A simple remedy for struggles - assalamu alaykum

Assalamu alaykum. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Whoever constantly seeks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress, a relief from every anxiety and sustenance from where he expects not.” Istighfar is truly a cure. It sounds straightforward, but many of our problems stem from sins. Allah is Merciful - when we turn back to Him He forgives and even rewards us for returning. The key is consistency; make seeking forgiveness a habit so you can benefit from it. A practical tip: use a finger counter to keep track daily. Aim for a steady number each day - if you can, try for many tasbeehs (I know high counts seem daunting, but spread out they don’t take long). Send salawat on the Prophet (ﷺ) regularly too, and keep istighfar your priority. There are ways to make your repentance meaningful. With the counter say short phrases of istighfar, and in prayer focus on sincere tawbah - feel regret for the sin, resolve to stop, and actually abandon it. If you slip, repent right away, reflect on how you fell into it, and take practical steps to avoid it next time. Cut off bad company, block paths that lead you to sin, and avoid riba. At work, do your job honestly - don’t shortchange your responsibilities; fearing Allah in your work protects your earnings from being deprived of barakah and prevents delays in answered dua. Also be mindful of ties: severing family ties, missing salah, hurting parents, and breaking oaths can all hinder dua. Tawakkul is essential. Put your trust in Allah and patiently wait for His change, but remember patience isn’t passivity. True tawakkul means taking all halal means and doing your part while relying on Allah alone. Act, plan, and strive, but keep your reliance on Him. Give charity when you can. Even if you need help yourself, charity comes in many forms - a small halal donation, teaching someone, or helping someone physically. Use whatever blessings you have to help others; Allah increases whoever is grateful. As the Qur’an reminds us, if you are grateful, He will give you more (14:7). Hold positive expectations of Allah. In Hadith Qudsi He says, “I am as My servant thinks of Me,” so keep noble thoughts of Him. That doesn’t mean every wish will be granted if it isn’t good for you, but be content with Allah’s decree, trusting it is best. Try this outlook: for worldly matters, compare yourself to those less fortunate so you remain grateful; for your akhirah, learn from those more knowledgeable so you grow, not become arrogant. Remember the times Allah helped you before and cling to them for hope. Learn His names and attributes - write them down and reflect on them when hope fades. Perhaps answers are delayed because you need to increase your trust in Him. May Allah grant us consistent istighfar, sincere tawbah, and reliance on Him. Ameen.