Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘The second requirement for (true) repentance is leaving all sinful involvement immediately.

This can not be done without determination and self control (himmat).

The only way to develop this determination and self control is the company (suhba) of pious and saintly individuals and reading or listening about them.’

Tahseel Qasd is Sabeel, page 16