AoA,

In the Name of Allah The Rehman The Raheem.

If you are wondering why I used "The Rehman and The Raheem" vs traditionally the most merciful and beneficent; I personally believe that there are NO words that can describe the TRUE meaning(s) of these terms.  Only Allah (SWT) and his messenger (SAW) know their TRUE depth. 

Do you know what it will take to SUCCEED in this world (Dunya) and here after (Akhira)?  Will our prayers (salat), fasting (siyam), giving (zakat), along with a DELUSIONAL belief that we were born Muslims hence we are IMMUNE, be enough?

What are we struggling for? 
Who are we striving for? 
What are our motives? 
Can we succeed in Dunya and Akhira simultaneously?

Sheik Hamza Yusuf (may Allah Bless him for all his efforts) in this series of lectures called "Elements of Success" lays down a GREAT foundation for every Muslim to build off of.  Listen and Learn about the personal he has chose as successful and WHY.   

Elements of Success : V1
Elements of Success: V2
Elements of Success: V3
Elements of Success: V4
Elements of Success: V5

*If you can't watch ALL of them, then jump to V4 and V5, where the sheik provides a list of qualities that can be easily recorded for ones own implementation. 

Fi Amanellah.