I spent a good portion of my college life studying Chinese and I know learning a language can be very frustrating and slow going. Probably the fastest way to learn is by moving to Japan and enrolling in an intensive language course whereby you get reprimanded if you speak or use English. I recommend a minimum of 1 year abroad with the intent of staying longer. I know a French guy who went from 0 to fluency in 2 years this way. It will be the adventure of a lifetime. Trust me I've done it.
If you can't do that I recommend setting short term reachable goals as you seem to be doing. It's too frustrating to just say, "I want to be fluent", because really there is no end to the learning. Also surround yourself with as many Japanese people as you can and insist on speaking Japanese to them. And the number one thing to remember is to study with purpose and to practice with intent.
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