Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah) once mentioned the following:
Whichever person holds onto the following three things in his life, then though he does not become the Junaid Baghdadi of his time, insha-Allah he will not be deprived of attaining his goal and becoming successful:
1. He should totally leave out all types of sins, and in specific, he should keep his heart clean and not harbour evil thoughts regarding any creation of Allah Ta‘ala, as harbouring ill thoughts and ill feelings regarding the creation stems from pride.
2. He should (daily) engage in the zikr of Allah Ta‘ala whenever he finds any free time, and as much as possible, he should spend his time in ‘ibaadat (e.g. reciting Quraan Majeed, performing nafl salaah, and making zikr, etc.).
3. He should always keep contact with the friends and lovers of Allah Ta‘ala and benefit from their pious company.
(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 15/226)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za