Al-Anon daily reflection ·
Effort vs. Perfection
We have turned our defects of character over to our Higher Power; now we apply continual effort to changing our old behaviors for the better.
Step Ten is where I put the rubber to the road. In Step Six, I became willing to have my defects removed; in Step Seven, I asked God for help. Now I have to participate in the solution. I can't just sit back and wait for a heavenly zap to make me kind and patient. I must apply continual effort to changing my old behaviors.
This means consciously choosing the new behavior even when the old one is more comfortable. When I want to control, I choose to step back. When I want to criticize, I choose to be silent. This requires energy and focus. The key is that the quote emphasizes effort, not success. My job is the trying; God’s job is the outcome. By focusing on continual effort, I escape the trap of perfectionism, which used to make me quit the moment I failed.
Practice
I will choose one specific old behavior I want to change today (e.g., interrupting). Every time I catch myself starting that behavior, I will mentally pause and make the conscious effort to choose the opposite action.
Today’s Reminder
The spiritual contract is simple: I provide the willingness and God provides the growth.
