If you're not doing it for Allah, then don't expect any help from Allah.

Positive thinking isn't ignoring life's problems, it's understanding that Allah can make a way out for you if you sincerely try.

Renew your intention EVERY day, EVERY time you pray, and EVERY time you are about to do a good deed or else shaytan will lead your heart and mind astray.

When you give, expect nothing from people and everything from Allah.

When you forget that you need Allah, He puts you in a situation that causes you to call upon him. And that's for your own good.

When people wear you out, spend some time in isolation with Allah and your relationship with Him will improve as well as with the people.

I tell people this over and over again: don't attach your faith to people. People will come and go. People will disappoint you. People will divulge dark secrets. People will turn out to be the opposite of what you thought. Allah is perfect. His Messenger (peace be upon him) is a perfect example, and the religion is a perfect methodology. Attach yourself to the principles instead of the people. That way no Shaykh going wild or role model going rogue will be able to shake your faith.