My catalyst stash:

I am now 40% TB as you can see. I statistically can't count w miraculously getting some big chunk on t5cc of the right class. But that's okay, TB shouldn't be for everyone and I am fine with waiting.
However, I got pretty burnt out, ngl. What keeps you pushing forward? Exploring cav eq month after month, when the only reward you get is the sweet 10% nexus? I am now pretty resigned and I decided to do only SQ. I originally intended to explore V6, but there are lanes I can't do (namely thorns, idk yet how to get past that). I also thought of exploring 6.1.
So I ask:
1) What is it that pushes YOU forward towards becoming TB? I beat GM in like January and my hype has cooled off
2) Where should I best get the t5cc? I haven't yet explored any Variant (but as I said, working on V6, as it is probably the easiest), completed story up to 7.2 included, haven't done Abyss. I don't have Ægon, so Abyss is out for now. I am f2p and not a very skilled player. I don't dare explore 7.1, I tried and failed. Variants seem ten times easier, but idk