Plateauing while learning first new language. Hi all!

I decided I wanted language learning as a hobby last year and since then, I've made a lot of progress with French.  I have familiarity with most of the conjugation, have begun reading in French, can muster a basic conversation (even if I mix my gares with my guerres).

The trouble is, I don't know where to go from here.  I need to get involved with a conversation group, but at this point I'm worried that I'll become less and less motivated to continue with my new language after all the effort I've spent on it.  

Any thoughts on where to go next from people who've gotten over this hump?  Do I need to drop study strategies altogether and try to find a more applied way of pursuing a new language?