Intention Vs Action
Yes, if from the within you believe that you should offer namaz and you should be punctual about it, then honestly judging your own actions regularly against your beliefs should tell you whether you’re on the right track. That’s where the concept of self accountability comes in. When we practice self accountability (honestly judging what we did right and what we did wrong) on a regular basis (Ghamidi sahab and various other learned people recommend every night when we go to bed), then we start a cycle of continuous self improvement . When we find that we did something right, we allow ourselves to feel good about it and resolve to continue on that path. When we figure that we made a mistake, we repent, try to fix the problem if the opportunity still exists, and resolve to be better the next time around. It is such accountability that results in self discipline , and that’s exactly what taqwa really is. This is a life long journey. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that it’s very difficult but tremendously helpful – not only in the matters of religion, but even our worldly lives.