Sayyidi wa sanadi Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,

‘The first thing to do (for a spiritual seeker) is be concerned about his self improvement (islah).’

Jawahirat e Shaikh ul Islam, page 33

This improvement is to be in all domains of Deen. That is, in beliefs, acts of worship, mutual dealings & transactions, social etiquettes and moral characteristics.

This is the basic foundation of Tasawwuf, without it spiritual development is impossible.

Ignoring this essential stepping stone and becoming engrossed in sufi methods of remembrance (dhikr), recitation of litanies and attendance of specific gatherings, etc. are all from the deceptions of the nafs and Shaytan.