Step Ten · Daily Inventory

Day's End Review

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

The emphasis on inventory is heavy only because a great many of us have never really acquired the habit of accurate self‑appraisal. The wise have always known that no one can make much of his life until self‑searching becomes a regular habit, until he is able to admit and accept what he finds, and until he patiently and persistently tries to correct what is wrong.

Daily Abstinence Did I abstain from compulsive overeating today?

Yes No

Today's Balance Sheet

Credits (service to others, accomplishments)

Debits (emotional disturbances, inconsiderate actions)

It is a spiritual axiom that every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us. If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also.

Self‑Restraint Check‑in What new people or events threw me off balance? Did I practice self‑restraint? Did I pause when agitated?

Our first objective will be the development of self‑restraint. This carries a top priority rating. When we speak or act hastily or rashly, the ability to be fair‑minded and tolerant evaporates on the spot. One unkind tirade or one willful snap judgment can ruin our relation with another person for a whole day, or maybe a whole year. Nothing pays off like restraint of tongue and pen. We train ourselves to step back and think. For we can neither think nor act to good purpose until the habit of self‑restraint has become automatic.

Love Inventory Was I loving to all?

We being to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong, and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means. It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up. The idea that we can be possessively loving of a few, can ignore the many, and can continue to fear or hate anybody, has to be abandoned, if only a little at a time.

Motive Examination

Glancing down the debit side of the ledger, what were your motives in each case? Watch out for rationalization!

Learning daily to spot, admit, and correct these flaws is the essence of character‑building and good living. An honest regret for harms done, a genuine gratitude for blessings received, and a willingness to try for better things tomorrow will be the permanent assets we shall seek.

Gratitude What did I do today to make conscious contact with my Higher Power? What blessings am I thankful for today?

Having so considered our day, not omitting to take due note of things well done, and having searched our hearts with neither fear nor favor, we can truly thank God for the blessings we have received and sleep in good conscience.

Plan for Tomorrow Action Plan for tomorrow Plan of Eating for tomorrow