| # | Character Defect | Definition (1 sentence) | Example in Real Life | My Personal Example | Opposite Virtue | | :-- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Resentment | Re-living past wrongs as present pain. | Bitter about a 3-year-old review. | Write yours | Forgiveness | | 2 | Selfishness | Self-interest at the expense of others. | Eating the last pizza slice. | Write yours | Generosity | | 3 | Dishonesty | Withholding truth to manipulate. | Lying to your therapist. | Write yours | Honesty | | 4 | Fear | Anxiety without objective evidence. | Refusing to drive highways. | Write yours | Faith/Courage | | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
A character defect is an undesirable trait or shortcoming in a person’s thinking or behavior, often used in the context of 12-step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to identify personal challenges that fuel addiction or harmful behaviors www.recreatebehavioralhealth.com
In Step 5 of AA/NA, you share your list with "God, yourself, and another human being" (usually a sponsor). However, the PDF format is ideal for personal journaling. Do not upload your personal defect list to the cloud unless it is encrypted.
The journey of self-improvement and recovery is rarely a straight line; it is often a process of excavation. We dig deep to uncover the roots of our behaviors, and in doing so, we often encounter what recovery circles and psychologists refer to as "character defects." Whether you are working through a 12-step program, engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy, or simply striving for personal growth, identifying these traits is the first step toward removing the barriers that stand between you and a peaceful life.