One has to associate with those who have strength and get strength by remembering their instructions. There is no other way to tolerate the austerities of material life unless one has faith in the goal of Krishna consciousness. Such faith is the only requirement for pure devotional service and for obtaining real fruit. Whereas the false fruit of the material world is some temporary achievement, the real fruit of one’s spiritual endeavors and the real criterion for success is to achieve love for Krishna. The topmost fruit is the pure holy name dancing on one’s tongue and causing his senses to become inert, which brings great joy within the courtyard of the heart. If we do not aspire for this fruit, and we have no faith in achieving it as the final goal, it is very difficult to make progress. Spiritual strength is thus required. We should therefore pray to keep ourselves in the association of persons who give us that strength.
LFD Vol 3,Spiritual Strength Pg 136, 3rd paragraph