Ibn Mas‘ood said, 'Do not prattle the Quran off like poetry, and don’t make it scarce like the rotten dates on the ground. Stop to marvel at its wonders, and rattle the hearts with it. Do not let your objective be the end of the surah.' 
(al-Ajurry, Akhlaaq Ahl al-Quran)


Most people make New Year's resolutions, but about 90% fail to keep them beyond two weeks. This is a well-discussed topic among psychologists. A primary reason for this failure is that people crave immediate results - يحبون العاجلة- instant gratification. When they don't receive it, they quit pursuing their goals.

Another significant reason for the failure of these resolutions is that people often set collective and competitive goals. They draw inspiration from others in their social circle and set objectives, but hardly anyone reaches the endpoint. This is because they haven't internalized their goals. They lack the roadmap for actualization.
(https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/2025/01/01/new-year-make-resolutions)

I've experienced this myself. I once read a tweet saying, 'Alhamdulillah, I didn't miss a single Tahajjud prayer this year.' I read it with envy, wondering how someone could maintain such consistency. I thought I'd try too, but I failed miserably. My entire year had barely two months of consistent Tahajjud prayers.

Upon reflection, I realized I had approached Tahajjud as an exercise, focusing on waking up at midnight to pray a certain number of rakats. However, I hadn't taken the first step on the path that leads to this habit. My motivation was superficial, sparked by that tweet, rather than a genuine desire to cultivate this practice. 

Allah SWT didn't even approve of this approach for the Quran. Revelation wasn't just about reciting the Quran; if it were, Allah wouldn't have told His beloved Prophet (PBUH) to slow down with the revelation. Instead, Allah SWT provided a roadmap for the Quran: gathering, recitation, following, and clarification. (جمع، قرأۃ، اتباع، بیان)
These four steps marked the journey from revelation to realization.
These same four steps are crucial for the actualization of our goals. Whether it's establishing a consistent Tahajjud prayer, reciting and memorizing the Quran, or any other objective, it requires more than just physical effort. It demands a continuous exercise of both heart and mind, a relentless pursuit that drives us to reach the ultimate goal.

So we are faced with two choices: either chase the elusive dream of instant gratification or embark on a journey of unwavering resolve, prioritizing long-term fulfillment and striving for goals that yield eternal triumph. 
May Allah SWT guide us to set goals that are worthy of pursuit, as we strive to emulate the noble values of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and may we remain steadfast in our obedience to his revered teachings.

jazakallah for this insight it reached me when i needed it the most may Allah increase you in beneficial knowledge and wisdom 