I wouldn't have been blowing my money on TCredits all the time (LOL). But all jokes aside, I would have worked at a slow and steady pace, learning all the ins and outs of SFI before flying out the gate.
Right now, I'm still learning. It's a tough hill to climb (even tougher if one doesn't have the funds to afford a Standing Order), but I'll say this: Always stay the course. Even if you lose your rank, CSAs, etc., still push forward and start from scratch.