Hi CAVOK:. .Not a lot to add, really.
My personal experience, that worked for me, was to push myself steadily. Not too fast, not too slow. I don't think it matters very much whether you start by doing X-C & foreign in an a/c you are happy with, or whether you add night & IMC ratings also in an a/c you are happy with, or you go to a complex type but stay local until you are confident with a/c and it normal and emergency procedures, then move on to more challenging weather and destinations & nav. What you should do is be challenged but confident about your ongoing experience gaining.
To say again: push yourself, but not TOO fast; use an instructor you trust and a friend who will help you as you help him/her to improve.
This way you will be happy with your flying, you will be confident, you will only rarely frighten yourself, you will learn well and you will progress. AND YOU WILL ENJOY!! Which is the most important thing.
Be safe. You know how far you can go.. .Regards.