And these are the people I want to become like

We become like the people we hang out with. Do I want to ever stay back for that time and place when the weirdest of the lot are making their rounds, snickering about not being serious, not wanting to ever take up KC and simply taking advantage of temporary facilities? No.  I am done with this bunch. I do not want their mindset. I better watch out if I want to make any progress. I need to pick and choose. Now I understand the folly of being friendly with everyone. There is a lot of chaff and less grain. But the grain is there for sure. Some sattvic souls do haunt Krishna temple.

I have to be more wise about when I speak, to whom, and what. As far as possible, I should avoid speaking. I should stick to greetings with the majority, and select those whom I consider inspiring to be with. Aimless friendships with the masses has gotten me nowhere in life so far, and it will only bring ruination unless I know how to deal with all sorts of sticky situations.

Surrender is a journey not a goal

Surrender is practiced by serious persons who have understood that there is nothing else worth striving for except the lotus feet of the spiritual master.

Pride prevents us from emotionally repenting while chanting. We can't see or admit our faults and sins or fallen condition. We pride ourselves for activities done by the body provided by material nature and endowed with skills and abilities by that nature. We can only desire, not take credit for work done through the body. In fact we shouldn't; unless we like becoming entangled.