Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following in reply to the letter of a person who complained of various weaknesses:
There is no person who is completely free of weakness and sin. Hence, the hadeeth mentions:
كل ابن آدم خطاء وخير الخطائين التوابون (سنن الترمذي رقم 2499)
The children of Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) fall much into sins, and the best of those who fall into sins are those who continue to turn to Allah Ta‘ala in repentance.
At all times, you should ensure and make an effort to refrain from sins, as sin will bring harm and damage to your Deen and dunya. As far as possible, try to follow all the sunnats relating to ‘ibaadah and the sunnats relating to the blessed ways of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Adopting taqwa is the staircase to progress in Deen and dunya.
In your letter you mentioned that love for recognition and other similar sins are difficult to give up. However, even the worst of sins in this world is not difficult to give up. The solution to give up sins is for one to adopt courage and determination. (Qutbul Aqtaab Hazrat Shaikhul Hadeeth Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 432)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za