From this videoconference talk from 15 March 2019, Ajahn Anan discusses putting forth effort, developing wisdom, meditation, and more.

An excerpt: "We go about the practice where if even in 1000 times or 10,000 times, we can win just once, it is still good. Later on, we should be able to win more and more. And each time one wins over them, each step we take, it is not easy at all. It's really difficult. Because the kilesa are very firmly rooted. This is called sakkaya ditthi - seeing as “I” and mine. This is very deeply embedded. But this is the first barrier that is very firmly rooted! If we can penetrate this barrier, then the rest of the barriers are not that difficult."

Note: One can read Dhamma talk transcripts at the Wat Marp Jan 'Reflections' page. These include questions and answers with Ajahn Anan, which are not in the audio files. See: https://watmarpjan.org/en/dhamma-reflections/reflections-archive/