Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
-Step 6 AA
Step 6 comes after we have made a full inventoryStep 4 recommends the addict conduct “a searching and fearless moral inventory.” This involves coming to terms with the flaws which preceded addiction and those that came as a result of it. of our flaws and admitted them before ourselves, others and our Higher Power12-step programs greatly stress surrender to and daily communication with a Higher Power. Having trust in something greater than yourself is considered essential for returning sanity in the unmanageable life of an addict. This can be a traditional deity, a spiritual entity or a social one such as th.... After all you and others have suffered as a result of your addiction, and the deep and unforgiving self-examination of the previous stepsThe term "12 steps" refers to the core principles of the approach to addiction exemplified by Alcoholics Anonymous and other similar groups. The 12 steps are a set of guidelines designed to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They were created by the founders of Alcoholics A...: there should be plenty of things you want to change about yourself!
View & Download Free Step 6 Worksheet
Becoming Ready to Have God Remove Defects of Character
At this point, we “were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” This is the natural progression from the admission that we are powerless over our addiction and the acceptanceAccepting an inability to cope with addiction alone, is a major part of the recovery process. The same process involves accepting our flaws, responsibility for our actions, and the need to surrender to a Higher Power. that only our Higher Power can help us break the hold addiction has on our lives.
In this step, we do not demand that our Higher Power remove our defects. Rather, we simply become and remain ready for the removal of our flaws. This means we vow to do the best we can to improve ourselves and to stop sabotaging ourselves with self-destructive behavior.
Of course, change does not happen magically overnight. We must be willing to patiently and slowly improve ourselves, with the help of our Higher Power. But we may be surprised at how much difference our willingness makes. After all, our Higher Power wants the best for us. It is our obstinate clinging to a destructive path which hampers recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. and makes us cling to our worst flaws.
Our Most Destructive Characteristics
A strange thing happens when we think of surrendering our worst flaws. We resist. For years we dressed up our flaws and pretended they were harmless quirks or charming foibles.
These characteristics, destructive or not, seem to form an integral part of our identity. A large part of us will cling to these defects. However, as we focus on the removal of our defects, we realize that by holding on, we are blocking the will of our Higher Power and our path to recovery and happiness.
We will never achieve perfection in regard to our readiness. But we still can do our best. When we run into a flaw which we are not willing to relinquish, we can revisit it again and again from different angles. Weakening its hold on our spirits as we become more honest with ourselves about the harm our cherished flaws cause and our inexplicable attachment to them.
Your inner dialogue matters a lot in this regard. If you find yourself unwilling to surrender on a specific point, do not exclaim that it is impossible, or you will never be ready to give up this flaw. Rather admit you are not ready just yet. And try again further on down the road. But of course, do not use this as an excuse for delay and procrastination. Put flaws aside only when you are completely unable to remove them currently and come back to them promptly and with full intention.
Ultimately this step is about intention rather than perfection. So, work on your willingness and even eagerness to remove flaws. The results will be sure to come.
< Step 5
Step 7 >
