Recovery article

Step 7 of AA: Humbly Asking for Your Shortcomings to Be Removed

Step 7 is about humility — not humiliation. It's the recognition that you can't remove your own defects of character through willpower alone.

Article summary

Step 7 is about humility — not humiliation. It's the recognition that you can't remove your own defects of character through willpower alone.

Key topics include Step 7: "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.", Humility vs. Humiliation, What "Remove" Actually Looks Like.

What this article covers

  • Step 7: "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."
  • Humility vs. Humiliation
  • What "Remove" Actually Looks Like
  • The Step 7 Prayer

Frequently asked questions

What is Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Step 7 of AA is: "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." It is the action that follows the readiness of Step 6: you ask your higher power to remove the character defects you have identified and become ready to release.

What is the difference between humility and humiliation in Step 7?

Humility in Step 7 means seeing yourself accurately — neither grandiose nor worthless. It is an honest acknowledgment that you are a limited human being who needs help. Humiliation is shame imposed from outside. Step 7 is an act of chosen clarity, not imposed shame.

What happens after you do Step 7?

Shortcomings do not disappear overnight after Step 7. What changes is their power over you. Resentment may still arise, but you catch it faster and let it go sooner. Dishonesty may still tempt, but your commitment gives you a different choice. Most people describe a gradual softening over months and years of continuous work.