The AA 4th Step Inventory Worksheet — Free Big Book Method Guide

The Fourth Step is where most people slow down. Not because the work is secret, but because nobody hands you a form and says 'here's exactly what to write.' The Big Book describes it in plain language — but translating it into actual sentences on actual paper takes structure. This is that structure.

What the Big Book Actually Says

Step 4 in the Big Book isn't mysterious. Page 64 sets it up directly: we're looking at resentments, because resentments are the number one offender. 'From it stem all forms of spiritual disease.' The Big Book then gives you a specific method — four columns, in order.

The Four-Column Resentment Inventory

Column 1: I'm resentful at...

Write the person, institution, or principle. One per row. This is the list you make before you start analyzing. Don't filter — write everything that comes up.

Column 2: The Cause

Why are you resentful? What did they do, or not do? Write the facts as you see them — not as they are. This column is about what your mind says happened.

Column 3: It affects my...

The Big Book gives you a specific list: self-esteem, security, ambitions, personal or sex relations. Check which ones are affected by each resentment. More than one can apply to the same person.

Column 4: My part

This is the column that does the work. Where were you selfish, self-seeking, dishonest, or frightened? The Big Book is specific: 'Putting out of our minds the wrongs others had done, we resolutely looked for our own mistakes.'

The Fear Inventory

After resentments, the Big Book takes you to fears (page 68). The format is simpler: What am I afraid of? Why do I have this fear? What does it show about my self-reliance and faith? Work through these the same way — list everything first, then examine.

The Sex Conduct Inventory

Page 69 of the Big Book. The structure: Where had we been selfish, dishonest, or inconsiderate? Whom had we hurt? Did we unjustifiably arouse jealousy, suspicion, or bitterness? Where were we at fault? This isn't a confession — it's an inventory. The point is to understand your patterns.

Working It With a Sponsor

The Fourth Step is designed to be done with a sponsor who knows the Big Book method. If you don't have a sponsor yet, get one before you start the Fourth Step. The Big Book is clear about this.

The Complete 4th Step Packet

We've built a structured, printable worksheet that covers the full Fourth Step the Big Book way — resentments, fears, and sex conduct — plus Steps 6 and 8, which flow directly from the Fourth. The Complete 4th Step Inventory Packet is a 33-page fillable PDF. $12.99. Instant download. Print it as many times as you need — once for yourself, once for each sponsee you work with.

For more on how the Fourth Step fits into the full arc of the Steps, read: How to Do the AA 4th Step Inventory — Step-by-Step Big Book Method.

Getting Your Tools in Order

Before you start the Fourth Step, make sure you have a tabbed and highlighted AA Big Book. Working Step 4 is significantly easier when you can find page 64, the resentment instructions, and the 4th Step Prayer instantly — without hunting through 575 pages. The tabs are there so the book opens where you need it. The work is yours to do.