Why do so many of us in 12-step programs prefer to work Steps 4 thru 9 over and over again, rather than work 10 thru 12 with real energy?

For some of us, the answer is security. There is no evidence at all that continuing to re-invent the same old problems over and over, and then trusting to Steps 4 thru 9 to solve those imaginary problems, has ever worked for anybody. But -- like the so-called "normal people" we so often profess to despise -- we can often prefer the mild misery of trying to run our own lives (with, of course, "the help of God as we understand God") to the risks of venturing into the unknown by sincerely practicing the last three Steps.

And -- if we seek a life based on spiritual complacency -- we probably do well to hesitate on the brink of Step 10 and instead turn back to the comfort of working Steps 4 thru 9 over and over again. For the experience of those of us that have moved on to effortful practice of Steps 10, 11 and 12 is that indeed there is no security to be found there of the kind that most of us cherish. Instead, we find that most of the things we hold dear are called into question; and it is strange that so many of us find that experience so fulfilling.