Nimzo:
1. Try to double White's c pawns.
2. Gain ctrl of the 2 light center-sqrs.
3. Close the position - to reduce the scope of White's bishops. [by blockading White's center-pawns from advancing, and neutralize White's attack on the kingside].
4. See Botvinnik - Reshevski. 1948.
[Thx Wikipedia! ]
Thank you so much for responding! Yep Wikipedia often saves the day
There are many ways to play the Nimzo. One key decision shaping up the game is whether to play d5 or try to control the light squares in the center with pieces. Maybe you can transition from the Dutch to the Nimzo by using Dutch-like systems for a start, like 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 0-0 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 f5, or 4. e3 b6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Qc2 f5.
The key of the Nimzovich Indian Defence and the Queen's Indian Defence is the central square e4. 1 d4 Nf6 (controls e4) 2 c4 e6 (opens diagonal for Bf8)
3 Nc3 Bb4 (pins Nc3 and thus controls e4)
3 Nf3 b6 (prepares Bb7 to control e4)
I like the question, cause it asks about general ideas instead of moves. I am just having trouble answering it, because it's such a broad question. Maybe it's better to take a general look at some of the setups that you can find out there, decide which ones look cool and then come back and ask about general ideas. Even then it'll be a broad question, as the f3 lines of the Nimzo have different ideas compared to the Qc2 lines etc.
There are many ways to play the Nimzo. One key decision shaping up the game is whether to play d5 or try to control the light squares in the center with pieces. Maybe you can transition from the Dutch to the Nimzo by using Dutch-like systems for a start, like 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 0-0 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3 Ne4 7. Qc2 f5, or 4. e3 b6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Qc2 f5.
That sounds like a good idea to me 
I do know how to play with classical dutch pawn structures.
I like the question, cause it asks about general ideas instead of moves. I am just having trouble answering it, because it's such a broad question. Maybe it's better to take a general look at some of the setups that you can find out there, decide which ones look cool and then come back and ask about general ideas. Even then it'll be a broad question, as the f3 lines of the Nimzo have different ideas compared to the Qc2 lines etc.
I think you're right! Openings are hard for me to learn because my opponent can always play something different. I guess I'll just look through some common setups like you said.
Against 1.d4, I usually go for 1...e6 and 2...f5 (classical dutch). Now, I think it's time to expand my opening repertoire. After much consideration, I decided to go for the Nimzo Indian and Queen's Indian defence. What are some common ideas and plans for black? Thanks!
P.S. please don't recommend chess books as I really don't enjoy them. While I know chess theory is unavoidable, the less the better for me. Thanks again!