With each passing month, 12-Step programs offer some guidance in their daily literature to help work the step that is in accordance with the month. The designated reading material is useful for giving some insight on how that step will be beneficial in your daily life. For the month of October, the tenth step is highlighted to give you a better understanding of why it is important to take a personal inventory throughout your day and when you retire each night.

“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

On page 86 in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, there are a list of questions that you should ask yourself when taking your personal inventory that is suggested with step ten.  

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?

By using these questions, you can really get to the root of your current situation and change your perspective by examining yourself as part of your daily routine. Although you have done your amends to those you have harmed in step nine, you are human and will continue to make mistakes along the way. Correction of your wrongdoings is important to remain emotionally stable and build character amidst your character defects that may be glaring.

This personal inventory, which is also known as a spot-check inventory, will keep you on task when you experience emotional disturbances that are difficult to endure. You will begin to see patterns of recurring situations that you can change if you are honest and open enough to see your part in the negative and positive factors that come up. The tenth step is not merely to beat you down with the questions you ask yourself. The purpose of this step is to grow from the circumstances that hold you back and celebrate the victories you have in sobriety.

Once you are finished with the personal inventory on the tenth step, your instruction is to ask your Higher Power for forgiveness and inquire on what corrective measures should take place to clear you from wrong motives. Clearing your conscience will make a huge difference in your mental state and make more room for you to think about others instead.

The Kimberly Center is an evidence-based treatment facility that helps someone who is suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Successful recovery encompasses improvements in self-esteem, vocational productivity, and interpersonal relationships which is what is our goal is with your unique treatment program.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)