"Always reforming" means I should each day examine my confession against scripture. "Always repenting" means I should then drown the old man in daily repentance. Does that mean I am getting better or wiser as a result of this process?

The corruption of the old man precludes any ability to improve myself apart from the work of the Spirit. I cannot of my own reason or holiness believe in Christ Jesus or grow in knowledge or obedience but the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightens me, and keeps me in truth faith and repentance. True growth and true assurance, therefore, are works of the Spirit not by-products of self-improvement efforts.