it's easy.