Simple Directions for Step 4 and the Principle of Courage

Step Four: Courage to Look Within

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
— Step Four of the Twelve Steps

After surrendering in Step Three, we move into one of the most pivotal and powerful parts of the 12-Step journey: Step Four. It’s often the one that brings the most hesitation, but also the one that can offer the greatest personal liberation. Why? Because Step Four invites us to take an honest look at our lives—our resentments, fears, harms, and ideals. It’s a bold act of courage.

The Big Book (pages 63–71) describes this as a moral inventory—“searching and fearless.” That doesn’t mean perfect. It means we muster the courage to face what we’ve been running from and begin telling the truth to ourselves.

The Principle of Courage

Courage in recovery doesn’t mean we’re unafraid—it means we’re willing to move forward despite the fear. The 12 & 12 says:

“Step Four is our vigorous and painstaking effort to discover what these liabilities in each of us have been, and are.”

We do this not to feel shame, but to gain freedom. Step Four is about learning who we are so we can begin to change and grow. It’s about owning our part, releasing blame, and clearing the wreckage that’s been holding us back.

How to Work Step Four

To begin, set aside time to read Chapter 5 “How It Works” in the Big Book, especially pages 63 (bottom) through 71. Also read Step Four in the 12 & 12 for expanded perspective.

Start with Definitions

Before diving in, look up and reflect on the meanings of these key Step Four words:

• Searching – thorough, intentional exploration
• Fearless – brave, willing to face truth
• Moral – related to right and wrong, values
• Inventory – an account or list of assets and liabilities
• Ideals – your highest values or aspirations
• Courage – the willingness to act in the face of fear

Writing the Fourth Step: Three Core Inventories

1. Resentments – Pages 64–66

The Big Book tells us that resentment is “the number one offender.” Most of our spiritual disease is rooted in resentment. Begin this section with the example on page 65, using a four-column format:

I’m resentful at	The cause	Affects my	My part
Example Person	They ignored me	Self-esteem, security	Self-seeking, prideful

List your resentments and move toward seeing your part in them. This is where the shift begins—from blame to responsibility.

2. Fears – Pages 67–68

Many of us are driven by unconscious fear. The Big Book asks us to list our fears and consider:

• What am I afraid of?
• Why do I have this fear?
• What part of me does it affect?
• Where is my self-reliance failing me?

This helps us understand how fear has controlled us—and how we begin to let it go.

3. Harms – Pages 69–71

This section focuses on where we have harmed others, particularly in relationships. Reflect on whether you were:

• Dishonest
• Selfish
• Inconsiderate
• Jealous or controlling

Then think about your ideals. What kind of person do you want to be in relationships?

“In meditation, we ask God what we should do about each specific matter.” – Big Book, page 70

This is About Freedom, Not Perfection

Step Four is not a test. It’s not about passing or failing. It’s about discovering the truth, so we can stop being controlled by our past and begin building a new future. Courage is the key that unlocks the door.

“Though our decision [in Step Three] was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us.” – Big Book, p. 64

Tips for Working Step Four

• Pray before you write. Ask for willingness and clarity.
• Be gentle with yourself. You're uncovering truth, not punishing yourself.
• Talk to your sponsor often. Don’t isolate while working this step.
• Stay grounded in your Higher Power. You're not doing this alone.
• Use a notebook or spreadsheet. Organize your inventories clearly.

Final Thoughts

Courage isn’t about the absence of fear—it’s about taking the next right action in the presence of it. Step Four asks us to shine light into the corners we’ve kept hidden, and in doing so, we give ourselves a chance to heal.

It’s not easy. But it is powerful.

As you work this step, remember: you’re not alone. You have the guidance of the Steps, the experience of others, and the care of a Higher Power to walk with you.

Keep showing up. Keep writing. Keep going.

Step Four is the gateway to freedom.