I'm tight w/ my BR. Slow & steady works for me. I play a "one step forward, ones step back" game w/ myself. I have a much smaller BR than u do....I like playing where I'm comfortable; and if I should lose, as we alll do sometimes, I'm not beating myself up over it. When I play a game that's a step up for me, I will only play it again, if I came in the $. If I played it & didn't place - I drop back down, till I have won twice at that lower level. After two wins, I try again at the next level. Have found it to be a good way to try to up my game, but also keep's u in check somewhat. From what u said, u were doing $1 & $2 often & occ. a $5...So now maybe try bumping it up to playing $2 & $5 reg. and an occ. $10. You place in the $10, you go again next time. You don't, it's back to the $2 & $5 - but with a goal of going back to the $10. Best of all, you make the rules! It tends to keep u in your comfort zone, but yet striving for more.
Now, obviously, this is not a good plan for someone who's more of a "I have $10 - I'm getting in a $10 tourney & it's win or bust" kind of player. You are prolly ready, and this way helps you prove it to YOURSELF. Good luck...you should be proud of your accomplishment!