in terms of programming: starting strength is ok for beginners but don't stay glued to it for too long. once you start stalling move on to an intermediate program like the texas method, any of the SBS programs, 5/3/1 bbb, or some sort of ppl.
also, while starting strength is fine for beginners (the low volume isn't a problem as in beginners few gains are made the first month due to poor physiological recovery capacity, and beginners respond to basically any volume), mark rippetoe is a stubborn dogmatist who has never broken any records or coached anyone who's broken any records. take a lot of things he says with a grain of salt.
the most important things are: push yourself in the gym, increase weights or reps regularly (or more generally difficulty so you keep adapting to higher demands/build muscle), eat at a slight surplus, and sleep at least 7 hours, preferably 9 if it's possible.