Kevin, my brother in Christ, I understand that all people respond in different ways to Jesus' call to pick up our crosses and follow Him. I agree, but when anyone of us (anyone of us) goes to Jesus with true sorrow in their hearts for sinning (Sacrament of Confession), God who is merciful and loves all of us so much, will plant a seed in our hearts and souls that will inspire change/transformation in us, so that we are truly saddened when we sin against/offend God or our brothers and sisters. He will plant this seed in our consciences! It will start to become more and more impossible to offend God and not become sick to our stomachs until we have gone to Jesus and our brothers and sisters begging their forgiveness! I guarantee you that Jesus will always accept our apology, even when our brothers or sisters do not! 
Lastly, let us remember that "act of (perfect) contrition" is only an act. God sees through our acs and our hearts. If our motivation does not meet what is needed Continued