ummzubayr:

Seeking istighfār (forgiveness) and tawbah (repentance) are among the means of having one’s duʿā accepted. It is therefore recommended to start with this when making duʿā: “So ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive.” [Hūd 11:61]

— Shaykh Abdulaziz at-tafere.