5. I admit the true nature of my faults to God, myself, and another human being.

As an introduction to the step work:

Review the materials for your first 4 steps again!

Read the material for Step 5 in the Big Book (pages 68-71)!

Study Step 5 in our book, *12 Steps and 12 Traditions*.

You can find the description in the 5th Lesson of the 12 Steps Facebook group.

Attend meetings where Step 5 is discussed!

Talk with your sponsor about Step 5.


5.1 I am able to admit my faults to God.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


Does God know about your faults?

Have you ever hidden your faults from God?

Could you have secrets from Him?

Does God hold a grudge against you for your faults?

Will you receive further punishment from God for your past mistakes?

Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

Your faults inherently carry their own punishment.

Practice the following (or something similar):

God! I am willing to admit any faults I have to You!


5.2 I am able to admit my faults to myself.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


What does honesty really mean?

Who do we primarily need to be honest with?

In relation to whom must we be honest with ourselves?

About what do we need to be honest with ourselves?

What kinds of faults do you usually (we usually) commit?

What excuses do you usually find to avoid confronting your faults?

What efforts do you usually make to avoid facing your ego?

Look for some examples within yourself:

Faulty thoughts

Incorrect speech, communication

Faulty actions

Incorrect behavior

Neglect

Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

Dealing with others' faults is easier than dealing with our own.

Dealing with others' faults does not promote inner peace.


5.3 I am able to admit my faults to my fellow human beings.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


Can we change our relationship with the past? Could you?

Can we reevaluate the mistakes we made in the past? Could you do that?

Do you want to change the feelings and thoughts associated with your faults?

Can a sponsor or a spiritual partner help with this?

Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

"Reporting" your faults lightened your soul.

The differing perspectives of others helped you see your faults differently.


5.4 I notice that my faulty actions are always based on faulty (negative) thoughts and emotions.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


What are the thought patterns that cause most of your faulty actions?

What emotions do these thoughts revolve around?

Are these thoughts and emotions always conscious to you while you act?

Write a few examples of:

What mistakes you have made?

And what faulty thoughts were behind them?

What emotions were associated with them?


5.5 I realize that my faulty thoughts and emotions stem from my incorrect attitudes.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


Can willpower overcome our dependencies? And our character defects?

What bad habits do you have against which willpower is useless?

Can practicing change our bad habits?

What faulty attitudes do you have that cause you many bad thoughts?

Can practicing change our incorrect attitudes?

Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

If you approach something poorly, nothing good will come of it.

If you approach things correctly, there is a greater chance of progress.


5.6 I realize that the essence of my faults lies in my self-centered (ego-driven) way of thinking.

Write down (reflect on it) whether:


What self-centered (ego-driven) traits do you have?

How do these usually lead to problems in your life?

How do they usually cause you suffering?

How does the ego try to explain that you need these?

Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

Recognizing and letting go of the ego can lead to inner peace.

Practice the following (or something similar):

I am not the center of the universe!

There is no "I," there is no problem!

Thy will be done, not mine!


5.7 I report the true nature of my faults to my sponsor as well.

Make a list and report to your sponsor or a spiritual partner about:


Your ego-driven traits

Your incorrect attitudes

Your faulty thoughts

Your negative emotions


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CHECKLIST QUESTIONS for Step 5

Are you willing to admit any fault to God?
Can you admit your faults to yourself?
Can you admit your faults to your fellow human beings?
Have you noticed that your faulty actions are always based on faulty (negative) thoughts and emotions?
Have you realized that your faulty thoughts and emotions stem from your incorrect attitudes?
Do you know that the essence of your faults lies in your self-centered (ego-driven) way of thinking?
Have you already reported the true nature of your faults to your sponsor?