When it comes to recovery from addiction, 12-Step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have become widely recognized and respected for their efficacy. These programs offer a supportive community and a structured approach to help people overcome their addictions and maintain sobriety. Within these programs, there are many phrases and slogans that are commonly used and hold significant meaning inside and outside of recovery.
Sadly though, these recovery slogans are often repeated so many times and in so many different contexts, that they verge on the point of cliché. This is a shame because if we take the time to analyze the meaning of these phrases and apply the principles of them to our recovery and our lives, they will undoubtedly have a profound impact. Here we will examine some of the most common recovery phrases and slogans used in 12-Step programs and their significance.
“One day at a time”
This phrase is probably the most often heard phrase in 12-Step programs and highlights the importance of focusing on the present moment. When we start thinking about our long term goals, all the steps we must take to get there, and the long road ahead, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Sometimes we can’t see our final destination, but if we can see the next step forward and just take that, the rest will take care of itself.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes”
We often resist change and fear the uncomfortability that comes with it. Even when we are unhappy with our current situation, we tend to have a ‘better the devil you know than the devil you don’t’ type of mentality. This phrase underlines the importance of changing ourselves if we want to improve our circumstances. If we remain stagnant and cling to being comfortable we will always get more of the same.
“Progress, not perfection”
A focus on progress over perfection underlines the importance of moving forward and accepting the fact that we will make mistakes and sometimes even fail. Through our failures though, we gain experience and we learn. When we fall, and we will fall, we should fall forward. We will never experience perfection because perfection doesn’t exist, but we can make continuous improvement and this is good enough.
“First things first”
This phrase reminds us to focus on those things that are most important and have the most significant impact. We always want to ensure that these get our attention before anything else. The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 Rule, states that 80% of our results typically come from 20% of our efforts. By identifying and concentrating on that 20% we can achieve great results.
“Keep it simple, stupid”
This encourages people to not overcomplicate things and focus on the basics. As humans we typically suffer from complexity bias, or the tendency to believe that complex solutions are better than simple ones. The opposite is more often true, and if we just stick to the basics and have the discipline to do them over and over again, success will follow.
“It works if you work it”
The point of this phrase is to emphasize the importance of taking action. You can spend all your time planning and know all the processes required to get from point A to point B, but without taking action and putting in the work you’ll go nowhere. Progress doesn’t just happen by accident, but through our consistent and focused efforts.
