If you’ve started working through the 12 Steps, you’ve already begun a profound journey of healing and transformation. Step 4 is one of the most challenging but rewarding steps, requiring deep self-examination and honesty.
Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
At its core, Step 4 is about self-reflection—taking an honest look at our past actions, patterns, and behaviors. It’s not about self-blame or shame; it’s about gaining clarity, accountability, and the opportunity to grow.
Let’s break down what Step 4 really means, how to complete it, and how it leads to deeper healing in recovery.
What is Step 4 All About?
Step 4 is often referred to as the “fearless moral inventory”, but what does that mean
- Fearless: It requires courage to look at ourselves honestly. This step asks us to set aside fear and take an unfiltered look at our past without avoiding uncomfortable truths.
- Moral: This isn’t just a list of mistakes—it’s an examination of our values, principles, and character.
- Inventory: We take stock of our emotions, actions, and patterns—both the healthy and the unhealthy.
The goal of this step is not to dwell on guilt or shame but to see where our actions have harmed ourselves and others so that we can make changes moving forward. We learn what our ‘part’ was, in every situation.
The Spiritual Principle of Step 4: Courage
Each of the 12 Steps is associated with a spiritual principle, and for Step 4, that principle is courage.
- It takes courage to be honest with ourselves.
- It takes courage to face our past without minimizing or justifying.
- It takes courage to trust the process and believe that self-examination will lead to healing, not condemnation.
- By embracing courage, we give ourselves the chance to break free from denial, resentment, and destructive patterns.
How to Complete Step 4: A Guide to Your Personal Inventory
Step 4 is best done in writing, as this helps bring clarity and organization to our thoughts. Many people use a Step 4 worksheet or guide from their sponsor. There are several Step 4 worksheets that can be found online, or through others in the fellowship. None of them are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ – work with your sponsor to determine a worksheet best suited for your stepwork.
1. Identify Your Resentments
Resentments are one of the biggest obstacles to recovery. They keep us stuck in negative emotions and can even lead to relapse.
Make a list of people, institutions, or situations that caused you resentment. This could include:
- Family members or friends
- Employers or co-workers
- Partners or exes
- Society, legal systems, or institutions
- Yourself
Next, write down:
- What happened? (Be specific but avoid blaming.)
- How did it affect you? (Your emotions, self-esteem, security, relationships, etc.)
- What role did you play? (This is the hardest part—seeing your own part in the situation.)
- By looking at our role in past resentments, we start to see how our own behaviors contributed to our struggles.
2. Examine Your Fears
Fear drives many of our past actions, whether we realize it or not. List your biggest fears, such as:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of abandonment
- Fear of not being enough
- Fear of success or responsibility
- Then, ask: How did these fears impact my behavior? Did they lead to dishonesty, avoidance, or self-sabotage?
3. Look at Your Relationships (Harm Done to Others)
One of the most difficult but necessary parts of Step 4 is acknowledging the harm we have caused others—intentionally or unintentionally.
For each significant relationship, ask:
- How did my actions affect this person?
- Was I dishonest, selfish, or manipulative?
- What character defects fueled this behavior? (Pride, anger, jealousy, etc.)
Recognizing these patterns allows us to start making amends (which will come later in Steps 8 and 9).
4. Recognize Positive Traits
Step 4 isn’t just about identifying faults—it’s also about acknowledging strengths and growth.
Make a list of:
- Moments of courage and integrity
- Times when you helped others
- Qualities you admire in yourself
This helps balance self-examination with self-compassion.
Common Fears About Step 4 (And Why You Should Push Through)
Many people struggle with Step 4 because they fear:
- Judgment or shame – But Step 4 is about growth, not punishment.
- Facing painful memories – But healing begins with honesty.
- Not doing it “perfectly” – But progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Remember: Step 4 is a step toward freedom. By facing our past, we take away its power to control us.
What Happens After Step 4?
After completing your moral inventory, you move to Step 5, where you share it with another person (often a sponsor or trusted mentor). This step brings relief and accountability, helping to release burdens you may have carried for years.
At Renascent, we support individuals through every step of recovery. If you’re struggling with Step 4, reach out for guidance—we are here to help.
Final Thoughts: Step 4 is a Step Toward Freedom
Step 4 may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most transformative steps in the recovery journey. By taking an honest look at ourselves, we gain self-awareness, accountability, and the opportunity for true healing.
If you’re working through Step 4 and need support, remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a sponsor, a support group, or Renascent’s recovery community. There is freedom on the other side of this step, and you are strong enough to take it.
