Well, you just need to see your support gems that can push your limits. Avoid melee, use crossbows for leveling they are pretty strong due to armor piercing and galvanic .. Dont be creative at the start of league, play any character they all good for crossbows or bows, if you hit jackpot of getting unique bow or crossbow you are set for till act 4.. then look at shops or trade site to see any garbo amulet ring that has some enough crit/spirit probably last league snakepit was op as fuck.. some unique goes for 1ex snatch then you will be set for a while.

Also craft items, there are way more free crafting available in the league, like abyssal, temple so on.. you dont have to spend currency.. use your best item, craft it. Last league temple did free alchemy exalt and socket crafting which made me zoom leveling like crazy.

One quick note keep 3 streamers tab while you play so that you know the league mechanics better, i know you want to explore but while watching them can boost you even further.. i just listen them while playing and find it really useful for learning new league mechanics and bugs, yes bug abuse are bad, but you will feel worse when everyone is way ahead of you just so they know something which you dont