Much of what Chase is saying here can tie in easily with how we "make a beginning of good" as St Herman said. Praxis is the key. How do we make a routine of praxis, is the question. Identity in Christ is the answer. This is how the Saints were able to endure persecution. Their identity is in Christ, not the things of this world. I would argue that goal setting is good, and re-engineering how we think, act and feel can be done. But, without the supernatural grace of God poured out on us, walking a path of transformation will lead to self-delusion. It is better to suffer without much progress, than to change ourselves into "successful" human beings. In the suffering, I cry out from the depths of my weakness and shame to the only one who can save me.