Part 1
Here is the self-evident, but seldom -- if ever -- admitted reason why we must do the difficult inner work needed for real self-transformation: if we don't rise above our present level of consciousness, we gradually come to incarnate the very weakness we claim to despise within us. To see the truth of this provides us with a reason, the will and the courage we will need to succeed in our quest to be in proper command of our heart, mind, and soul.
Part 2
The only authority any negative reaction has over us is because we identify with it, which means it is we who -- in our unawareness of this unconscious relationship -- give it the power it has to punish us!