In the chapter titled “How it Works,” The Big Book states the following, “No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles [of Alcoholics Anonymous]… We claim spiritual progress, not spiritual perfection.”
“Progress not perfection” refers to a person’s courage, willingness, and commitment to the process of growth in recovery.
- Celebrate every small victory, every step forward, and every lesson learned.
- Give yourself credit for the small wins each day.
I bet you’re doing more than you think you are. I have a sign in my office that looks similar to an increasing heart rate that reads, “Recovery is not linear.” You are bound to have setbacks, hard days, mistakes, and mental and behavioral relapses at times. That’s normal. It would be weird if you didn’t. The only way you can fail is to quit trying altogether or to not learn from these setbacks.
Embracing progress, rather than striving for perfection, frees you from the weight of unrealistic expectations. It allows you to live in the gray area and focus on long-term growth rather than short-term perfection. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stumble or make mistakes. Instead, acknowledge your efforts, pick yourself up, and keep moving forward.
Remember, progress is a marathon, not a sprint. And every step you take gets you closer to your goals.
Keep going, even when it’s hard. Keep pushing, even when it feels like you’re not making progress. Because every effort counts, and every step forward is a step in the right direction.
You got this!
Courtney Baker LCSW
