Fill Out a Valid Fourth Step Inventory Form
The Fourth Step Inventory form is a crucial tool for individuals seeking to gain deeper self-awareness and address personal flaws. Drawing from the foundational text of Alcoholics Anonymous, specifically pages 63-71 of the Big Book, this inventory encourages users to reflect on both their character defects and strengths. While the worksheets suggest that writing down one's flaws is optional, many find it beneficial to document these aspects for clarity and accountability. The form emphasizes honesty and fairness, urging individuals to assess their current selves rather than dwell on past behaviors associated with substance use. Participants are advised to prioritize the flaws that cause the most trouble in their lives, focusing on a manageable number rather than overwhelming themselves with an extensive list. This approach fosters a balanced view, as it also requires individuals to acknowledge their positive traits, ensuring that self-criticism does not overshadow personal growth. The worksheets serve as a guide, but users are encouraged to adapt them to fit their unique experiences and moral codes. Ultimately, the Fourth Step Inventory is designed to facilitate meaningful introspection and lay the groundwork for further steps in the recovery process.
Common mistakes
-
Overlooking the Importance of Honesty: Many individuals may struggle to be completely honest with themselves while filling out the Fourth Step Inventory. It's essential to recognize both strengths and weaknesses without sugarcoating or exaggerating. This inventory is about self-discovery, not self-criticism.
-
Focusing Only on Flaws: Some people might concentrate solely on their defects and forget to acknowledge their positive traits. The inventory encourages a balanced view by also listing assets, which can provide a more complete picture of oneself.
-
Blaming Past Behavior Solely on Substance Use: It can be tempting to attribute all past mistakes to alcohol or drugs. However, it’s crucial to recognize that some behaviors may still exist independently of substance use. This reflection is vital for genuine growth.
-
Ignoring the Optional Aspects: The worksheets suggest optional exercises that can enhance the inventory process. Some may skip these, thinking they are unnecessary, but many find that writing down their thoughts can clarify their feelings and insights.
-
Listing Too Many Flaws: While it’s important to be thorough, listing an overwhelming number of flaws can lead to feelings of defeat. It’s advisable to focus on the most impactful issues, as prioritizing can lead to more effective personal growth.
-
Neglecting to Discuss Findings: After completing the inventory, individuals may forget to discuss their findings with a trusted person. This step is crucial for accountability and can provide support and perspective on the identified flaws.
-
Rushing Through the Process: Many might feel pressured to complete the inventory quickly. Taking time to reflect deeply on each flaw and asset is important. A rushed process may lead to superficial insights that do not facilitate real change.
Preview - Fourth Step Inventory Form
FOURTH STEP INVENTORY
These Fourth Step worksheets use the wording from Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book) pages
Remember, these worksheets are meant to be helpful, but do not feel restricted by them.
You can get the latest version of these worksheets and other AA materials at www.royy.com.
These worksheets are not officially produced or approved by Alcoholics Anonymous. They have been circulating unofficially
among AA members for at least 50 years in various versions. Their origin is unknown to the producer of this version.
hR 1/1/2005
HELPFUL HINTS
PREPARATION: before you start this written Fourth Step, read pages
NOTE:
1.This inventory is not an exercise in beating yourself up. Be scrupulously honest but be fair to yourself. Inventory your strengths as well as your defects.
2.The following checklist merely suggests what some people consider flaws. You must decide how they fit with your own moral code. Do not be limited by this
functional and dysfunctional
3.This inventory is about who you are now, not who you were when you were drinking and taking drugs. Be careful, however, not to blame all past bad behavior on drinking and drugs if the seed of that bad behavior still exists in you.
4.Don't be discouraged when your character defects are not immediately lifted after you
have completed your 5th
5.Prioritize! Spend most of your time on
the 20% of your flaws that cause 80% of the trouble in your life. You can initially check off as many flaws as you want on the checklist but then prioritize to the 12 that cause the most trouble. If you list more
than 12 flaws, you are probably beating yourself up! You must check at lease twice as many assets as you check flaws or you really are beating yourself up.
INTO ACTION: On the following list, check all of your defects and all of your assets. This is an inventory of both bad and good characteristics. Then discuss your defects (with your best example of each) on the Review of Flaws form.
ROYY@ROYY.COM
Glossary of Words Used in Steps Four and Five
Moral Inventory |
..A list of personality defects, violations of moral |
|
principles, defects in character, maladjustments, |
|
and dysfunctional behavior. |
Character |
Moral vigor or firmness, especially as acquired |
|
through |
Defect |
Lack of something necessary for completeness; flaw; |
|
weakness, fault; same as Shortcoming. |
Dishonest |
The act or practice of telling a lie, or of cheating, |
|
deceiving, stealing, etc. |
Exact |
Precise, detailed. |
Fault |
Something done wrongly, an error or mistake. |
Fear |
Painful emotion marked by alarm, dread, anxiety, |
|
agitation, uneasiness, apprehension, etc. |
Frightened |
A temporary or continual state of Fear. Anxious. |
Inconsiderate |
Without thought or consideration of others. |
Nature |
The essential characteristic of a thing. |
Occupying or concerned only with one’s own affairs |
|
|
(same as Selfish). |
A person who seeks only or mainly to further his |
|
|
own interests. |
Selfish |
Too much concerned with one’s own welfare or |
|
interests and having little or no concern for others |
|
(same as |
Shortcoming |
Falling short of what is expected or required (same |
|
as Defect). |
Wrong |
Immoral, improper; not suitable or appropriate. |
Footnotes to the list on following page:
1Dr. Bob’s Fourth Step List; in “He Sold Himself Short,” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 292)
2 Seven Deadly Sins (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 48)
3Clarence Snyder’s Fourth Step List (one of the original 40 members of AA, see “Home Brewmeister,” Alcoholics Anonymous, pp.
4 Boy Scout Law, Robert Binkey's The Official Boy Scout Handbook (10th edition, 1990)(so?
- 1 -
4 Character Defect |
|
|
|
Opposite Asset 4 |
|
aggressive, belligerent |
|
||||
angry2 |
|
|
forgiving, calm, generous |
||
apathetic |
|
|
interested, concerned, alert |
||
apprehensive, afraid |
|
|
|
calm, courageous |
|
argumentative, quarrelsome |
|
agreeable |
|||
arrogant, insolent |
|
|
unassuming, humble |
||
attacking, critical |
|
|
|
fair, |
|
avoidant |
|
|
faces problems and acts |
||
blocking |
|
|
|
|
honest, intuitive |
boastful |
|
|
|
|
modest, humble |
careless1 |
|
careful, painstaking, concerned |
|||
cheating |
|
|
|
|
honest |
competitive (socially) |
|
|
cooperative |
||
compulsive |
|
|
|
|
free |
|
humble, modest |
||||
contradictory, oppositional| |
reasonable, agreeable |
||||
contrary, intractable, pigheaded |
reasonable |
||||
controlling |
|
|
lets go, esp. of other's lives |
||
cowardly |
|
|
|
|
brave 4 |
critical 3 |
|||||
cynical |
|
|
|
|
|
deceitful |
|
|
|
|
guileless, honest |
defensive |
|
|
|
|
open to criticism |
defiant, contemptuous |
|
|
respectful |
||
denying |
|
|
|
|
honest, accepting |
dependent |
|
accepts help but is |
|||
depressed, morose| |
hopeful, optimistic, cheerful 4 |
||||
dirty, poor hygiene |
|
|
|
clean 4 |
|
dishonest3 |
|
|
|
|
honest |
disloyal, treacherous |
|
|
faithful, loyal 4 |
||
disobedient |
|
|
|
|
obedient 4 |
disrespectful, insolent |
|
respectful, reverent 4 |
|||
enabling |
|
setting boundaries, tough love |
|||
envying2,3 |
|
empathetic, generous, admiring |
|||
evasive, deceitful |
|
candid, straightforward |
|||
exaggerating |
|
|
|
|
honest, realistic |
faithless, disloyal |
|
|
|
reliable, faithful |
|
falsely modest |
|
|
honest, has |
||
falsely prideful2,3 |
|
|
|
modest, humble |
|
fantasizing, unrealistic |
|
|
practical, realistic |
||
fearful3 |
|
|
|
confidant, courageous |
|
Checklist of Flaws and Assets
forgetful |
|
responsible |
gluttonous2, excessive |
moderate |
|
gossiping3 |
|
|
greedy 2,3 |
|
moderate, generous, sharing |
hateful3 |
forgiving, loving, concerned for others |
|
hypersensitive |
tolerant, doesn't personalize |
|
impatient3 |
|
patient |
impulsive, reckless| |
consistent, considered actions |
||
inconsiderate |
|
|
thoughtful, considerate |
indecisive, timid |
|
firm, decisive |
|
indifferent, apathetic, aloof |
caring |
||
inflexible, stubborn |
|
||
insecure, anxious |
|
||
insincere3, hypocritical |
sincere, honest |
||
intolerant1 |
|
tolerant, understanding, patient |
|
irresponsible, reckless |
responsible |
||
isolating, solitary |
|
sociable, outgoing |
|
jealous1,3 |
|
trusting, generous, admiring |
|
judgmental |
|
|
broadminded, tolerant |
justifying (own actions) |
honest, frank, candid |
||
lack of purpose |
|
purposeful |
|
lazy, indolent |
|
industrious, conscientious |
|
loud |
|
|
tasteful, quiet |
lustful2 |
|
|
healthy sexuality |
lying3 |
|
|
honest |
manipulative |
|
candid, honest, |
|
masked, closed |
|
honest, open, candid |
|
nagging |
|
|
supportive |
narrow minded |
|
open minded |
|
obscene, crude |
|
modest, courteous |
|
over emotional |
|
emotionally stable |
|
perfectionistic |
|
realistic goals |
|
pessimistic| |
realistic, hopeful, optimistic, trusting |
||
possessive |
|
|
generous |
prejudiced |
|
|
|
procrastinates3 |
disciplined, acts promptly |
||
projecting (negative) |
clear sighted, optimistic |
||
rationalizing |
|
|
candid, honest |
resentful1,3, |
bitter, hateful |
forgiving |
|
resisting growing |
|
willing to grow |
|
rude, discourteous |
|
polite, courteous 4 |
|
sarcastic1 |
|
praising, tolerant |
|
|
humble, modest |
||
|
caring of others |
||
|
|||
|
admitting wrongs, humble |
||
|
grateful, realistic, accepting |
||
|
humble, understanding |
||
|
selfless, concerned for others |
||
selfish1,3 |
altruistic, concerned with others |
||
shy |
|
|
outgoing |
slothful (lazy)2,3 |
|
industrious, taking action |
|
spiteful, malicious |
|
|
forgiving |
stealing |
|
|
honest |
stubborn |
|
||
sullen |
|
|
cheerful |
superior, grandiose, pretentious |
humble |
||
superstitious |
|
realistic, no magical thinking |
|
suspicious |
|
|
trusting |
tense |
|
|
calm, serene |
thinking negatively3 |
|
being positive |
|
treacherous |
|
|
trustworthy |
undisciplined, |
disciplined |
||
unfair |
|
|
fair |
unfriendly, hostile, bitchy |
friendly4 |
||
ungrateful |
|
thankful, grateful |
|
unkind, mean, malicious, spiteful |
kind 4 |
||
unsupportive of others |
|
supportive |
|
untrustworthy, unreliable, dishonest| |
trustworthy 4 |
||
useless, destructive |
|
|
helpful 4 |
vain |
|
modest, humble |
|
vindictive |
|
|
forgiving |
violent |
|
|
gentle |
vulgar3 |
|
|
polite |
wasteful |
|
|
thrifty 4 |
willful |
|
accepting of the inevitable |
|
withdrawn |
|
|
outgoing |
wordy, verbose |
|
frank, to the point, succinct |
|
Other dysfunctional ways of acting, feeling or thinking which cause others or me pain (specify in the following Review of Flaws).
See source footnotes on page 2.
- 2 -
Instructions for Completion |
REVIEW OF FLAWS |
First, we searched out the flaws in our |
(optional) |
FLAW
Give your best example of this specific flaw in your life.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
- 3 -
10
11
12
FLAW
Give your best example of this specific flaw in your life.
If you must list additional flaws do so below. Do not beat yourself up.
- 4 -
RESENTMENTS
Do not be restricted by this list. It is just to help you get started. List your resentments on the next pages.
PEOPLE |
||
Father |
Judges |
|
Mother |
Lawyers |
|
Boy Friends/Lovers |
||
Brothers |
Parole Officers |
|
Sisters |
Police |
|
Sponsors |
Probation Officers |
|
Employers |
School Friends |
|
A.A. Friends |
Teachers |
|
Acquaintances |
Uncles |
|
Aunts |
Wives |
|
Best Friends |
INSTITUTIONS |
|
C.A. Friends |
||
Authority |
||
Childhood Friends |
||
Bible |
||
Clergy |
||
Child Protection |
||
Church |
||
Cousins |
||
Correctional System |
||
Creditors |
||
Education System |
||
Doctors |
||
Government |
||
Employees |
||
Law |
||
Girl Friends |
||
Marriage |
||
Husbands |
||
Health/Mental Health System |
||
|
Nationality
Philosophy
Races
Religion
Society
PRINCIPLES
Adultery
Death
Golden Rule
Heaven
Hell
Homophobia
Jesus Christ
Life After Death
Original Sin
Retribution
Satan
Seven Deadly Sins
Sin
Ten Commandments
MORE from your experience!
- 5 -
Step Four Resentments Checklist Column 4*
“Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest,
SELFISH
•Not seeing others point of view, problems or needs
•Wanting things my way
•Wanting special treatment
•Wanting others to meet my needs– dependence
•Wanting what others have
•Wanting to
•Thinking I'm
•Wanting to be the best
•Thinking others are jealous
•Wanting others to be like me
•Being miserly, possessive
•Wanting more than my share
•Reacting from self loathing, self righteousness
•Too concerned about me
•Not trying to be a friend
•Wanting to look good or be liked
•Concerned only with my needs
DISHONEST
•Not seeing or admitting where I was at fault
•Having a superior
•Blaming others for my problems
•Not admitting I've done the same thing
•Not expressing feelings or ideas
•Not being clear about motives
•Lying, cheating, stealing
•Hiding
•Stubbornly holding on to inaccurate beliefs
•Breaking rules
•Lying to myself
•Exaggerating, minimalizing
•Setting myself up to be “wronged”
•Expecting others to be what they are not
•Being perfectionistic
SELF SEEKING
•Manipulating others to do my will
•Putting others down internally or externally to build me up
•Engaging in character assassination
•Acting superior
•Acting to fill a void
•Engaging in gluttony or lusting at the expense of another person
•Ignoring others’ needs
•Trying to control others
•Getting revenge when I don't get what I want
•Holding a resentment
•Acting to make me feel good
FRIGHTENED (OF)
•Peoples' opinions
•Rejection, abandonment
•Loneliness
•Physical injury, abuse
•Not being able to control or change someone
•My inferiority, inadequacy
•Criticism
•Expressing ideas or feelings
•Getting trapped
•Expo sure, embarrassment
_______________
*Thanks to Anonymous in New England.
- 6 -
Instructions for Completion
Complete each column top to bottom before proceeding to the next column.
Thus, for instance, fill in all the names of those you are resentful at
before filling in the column for the cause of each resentment. List real resentments, not imaginary or theoretical resentments. Is the resentment a problem for you, does it cause you pain?
Column 1 In dealing with resentments we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry. Column 2 We asked ourselves why we were angry.
Column 3 On our grudge list we set opposite each name our injuries. Was it our
Column 4 Referring to our list again. Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes. Where had we been selfish, dishonest,
Column 5 This Column is optional. List specific other defects to show your participation in the resentments.
Reading from left to right we now see the resentment (Column 1), the cause (Column 2), the part of self that had been affected (Column 3), and the exact nature of the defect within us that allowed the resentment to surface and block us off from God’s will (Columns 4 and 5).
COLUMN 1 |
COLUMN 2 |
REVIEW OF RESENTMENTS
“SELF”
COLUMN 3 |
COL. 4 |
COLUMN 5 |
Affects My |
My |
Specific |
|
Own |
Defects |
|
Mistakes |
(optional) |
I’m RESENTFUL at:
The Cause:
1
2
3
4
5
6
I’m RESENTFUL at:
The Cause
7
8
9
10
11
12
If you must list additional resentments do so below.
- 8 -
FEARS
Do not be restricted by this list. It is just to help you get started. List your fears on the next pages
abandonment |
flying |
needing anyone |
aging |
fourth & fifth steps |
not being good enough |
anger |
future, the |
not being happy |
authority figures |
getting fat or thin |
not being liked |
being alone |
God |
not being perfect |
being deceived |
going home |
people (specify who) |
being found out |
going out on a “whim” |
police, the |
being myself |
having children |
poverty |
change |
homelessness |
procrastination |
compliments |
homosexuality |
rape |
confrontation |
honesty |
rejection |
creditors |
humiliation |
relationships |
death |
hurting others |
resentments, my |
denial, my |
I’m a fraud and others will find out |
responsibility |
disapproval |
incarceration |
risks |
disease |
intimacy |
saying that I can’t do something |
divorce |
IRS, the |
sex |
embarrassment |
letting go |
sponsor, my |
employment |
living |
success |
facing myself |
loneliness |
unemployment |
failure |
losing hope |
unknown, the |
fear |
love |
violence |
feelings |
mediocrity |
work |
financial insecurity |
money |
Search your own experience for other fears.. |
Other PDF Templates
Aspen Dental Health Information Release - This process is part of maintaining confidentiality in healthcare.
To facilitate vehicle transactions, utilizing a reliable Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney form can greatly enhance the ease of appointing someone else to handle essential tasks. This legal document enables designated individuals to sign necessary titles and registrations on behalf of the vehicle owner, ensuring that all procedures are correctly followed and efficiently managed.
Patient Demographic Form PDF - Capture the city and zip code for the responsible party's address.
Pregnancy Verification Letter Planned Parenthood - Understanding why you are taking the test can help inform the process.
Documents used along the form
The Fourth Step Inventory form is a vital tool for self-reflection and growth. However, several other documents complement this process, enhancing your understanding and supporting your journey. Below is a list of these related forms and documents.
- Review of Flaws Form: This document allows individuals to detail specific examples of their character flaws. It encourages honest reflection and helps in identifying patterns of behavior that may need addressing.
- Character Assets Worksheet: This worksheet focuses on identifying positive traits and strengths. It balances the Fourth Step Inventory by highlighting personal assets, fostering a more comprehensive self-view.
- Fear Inventory: This form helps individuals explore their fears in depth. Understanding fears can reveal underlying issues and contribute to personal growth and recovery.
- Gratitude List: A list of things for which one is grateful can shift focus from negative aspects to positive ones. This practice promotes a more optimistic outlook and reinforces resilience.
- Daily Reflection Journal: Keeping a journal of daily thoughts and experiences encourages ongoing self-assessment. It can help track progress and identify recurring themes in behavior and feelings.
- Support Group Worksheets: These documents facilitate discussion in group settings. They encourage sharing experiences and insights, providing a sense of community and accountability.
- Step Five Guidelines: This document outlines how to share the inventory results with a trusted person. It emphasizes the importance of honesty and openness in this critical step of the recovery process.
- RV Bill of Sale Form: This document is essential for anyone involved in the sale or purchase of a recreational vehicle in Arizona, providing legal proof of ownership transfer. For more details, visit autobillofsaleform.com/rv-bill-of-sale-form/arizona-rv-bill-of-sale-form.
- Action Plan Template: This template helps individuals create a concrete plan for addressing identified flaws. It provides a structured approach to implementing changes and setting achievable goals.
Utilizing these documents alongside the Fourth Step Inventory form can significantly enhance your self-exploration and recovery journey. Each form serves a unique purpose, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of oneself and fostering personal growth.
Similar forms
The Fourth Step Inventory form bears similarities to the Personal Development Plan (PDP). Both documents encourage individuals to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. In a PDP, one identifies skills and areas for improvement, much like how the Fourth Step Inventory prompts users to assess their character defects and assets. Both tools aim to foster self-awareness and personal growth, guiding individuals to set actionable goals for self-improvement.
Another document that resembles the Fourth Step Inventory is the SWOT Analysis, commonly used in business settings. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Just as the Fourth Step Inventory focuses on personal flaws and assets, a SWOT Analysis encourages a balanced view of one’s capabilities and challenges. This comparison highlights the importance of understanding both internal and external factors that influence success, whether in personal recovery or professional endeavors.
The Life Review, often utilized in therapeutic contexts, also shares common ground with the Fourth Step Inventory. Both documents prompt individuals to examine their past experiences, identifying patterns of behavior that may have led to difficulties. The Life Review focuses on significant life events and their impact, while the Fourth Step specifically targets character defects. Each encourages honest reflection, ultimately leading to greater insight and healing.
Similar to the Fourth Step Inventory, the Values Assessment helps individuals clarify their core beliefs and principles. This document prompts users to consider what is truly important to them, aligning closely with the Fourth Step’s emphasis on discovering personal values. Both processes encourage a deep dive into one’s moral compass, fostering a clearer understanding of how one’s values shape behavior and decision-making.
In Virginia, the process of selling a mobile home involves the completion of a formal transaction documented with specific paperwork. One essential form that every seller and buyer should understand is the Mobile Home Bill of Sale, which serves as the official record of the sale and outlines critical details about the mobile home and the parties involved. This document not only protects the interests of both the buyer and seller but also ensures that the transfer of ownership is conducted smoothly and legally.
The 360-Degree Feedback tool, often used in professional development, also mirrors the Fourth Step Inventory. This tool collects feedback from various sources—peers, supervisors, and subordinates—allowing individuals to gain a comprehensive view of their strengths and weaknesses. Similarly, the Fourth Step Inventory invites individuals to reflect on their character traits, promoting a holistic understanding of oneself. Both documents aim to enhance self-awareness and guide personal development.
Another comparable document is the Emotional Inventory, which focuses specifically on emotional responses and behaviors. Like the Fourth Step Inventory, the Emotional Inventory requires individuals to identify both positive and negative traits. This examination of emotions can lead to insights about how feelings influence actions, paralleling the Fourth Step’s goal of understanding how defects affect one’s life and relationships.
The Character Assessment, often used in counseling and coaching, aligns closely with the Fourth Step Inventory. This document helps individuals identify personal traits that contribute to their overall character. Both assessments encourage a balanced view, recognizing both positive attributes and areas needing improvement. By fostering self-reflection, these tools aim to promote personal growth and healthier interactions with others.
Lastly, the Goal-Setting Worksheet can be seen as similar to the Fourth Step Inventory. While the Fourth Step focuses on identifying flaws and strengths, the Goal-Setting Worksheet translates those insights into actionable objectives. Both documents emphasize the importance of self-awareness as a foundation for personal development. They guide individuals in creating a roadmap for improvement, whether through addressing character defects or setting specific goals for the future.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Fourth Step Inventory form, it is essential to approach the task thoughtfully. Here are four key actions to consider, along with some cautions to keep in mind:
- Do be honest: Approach the inventory with honesty about both your strengths and weaknesses.
- Do prioritize: Focus on the flaws that cause the most trouble in your life, rather than trying to address every single issue at once.
- Do reflect on your current self: Concentrate on who you are now, rather than who you were during past struggles with substances.
- Do write down your thoughts: Consider documenting your flaws and assets, as this can help clarify your feelings and experiences.
- Don't be overly critical: Avoid harsh self-judgment; this inventory is not meant to punish you.
- Don't focus solely on flaws: Ensure you also acknowledge your positive traits to maintain a balanced perspective.
- Don't rush the process: Take your time to reflect deeply on each aspect of your character.
- Don't ignore your feelings: Recognize and address any emotions that arise during this introspective work.
Key takeaways
Filling out the Fourth Step Inventory form can be a transformative process. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Preparation is essential. Before starting, read the relevant pages in the Big Book and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
- Be honest but fair. This is not about self-criticism. Acknowledge both your strengths and flaws.
- Use the checklist as a guide. It suggests possible flaws, but feel free to add any others that resonate with you.
- Focus on the present. This inventory reflects who you are now, not who you were during your drinking or drug use.
- Don't rush the process. Character defects may not disappear immediately after completing the Fifth Step; patience is key.
- Prioritize your flaws. Identify the 20% of flaws that cause 80% of your troubles. Limit yourself to the most significant ones.
- Balance is important. Ensure you list at least twice as many assets as flaws to avoid being overly harsh on yourself.
- Document your findings. Check off defects and assets, then discuss your flaws in detail on the Review of Flaws form.
- Keep it personal. This inventory is about your values and how you align your behavior with them.
- Seek support if needed. Discuss your insights with a trusted friend or mentor for additional perspective.
How to Use Fourth Step Inventory
Completing the Fourth Step Inventory form is an important part of your journey. This process involves a thorough examination of your character, allowing you to identify both your flaws and your strengths. After you fill out the form, you will have the opportunity to discuss your findings, which can lead to deeper insights and growth.
- Prepare by reading pages 63-71 in the Big Book and the Fourth Step in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
- Take a moment to reflect on your current character, avoiding comparisons to your past self.
- Begin the inventory by checking off all of your defects and assets from the provided checklist.
- Ensure you check at least twice as many assets as flaws to maintain a balanced perspective.
- Focus on identifying the 12 flaws that cause the most trouble in your life.
- For each flaw, think of your best example that illustrates this defect.
- Optionally, you may write down any additional flaws you identify beyond the initial list.
- Once completed, prepare to discuss your findings on the Review of Flaws form.