It is virtually impossible for someone who is beginning to observe Judaism to “accelerate from 0 to 613 in 8 seconds flat”. It would almost certainly be overwhelming. The rule that is most useful in this situation is: “Minimize the maximum loss,” by reducing the magnitude of the challenge to be confronted.
A great Rabbi in Jerusalem once said that a person starting his way in Judaism is “like a child, who at first only lies flat, then progressively learns to sit, crawl, stand, walk, and eventually to run.” According to this, a person should begin with something that is easy for him to do.
I know someone who started with lighting Shabbat candles — and then he would go out to a party or a movie.
That’s probably the easiest practice to start with, and may even provide some extra tranquility in life when you look at the candles that represent the “day of rest”.
Enjoy your “experiment” and please feel free to write with any questions you have at anytime. Shabbat Shalom.
