that does not negate what went before. You did not cause yourself to be born by any action of your own. neither were you born again by any action of your own. You say you were born again after you believed. That implies a cause and effect relationship, where your belief caused God to birth you into Christ. Who is the primary actor in that scenario? You.
He caused you to be born again so that you could receive Him and be justified. Just as birth is the opening act of your physical life, so the new birth is the opening act of your apiritualo life. You didn't give yourself physical life, and you cannot give yourself spiritual life. No action, no thought, no belief caused your new birth, your faith was caused BY your new birth. God gave you life, and then you believed.
He did it all, and then you believed and received. Simple.