Honesty · willingness · action
“How It Works” introduces the program and the spirit in which it begins
Often read near the beginning of an A.A. meeting, “How It Works” opens Chapter Five of Alcoholics Anonymous. In three printed pages it moves from honesty and willingness to the Twelve Steps, answers the fear that the program demands perfection, and closes with three propositions about alcoholism, human power, and spiritual help.
“Here are the steps we took…”
Read “How It Works” official two-page P-10 PDF; opens in a new tab
The reading heard in meetings
P-10: pages 58–60
- An appeal for honesty, willingness, fearlessness, and thoroughness.
- The complete list of the Twelve Steps.
- A reminder that the aim is progress rather than perfection.
- Three propositions that gather the opening argument into a concise conclusion.
The chapter surrounding it
Chapter Five: pages 58–71
- The complete text reproduced in P-10.
- The decision of Step Three and its prayer on page 63.
- The immediate movement from decision into Step Four.
- Inventory of resentment, fear, and relationships through page 71.
Honesty and willingness open the way
The first paragraphs ask for honesty with oneself, willingness to go to any length, and readiness to release old ideas. Recovery is presented as a course of action entered with willingness—not as a performance already mastered.
Read the opening paragraphs P-10 page 1; opens in a new tabThe Twelve Steps give the path its shape
All twelve Steps appear together, without commentary between them. Their sequence carries the reader from admission and trust through inventory, amends, continuing practice, prayer and meditation, and service to others.
Read the Twelve Steps official text and accessible formats; opens in a new tabThe standard is growth, not instant perfection
After listing the Steps, the reading acknowledges that their principles can appear demanding. It answers by emphasizing willingness to develop along spiritual lines rather than claiming immediate or flawless adherence.
Continue on page 60 P-10 page 2; opens in a new tab“We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”
Three propositions gather the argument
The closing statements summarize the book’s account of alcoholism, the limits of unaided human power, and the spiritual help it proposes. They complete the meeting excerpt while preparing the longer chapter’s turn toward Step Three.
Explore the complete Big Book chapters, audio, and ASL; opens in a new tabBeyond the familiar excerpt
Chapter Five turns willingness into specific action
After page 60, the chapter develops the Third Step decision, gives the prayer on page 63, and moves immediately into Step Four inventory. Resentment, fear, and relationships become concrete areas in which the new direction takes form.
Read or listen to Chapter Five official AA.org access; opens in a new tabChapter Five after page 60
| Printed pages | Chapter movement | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 61-62 | Step Three and the problem of self-direction | Explains the decision that precedes the prayer. |
| 63 | Third Step Prayer and immediate transition | Places the prayer between decision and inventory. |
| 64-67 | Step Four and resentment inventory | Introduces the written fact-finding method and its columns. |
| 67-68 | Fear inventory | Separates fear from resentment and asks that fears be reviewed directly. |
| 68-71 | Relationship and sex inventory | Applies inventory to conduct, responsibility, and future ideals. |
Read and listen
Continue with the complete A.A. text
The short P-10 reading is suited to a meeting; the full chapter reveals the decision and inventory that follow. AA.org also provides audio and other accessible formats.