To unshackle from the past, I must become a new being / creation - to be born again. And as a newborn, helpless and can do nothing on my own, I should not rely on my past self and past ways. Instead, I should rely on the Spirit.

If I continue to depend on my old self, then I will remain shackled by the past.

"A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again."

(John 3.6-7 GNB)

Similar to a newborn growing to become like his / her parents or those who nurture him / her, I need to seek the Spirit to nurture me, so I can grow in the character of Jesus.

And change to be the person who God wants me to be.