Nasr ibn Mahmood al Balkhee said; Ahmad ibn Harb stated: “I worshiped Allaah for fifty years, I wasn’t able to find the sweetness of worship until I forsook three things:

1. I forsook seeking the acceptance of people, so I was able to speak the truth.

2. I forsook the companionship of the sinner, so I was able to accompany the righteous.

3. I forsook the sweetness of the life of this world, so I was able to find the sweetness of the afterlife.

Reference: Seeyar 'Alaam an Nubalaa by Imam Al Haafidh Abu 'Abdullaah Muhammad ibn Ahmad Adh-Dhahabee (rahimahullah)