Step 6
“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
“We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let God remove from us all the things which we have admitted are objectionable? Can He now take them all — every one?” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76
Step 6 is often called the most overlooked step. It’s short, but it asks something difficult: genuine willingness to let go of the very patterns that have felt like survival.
What it means
“Entirely ready” — not partially. This is the step of willingness, not action. You’re not removing anything yet — you’re becoming willing for it to be removed.
“This is the Step that separates the men from the boys. The difference between ‘the boys’ and ‘the men’ is the difference between striving for a self-determined objective and the real willingness to accept whatever God’s will is for us.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step 6
“All these defects of character” — the patterns identified in Steps 4 and 5. Pride, fear, resentment, dishonesty, people-pleasing, control. Many of these have served a purpose; letting go of them feels threatening.
“We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our personal inventory. Now these are about to be cast out.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76
“Have God remove” — the removal isn’t yours to do. Your job is readiness. The action belongs to the Higher Power.
“If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask God to help us be willing.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76
Common struggles
“I’m not ready to give up some of these defects.” Honesty here is the point. If you’re not ready, say so — to yourself, your sponsor, your Higher Power. Willingness to become willing is a valid starting place.
“We ask God to help us be willing. We must be willing to go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76
“Some of my defects protect me.” They feel that way. Anger feels like protection. Control feels like safety. Step 6 asks you to trust that you can be okay without them.
“Character defects, or shortcomings, are the things that block us from doing God’s will. They are the exact opposites of the spiritual virtues.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step 6
“This step seems too simple.” The simplicity is deceptive. Genuine readiness — not just intellectual agreement — takes real work for most people.
“Only Step One, where we made the 100 percent admission we were powerless over alcohol, can be practiced with absolute perfection. The remaining eleven Steps state perfect ideals. They are goals toward which we look.” — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step 6
Practical suggestions
- Go through your Step 4 list and ask honestly: am I ready to have each of these removed?
- Note which ones you’re not ready for — that’s useful information, not failure
- Talk to your sponsor about the defects you’re most attached to
“We have admitted certain defects; we have ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is; we have put our finger on the weak items in our personal inventory. Now these are about to be cast out. This requires action on our part, which, when completed, will mean that we have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our defects.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76
Speaker talks on Step 6
- 12 Steps to a Spiritual Awakening (Part 3) — Sandy B
- Working Workaholics Anonymous Steps 1–9 — Workshop
- The Miracles of Surrender and Fellowship — Harvey A
Related tags
character-defects · surrender · spirituality · step-5 · step-7
All Steps
Step 1 · Step 2 · Step 3 · Step 4 · Step 5 · Step 6 · Step 7 · Step 8 · Step 9 · Step 10 · Step 11 · Step 12