When we sin, a common reaction is to just tell ourselves to try harder next time. But that’s never going to keep us from sinning! The catechism reminds us in paragraph 1811, “It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ's gift of salvation offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always ask for this grace of light and strength, frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil.” We need to cooperate with grace, with the theological virtues, and with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us.