According to my own experience in SFI, DON'T start without PLAN. In other words you should ask your sponsor to guide you step by step.
For example if you joint SFI in the beginning of month don't spend your free VP to achieve EA, because you need this free VP for the next month. Also don't spend 50% of your free VP and stop without actions in the middle of the road.
Finally I confirm for the new affiliates: DON'T START WITHOUT PLAN.