Modern life teaches that a man can fix himself by adjusting his habits, thoughts, or mindset. These promises flatter the ego but leave the soul untouched. Self-improvement without repentance is a refined form of pride — it admits weakness but refuses to seek mercy. Every technique that claims to change the self without grace must build upon the very disease it denies: self-centeredness. It can polish the surface but cannot cleanse the conscience. The mind may grow sharper, the body stronger, but the heart remains restless. True improvement begins when a man stops treating himself as a project and starts treating himself as a sinner. Repentance removes the root of corruption; self-improvement only trims its branches. Once a man learns to confess instead of justify, to thank instead of demand, the soul begins to recover its balance. Without repentance, discipline becomes vanity and success becomes slavery. With repentance, even failure becomes useful.