You do not save yourself alone

We often think that making an effort is enough: if I push myself, I will become a better person on my own. But faith says something humble and liberating: you cannot make yourself righteous all by yourself. The truly good begins as a gift from God, not as a merit of your own. That does not cancel your effort; it repositions it. You do not work to "earn" God, but because his grace has already reached you. First you receive, then you correspond. In reverse, one exhausts oneself trying to save oneself through sheer willpower. Recognizing this removes pride and takes away anguish. You can try to improve each day without the pressure of having to achieve everything by your own strength. You are not alone in the work: God provides what is essential.