We Don’t have to be Saints to Balance Our New Spiritual Awareness – Step 3

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“If I find
10,000 ways
something won’t
work, I haven’t failed.
I am not discouraged,
because every wrong
attempt discarded
is another step
forward.”

– Thomas A. Edison (1847 – 1931) U.S., inventor / entrepreneur

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While recognizing, “We are not Saints”, how have you faced adversity and discouragement lately?

Why is it okay to make mistakes when you’re trying to grow and become a better person?

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Relaxing Chillout Music (59:14)

Social Anxiety: A Different Approach (8:42)

Rage the Night Away – Steve Aioki ft. Waka Flocka (4:19)

Step Three invites individuals to surrender control and trust in a power greater than themselves. This spiritual shift often comes with unrealistic expectations. The quote from The Big Book reminds us that no one achieves perfection in this journey. Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizes spiritual progress, not perfection. His message assures us that we don’t need to become saints to grow spiritually.

Carl Jung, whose ideas influenced AA’s foundation, believed that spiritual growth comes through facing one’s shadow—the flawed, hidden parts of ourselves. Jung would likely agree that awareness without judgment is key. Trying to be perfect only strengthens the ego and blocks genuine growth.

The Basic Text from Narcotics Anonymous echoes this view. It suggests guilt and ego can trap us in self-criticism. Brené Brown, a modern voice on vulnerability, supports this idea. She argues that shame limits connection and courage. When we let go of perfectionism, we open ourselves to healing.

Thomas Edison’s quote reflects a mindset essential to spiritual recovery. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the process. Carol Dweck, who developed the “growth mindset” theory, would say that viewing missteps as learning moments promotes resilience and transformation.

Letting go of the need to “get it right” makes space for honest effort and spiritual honesty. We grow not by pretending we’re perfect, but by showing up, failing, learning, and trying again.

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Comments

9 responses to “We Don’t have to be Saints to Balance Our New Spiritual Awareness – Step 3”

June 7, 2025

Sabrina J

The second question ask why it is okay to make mistakes when we are trying to grow and become a better person. For me this is answered in the text, Progress not Perfection.

Perfectionism is strongly rooted in my disease and easily becomes a trigger when my personal expectations are not meet. I have restarted college and currently have a 4.0gpa. Out of 1500 possible points, I have only 22.6 wrong. Yes, unchecked, I would and often do focus on the 22.6 instead of the 4.0 A that I have. That kind of perfectionist thinking is a risk to self sabotage.

At this time, I am using the kills learned to talk about it, like here, to my circle and affirm that perfectionism is not the solution, progress is. Thank you, progress is my path and I am grateful to be on it.

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June 7, 2025

E-Dawg

The best way for me to learn is to figure out what doesn’t work and through some trials I remember the pain and frustration of something not working and finding a solution comes easier for me in the end

Reply
June 18, 2019

Daniella Mosqueda

No i have not expierence any of this lately

Reply
June 12, 2019

Daniella Mosqueda

I have been able to overcome this by being aware that i am poweless and to give it to my higher power and move on

Reply
June 12, 2018

Simon Yebio

I played competitive team basketball for the first time in years. I got upset with all the antics and selfishness of my teammates verbally demanding the ball and judging my play. Yeah I guess I was pissed…lol….so I had a problem confronting my true feelings about it so it continued to bother me late into the night so much so I could not rest. I wasn’t awful, why was this so time consuming for me? Well I now know. I didn’t accept my feelings, and thought I shouldn’t be upset, so my lesson is I can’t be dishonest with myself, it just dosent work for me…so glad I had the opportunity to read this. Perfect timing….

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June 12, 2013

Br. Buddha

Good morning everyone + happy Wednesday. Here is today’s thought. “We are not saints”. Boy, isn’t that the truth. But, when I build my life on God, my foundation is strong. I do give it my very best shot. I may fail at times, but I do recover + grow. Join with us + together, we will be strong. Blessings. BB

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September 14, 2012

Adam

Probably the biggest thing is I still don’t like going to meetings. I rarely look forward to them unless I’m bored. That and AA seems to tell me that every flaw I have is because I’m an addict. Like nobody else has these flaws. I just chose to deal with my problems by drinking. Anyway, I’m doing fine as long as I am working on my flaws and keeping a positive outlook.

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June 13, 2012

JB jr.

I have adjust my expectations of a family member. Its an ongoing process and I just have to remain open to seeing things in a new way.

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June 12, 2012

Margot E.

Imagine a life where I do not condemn myself for every mistake I make: “Mistakes call for judgement and punishment not correction and learning.” That is one of the core beliefs of the addicted mind I read in a book by Lee Jampolsky. A mistake can be a learning opportunity – another chance to play in the universe. “Progress not perfection.” I know I learn better from the wrong answers on a test than the ones I guessed right…just sayin’

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