Hello! I’m just looking for some advice, not necessarily aviation related but more of on a personal level.

I’m currently working as a CFI/CFII and have just hit 500 hours. I have a decent idea of what regional I want to end up with but how do I make sure I stay on track?
I’ve been reading endlessly about how tough the 121 world is (especially getting in) and eventually making it to mainline somehow yet all of my former CFI’s almost make it seem like the 121 checkride isn’t that difficult...which makes me feel like either they’re lying or I have a lot of catching up to do.

I work 6 days a week and am wrapping up my college degree but I’m finding it harder and harder to study. I try to stay active with reading FAR’s, PHAK along with all the other aeronautical books but I kind of sense myself slacking...or maybe it’s just me being hard on myself.

Am I on the right path? Should I be doing more? How do I maintain my work ethic and fight against complacency so I don’t make a mistake and stay mentally fit for when my time comes for the regional gig?

Thanks gents