“We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God [or our HP]* to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonesty or self-seeking motives.” (The Big Book, p. 86)
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In what ways have you discovered you’ve done the right thing for the right reasons, lately?
OR
How can I tell if I’m doing something kind because it’s right—or just to get something back?
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Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – AC/DC (4:19)
More from Rochefoucauld on Motivation (6:23)
Alpha Hz Wave Releasing Guided Meditation (10:08)
Today SFZ affirms Step 3 which asks us to turn our will and lives over to a Higher Power. This means letting go of control driven by fear or selfishness. As The Big Book teaches, we should begin each day asking our Higher Power to guide our thinking. We must release self-pity, dishonesty, and self-centered motives.
Immanuel Kant argued that moral worth comes only from doing good for its own sake, not for reward. His idea of the categorical imperative means we act rightly only if we could will everyone to do the same. In this light, Step 3 is not just about letting go, it’s about taking responsibility. We don’t wait to be good; we ask to be guided toward it.
The Basic Text reminds us that old habits return quickly. Without spiritual intention, even good deeds can become tools of ego. We must stay humble and ask for help. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, said, “Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” That humility helps us act from love, not performance.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld warned that many “good deeds” are driven by image, not compassion. Without honest self-awareness, we use kindness to control or gain approval. Brené Brown echoes this, writing that true courage comes from vulnerability, not ego.
By inviting guidance and checking our motives, we live authentically and grow spiritually. Step 3 becomes the turning point where intention meets action.
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