12-step work~15 min12-step
Step 6: becoming ready
Look at each defect your inventory uncovered — what it does for you, what it costs — and how willing you are to let it go.
Character defects usually start as ways to cope — control to feel safe, lying to avoid conflict, people-pleasing to be loved. That's why letting go is harder than it sounds. Step 6 looks honestly at what each pattern gives you and what it costs; willingness tends to grow out of seeing the cost clearly.
Step work is best done with a sponsor or mentor. This is a private place to prepare — share it with them when you're ready.
What my inventory showed
1. The character defects I see most
Check any that apply
2. The three that cause the most harm right now
What they do for me — and what they cost
3. What these patterns give me
Protection, comfort, control, attention, a way to avoid feeling something…
4. What they cost me — and the people around me
5. What my life might look like without them
How ready am I?
6. How willing I am to let them go
7. The ones I'm still holding on to — and why
8. What would help me become willing — talking with my sponsor, prayer, looking at the cost again?