tl;dr at the end. I couldn't find another place to post this anonymously.
Where do I even begin? I'm a Muslim (or I'd like to think I am) and accept that there is one God & Prophet (PBUH) be his last an final messenger.
So my problem.. I'm not a good Muslim, essentially. My egoistical ideologies get the better of me. I advocate Islam however (similar to a hypocrite) I'm reluctant to practice what I preach and it brings me to tears. This morning I was giving Dawah to another student where I study and it dawned on me that half the things I preached I didn't even do. Simple things such as praying 5 times a day is a struggle. Not that I can't, rather I can't be bothered and feel to accept the fact that I can't do much more than feel sorry for myself. All I want from life is to essentially attain paradise but materialistic desires have such an impact on my focus.
I am reluctant to even read the Qur'an as whenever I do end up reading it (once in a blue moon) I immerse myself in tears and dwell on the concept of being destined to hell. I know I wrong myself in not committing to the obligatory practices but I just don't know what to do anymore. Some months, I pray everyday & night but most times the only prayer I attend to is the Friday Jam'ah. I constantly make Du'a and ask for forgiveness but I have no intention of changing my ways.
I suppose I want to do good and be a good Muslim however I just can't and have no excuses other than I can't be bothered. I unintentionally came across a video earlier which moved me to tears and made me think about the little time we have on this earth. Usually I stay away from listening to Islamic lectures as I just feel upset with myself afterwards but yet know they are the one thing that can keep me motivated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pWdCOFomnAI wouldn't say I'm a bad person as such but what's the point in being good if I don't adhere to Islam, what will be the destination of a person such as myself.. 'a hypocrite'?
It's difficult living a society where everything around me is Haram. The internet, TV, outside even girls at school.. do I even stand a chance? I'm going to be starting university soon and there's a real chance that if I don't rectify my ways it might lead to a worsening in my Imaan. I know "Allah guides whom he wills" but I'm really not looking to be misguided.
I guess what I'm asking is what advice would you give to a person in my situation as I do want to be a good Muslim. It's not that I have no knowledge in Islam because I do. I come back to Islam constantly in times of struggle but when it's over It's like I don't care. I only kid myself and I'm tired of it, I don't want to end up in hell and I'm in dire need of some advice on keeping motivated. I understand TSR ain't the best place to post this but Insha'Allah there's a lot of Muslims on this site and I will try taking your advice into consideration.
I know a few others in my position and hopefully this can help those too. I want Islam to be fundamental in my life and define me as a person. I understand no-one's perfect but to not follow the 2nd pillar of Islam yet give Dawah about just shows how hypocritical I am.
Sorry for the long post. Jazak'Allah Khayr in advance.
tl;dr: I'm Muslim and need advice on how to stay motivated on the religion. Advice from Muslims would be most welcome.
I have no intention of leaving Islam, btw.