Step 10 AA and NA helps you stay accountable and grow in your recovery every single day.
After making amends for past actions, this step shifts your attention toward daily reflection and prompt correction of mistakes.
It teaches you resilience and humility, helping you avoid old habits and negative behaviors.
Whether through journaling, prayer, or nightly reviews, Step 10 fosters honesty and self-awareness.
Embracing this daily practice strengthens your journey toward lasting recovery.
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What Is Step 10 in AA and NA?
- Step 10 AA states: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”1
- NA uses exactly the same wording, emphasizing ongoing reflection, honesty, and accountability.
This step encourages you to immediately address negative behaviors—like resentment, dishonesty, or selfishness—before they cause bigger problems.
It’s not about being perfect; instead, it’s about quickly acknowledging and correcting your mistakes.
By practicing Step 10 daily, you stop small issues from growing into obstacles that could threaten your recovery.
Watch: Step 10 – Progress, Not Perfection
In this video, Cornerstone Healing Center’s founder and CEO, Estil Wallace, shares his insight on Step 10—taking a daily personal inventory and admitting when we’re wrong.
Why Step 10 AA and NA Matters
Imagine carrying a heavy backpack filled with yesterday’s regrets.
Step 10 helps you unpack it, one day at a time.
Through regular reflection, you begin noticing negative patterns—like blaming others, shutting down, or avoiding responsibility—before they pull you backward into old habits.
By practicing this step consistently, you build trust in yourself and deepen your relationships, because others see your humility and honesty.
Step 10 AA and NA aren’t about being perfect or “good enough”; it’s about staying free, growing emotionally, and developing the resilience you need for lasting recovery.
Steps for Daily Practice of Step 10
- Nightly Inventory: Take time each night to honestly review your day’s actions.2
- Promptly Admit Faults: Quickly apologize and make amends when necessary.
- Journal Insights: Keep notes on recurring issues to better manage stress.
- Check With Your Sponsor: Regular discussions help uncover blind spots and deepen your understanding.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your small daily victories to maintain motivation.
Quick Tip: Daily Reflection Made Easy
Step 10 AA vs. NA: The Differences
While Step 10 in AA and NA uses the same language, each fellowship approaches it a little differently.
AA tends to lean more spiritual, encouraging prayer and quiet reflection, while NA often emphasizes practical accountability and behavior change.
Below is a simple side-by-side look at how AA and NA each approach Step 10.
Whether your path leans more spiritual or more practical, the goal is the same: daily honesty, growth, and showing up for your recovery, one choice at a time.
Overcoming Common Struggles With Step 10
It’s completely normal to face challenges when working on Step 10.
Daily reflection can stir up discomfort, especially when you’re not used to looking inward or admitting when you’re wrong.
You might feel resistant, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—but these feelings don’t mean you’re failing.
They just mean you’re human.
Here are a few common struggles people face with Step 10—and some simple ways to move through them:
- Avoidance – Start small. Even five minutes of reflection each day can create powerful change over time.
- Perfectionism – Remember, you’re not aiming to be flawless. The goal is progress, not perfection.
- Defensiveness – Take a breath and ask yourself, “Did I play a part in this?” Honest self-assessment leads to freedom.
- Inconsistency – Anchor your practice to a daily routine, like after dinner or before bed, to make it sustainable.
No matter how often you stumble, what matters is your willingness to keep showing up.
Both AA and NA remind us that growth comes not from doing it perfectly, but from doing it with intention.
Just keep trying—with time, this daily practice becomes one of the most grounding tools in your recovery journey.
The Nightly Review: Tips You Need to Know
The nightly review helps you reflect on your daily actions and stay accountable:
Start by considering key questions:
- Where did I show integrity today?
- When was I dishonest or defensive?
- Did I quickly admit my mistakes?
Next, recognize patterns such as recurring impatience or avoidance behaviors.
Finally, take immediate action—apologize if needed and plan specific improvements for tomorrow.
Regular nightly reviews help you track progress, manage anxiety, and enhance sleep quality, making your recovery journey smoother.3
What Comes Next After Step 10?
Step 11 takes the awareness you’ve developed in Step 10 even deeper.
It invites you to strengthen your spiritual connection or explore mindful practices, encouraging you to build a more meaningful relationship with your higher power or inner self.
This step is about finding moments of peace and clarity, helping you stay grounded as you navigate the ups and downs of recovery.
Through meditation, prayer, or simply quiet reflection, you nurture your inner strength and gain a clearer sense of direction.
Step 11 is your chance to grow spiritually, fostering lasting serenity and guiding you toward a balanced, fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Step 10 in AA?
Step 10 AA is all about daily reflection and promptly admitting mistakes to keep you honest and holding yourself accountable. It helps you recognize harmful behaviors and correct them quickly. Regular practice builds accountability and prevents relapse by keeping minor issues manageable. It’s not about perfection but continuous personal growth. Actively practicing Step 10 promotes emotional stability and recovery success.
Why is Step 10 important?
Step 10 is important because it helps maintain accountability, honesty, and emotional balance. Regular reflection prevents complacency, a common trigger for relapse. It encourages prompt resolution of conflicts, preserving relationships and emotional well-being. Continuous self-assessment fosters personal growth, ensuring small issues don’t escalate. Practicing Step 10 daily strengthens your ongoing recovery journey.
How do I practice Step 10 daily?
To practice Step 10 daily, set aside specific nightly reflection time. Evaluate your day’s honesty, interactions, and behaviors, noting both strengths and improvement areas. Quickly admit any mistakes and apologize if needed. Keep a simple journal to track recurring patterns and progress. Regular check-ins with a sponsor can also reinforce your daily practice.
How is Step 10 different from Step 9?
Step 9 AA addresses making amends for past wrongdoings, focusing on past behaviors and relationships. Step 10 emphasizes current, daily behaviors, helping prevent new harms from developing. While Step 9 resolves previous harm, Step 10 is a proactive approach to continuously manage ongoing actions. Practicing Step 10 helps avoid repeating past mistakes and fosters immediate accountability. Both steps complement each other, supporting your lasting recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Step 10 promotes daily reflection and quick correction.
- Nightly reviews make Step 10 practical and effective.
- Admitting faults strengthens trust and supports growth.
- Step 10 AA and NA both emphasize honesty, though approaches differ slightly.
Begin Healing Today at Cornerstone
Step 10 AA and NA remind you that it’s okay to have ups and downs—what matters most is that you keep showing up.
Each evening offers a chance to reflect with honesty, and each morning brings the opportunity to begin again with intention and hope.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we understand how challenging this part of the journey can be—many of us have walked it ourselves.
That’s why our team offers more than just guidance; we offer genuine empathy, rooted in lived experience.
Our addiction treatment programs offer a unique blend of 12-step principles and therapeutic care.
We’ve seen firsthand how powerful this work can be in helping you find real, lasting recovery.
Reach out to us today and let us help you start your healing journey!
