Step Ten: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for
the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step
Ten we commence to put our A.A. way of living to practi-
cal use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then comes the
acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and
live to good purpose under all conditions?A continuous look at our assets and liabilities, and a real
Source Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 88-89
desire to learn and grow by this means, are necessities for
us… Although all inventories are alike in principle, the time
factor does distinguish one from another. There’s the spot-
check inventory, taken at any time of the day, whenever we
find ourselves getting tangled up. There’s the one we take at
day’s end, when we review the happenings of the hours just
past. Here we cast up a balance sheet, crediting ourselves
with things well done, and chalking up debits where due.
Then there are those occasions when alone, or in the com-
pany of our sponsor or spiritual adviser, we make a careful
review of our progress since the last time. Many A.A.’s go
in for annual or semiannual housecleanings. Many of us
also like the experience of an occasional retreat from the
outside world where we can quiet down for an undisturbed
day or so of self-overhaul and meditation.
Inventory Types
Step Ten involves taking a regular inventory of ourselves. We reflect on our conduct, attitude, and beliefs. This introspection helps us recognize selfishness, dishonesty, fear, or wrong motives. By maintaining self-awareness, we can swiftly correct our course, preventing relapse into old habits and minimizing harm, and triggers that lead to resentments, anger, self-pity and a drink.
It is clear from the “12 & 12” that there are four types of inventory (see p.89):
- The “Spot-check” inventory which is taken whenever we are upset or frustrated during the day.
- The “Day’s End” inventory.
- A “Review” inventory taken with our sponsor once a year or every six months.
- The “Retreat” inventory for a day or so of self-overhaul and meditation.
According to the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous on p. 84 that we continue to take personal inventory and make our best effort to set right any new mistakes as we go along. So after attending to our ninth step amends, the focus shifts to personal growth and service. Step Ten facilitates this by encouraging daily inventory of our conduct, attitudes, and beliefs.
As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence to put our A.A. way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance, and live to good purpose under all conditions?
Source Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Similar to Step Four, where we analyze our role in emotional turmoil, Step Ten prompts reflection when negative emotions and behaviors arise. We can conduct this in various ways: spot-check inventory, nightly review, or periodic reviews. Continual emotional housekeeping is crucial to prevent problems from accumulating, and to encourage progress on our journey into sober living.
Taking Inventory:
Step 10 in Alcoholics Anonymous emphasizes promptly admitting mistakes to prevent resentment and anger from escalating into larger issues.
For instance, if you realize you’ve said something insensitive, follow Step 10 by apologizing immediately. Taking responsibility and expressing regret can defuse tension. Whether or not the other person chooses to hold onto anger is beyond your control.
The purpose of the steps is personal growth. By apologizing promptly, you contribute to your spiritual well-being, regardless of others’ reactions.
There are different types of inventories that make up this step such as an immediate spot check inventory, a daily or nightly inventory, and some like to incorporate an monthly or annual inventory.
Spot-Check Inventory
During a troubling moment, pause to assess your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and motives. Identify any emerging character defects like selfishness or fear. Consult with your sponsor, another trusted confidant, or pray for guidance, aligning actions with your Higher Power’s will for greater love, kindness, and tolerance. Ask yourself, We need not be discouraged when we fall into the error of our old ways, for these disciplines are not easy. We shall look for progress, not perfection.
- Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear
- Ask our god at once to remove them
- Discuss them with someone immediately
- Make amends quickly if we’ve harmed anyone
- Turn our thoughts to someone we can help
Day’s End Inventory
Referencing page 86 of the Big Book, conduct a nightly review. Writing by hand is recommended, though alternative tools like phone apps or worksheets can assist. Reflect on the preceding 24 hours, acknowledging successes and areas for improvement. Questions from the Big Book guide this process:
Below are seven questions that the “Big Book” suggests we consider as we reflect upon the day when we retire at night.
- Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid?
- Do we owe an apology?
- Have we kept something to ourselves, which should be discussed with another person at once?
- Were we kind and loving toward all?
- What could we have done better?
- Were we thinking of ourselves most of the time?
- Or were we thinking of what we could do for others, of what we could pack into the stream of life?
Amending our behaviors, making genuine apologies and having necessary discussions should occur promptly.
Suggestions
- Admit when you’re wrong. The act of quickly trying to right a wrong can keep our mental house clean and prevent ego from getting in the way of step 10.
- Take a day’s end inventory. Set aside time at the end of each day to reflect on your day. Consider asking yourself the seven aforementioned questions listed in the Big Book, being honest to reflect on what went well and where you fell short.
- Inventory Example – (Try to condense to four sentences.)
- The Story:
- What did I do wrong (name the character defect)? What would God expect me to do instead?
- What good did I do today?