Try working on stitch patterns like discloths. There’s a lot of them at this site Dishcloth Patterns You can do a bunch of them in acrylic or something and sew them together for a scarf or throw or just a wall hanging. There ya go… Think of your practice piece as a sampler to hang on the wall when you’re done.
Congrats on sticking to it and finding your solution. If a person is determined enough, they usually will succeed. I too knit on circs. Once I found out about them I never really went back to straights. I find it much easier and much less bulky to knit with the circs. Also, it is better for your wrists. The “weight” of your knitting rests in your lap or handing in the middle of the circ rather than being supported by your wrists.
Keep up the good work!