Don't worry about GLs below level 85. Build up some groundwork first. Remember that it can take years to get everything. I've definitely seen new players inflate their power by taking a team to Relic 7 when they have nothing else. That's the other thing--you don't have to take everything all the way to R7 (well, 8 now) unless it's required for something, or there's some added benefit like being a GL (extra health+protection per relic level) or a fleet commander (more cap ship speed--but you don't have to worry about this until you are competing at end game level at the top of your shard). A lot of characters do their job at lower relic levels. Getting good mods is going to be much more important than maxing relics. As a general rule, mods>gear.
The other thing is to have fun and figure out the level of game play you're comfortable with. It's nice to do well enough in arena to get a good crystal income, but train yourself to be ok with not grabbing top spots everyday if you don't feel like climbingor are on vacation or something. It can quickly start to feel like an obligation and become stressful.
