Yesterday, I saw a tremendously important insight from Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, ZT"L, which I would like to share:
Source: Chiku Mamtakim, volume II p. 121 (translated from the original Hebrew) (emphasis added).
A group of Kollel Avreichim approached Rav Shlomo Zalman with a sincere request: "We yearn to rise to great heights in Avodas Hashem, to become close to the Ribbono Shel Olam and to perform His Mitzvos on the highest level. However, we don't know where to begin - in which Mitzvos should we be extra careful and stringent?"
Rav Shlomo Zalman responded: "Why look for stringencies? There is no need for that. The main thing is to accept upon yourself to fulfill the Halacha on a Lechatchila level."
The Avreichim agreed to take that upon themselves, but were not satisfied. They continued to request Rav Shlomo Zalman's guidance as to how they can be extra careful in matters of Halacha and create a close relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam.
Since it meant so much to them, Rav Shlomo Zalman acceded to their request and gave them the following advice: "All the Chumros and Hidurim are not worth a single minor Hidur in matters of Kedusha and Tzeniyus. In matters of Kedusha and Tzeniyus, every small Hidur is immeasurable, it raises up, sanctifies, and brings a person close to his Creator, as Chazal say: 'Wherever you find safeguards against ervah, you find Kedusha.' For someone whose Neshama is thirsty for Ruchniyus, the place to begin and the area that is most important is Kedusha and Tzeniyus."