How Do You Perform a 12-Step Daily Inventory?
Daily Inventory
Some days feel like a win, and others feel like you’re just trying to keep it together. That’s okay. The 12-steps daily inventory isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying honest with yourself, one day at a time. If you’re working the 12 steps or supporting someone who is, Step 10 becomes a kind of personal check-in. And it’s powerful.
The purpose of a Step 10 inventory is straightforward: observe your behavior, take ownership of your role, and remain grounded. Let's go through how to actually do that, without making it a burden.
How to Keep a Daily Step 10 Inventory
Maintaining a daily inventory doesn't have to be that hard. Here's a simple and practical method you can follow to stay real and keep it simple:
● Take a Quiet Time: Finish your day in 5–10 minutes of introspection—before bed or after work is best.
● Ask Yourself What You Did Right: Reward yourself for progress, however tiny. Did you exhibit patience? Speak your truth? Let that be your tally.
● Observe Where You Faltered: Were you impatient, resentful, or afraid? Write it down —no guilt, just awareness.
● Look for Patterns: If something keeps coming up (like anger or self-doubt), make a note. This is where growth begins.
● Acknowledge Harm: Did your words or actions hurt someone today? Be honest, but gentle with yourself.
● Plan to Make It Right: If needed, think about how you’ll make amends or clear the air tomorrow.
● Check Your Motives: Were your actions driven by fear, ego, or kindness?
● Seek Guidance: A silent prayer or brief intention assists in moving the focus away from control and toward connection.
● Call Out If Necessary: If something heavy came up, speak to a sponsor or close friend. You don't have to hold it alone.
● Let Go: Don't hold on to guilt or shame. You showed up and reflected —that's progress.
You can write this down in a notebook, use an app, or just think it out. The form is less important than the sincerity behind it.
As Conclusion
Taking a Step 10 inventory is not about being tough on yourself— about being in touch with who you are becoming. The 12-steps daily inventory assists you in showing up better for other people and yourself. And each day that you do it, you're constructing something real, self-respect, mindfulness, and peace of mind. You can do this. One day at a time.