New Year, New Plans, New Self

From: www.islamicity.com

By: Ahmad AlsawiI

10 Tips for Self-Revival

Take the initiative. Change is a verb. You have to first change to see the change.
"And that human can have nothing but what he does (good or bad), and that his deeds will be seen." (An-Najm 53:39-40)"Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves." (Ar-Ra'ad 13:11)

Don't procrastinate. Start from this moment.The companion Abdullah Ibn Omar (Allah be pleased with him) used to say, "When the evening comes, do not wait for the morning; and when the morning comes, do not wait for the evening." - Collected by Al-Bukhari

Start with baby steps and achievable goals.The Prophet said to his companions, "Is it difficult for any of you to recite one third of the Quran in one night?" This suggestion was difficult for them so they said, "Who among us has the power to do so, O Allah's Apostle?" Allah Apostle replied, "'Allah (the) One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need.' (Surat Al-Ikhlas 112 verse one to the end) is equal to one third of the Quran." - Collected by Al-BukhariThe Prophet said, "Is one amongst you powerless to get one thousand virtues every day." Amongst those who had been sitting there, one asked, "How one amongst us can get one thousand virtues every day?" He said, "Recite sub-hana Allah " one hundred times for (by reciting them) one thousand virtues are recorded (to your credit) and one thousand vices are removed." - Collected by Muslim

Be consistent. A small step a day, but for everyday.A'isha reported Allah's Messenger as saying, "The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done continuously, even if they are small." And when A'isha did any act she did it continuously." - Collected by Muslim

Make sure you are changing towards the right direction.

Have a support group for your change.

Be patient.The above three tips are mentioned in Surah Al-A'sr 103."By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy." (A'sr 103)

Never give up. If you trip, start again"Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they to whom Allah will forgive and Allah is Ever AllÆKnower, AllÆWise." (An-Nisa 4:17)The Prophet said, "All children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent." - Collected by Al-Termithi

Keep your eyes on the prize - achievement, triumphant, and satisfaction"Verily this is the supreme achievement! For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive." (As-Saffat 37:60-61)

Always ask Allah for helpAllah's Prophet used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and geriatric old age, and I seek refuge with You from the afflictions of life and death, and I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave." - Collected by Al-Bukhari