Maybe have a look at
101 Things To Do After You Get Your Private Pilot's License by LeRoy Cook | 9780071422581 | Paperback | Barnes & Noble for inspiration.
But seriously, most important IMHO:
a) don't rush it, although flying is a lot about planning and being ahead of things, nothing bad will happen if you first pass your PPL and think about what to do with it afterwards (if your PPL is not a means in itself but just a stepping stone to a flying career, things may be different);
b) opt for what appeals to YOU. Whether that's just admiring the landscape, going to navigationally challenging places, getting aerobatics instruction, embarking on instrument flying or taking people up (don't expect them to appreciate the same aspects that you as a pilot appreciate, as in your example; IMHO that's not a matter of woman or man, but of PAX or PIC
). Fly safe and learn and most of all -- as foxmoth said -- USE and enjoy it, but don't let anyone tell you that "you are not a real pilot unless you have experience in ... (insert type of flying and/or aircraft or amount of flying hours)".