Daily Inventory vs Evening Review: Why They’re Not the Same Thing

When I first came into AA, I thought a Daily Inventory and an Evening Review were just two ways of saying the same thing. People around me used the terms loosely, and I figured it was all about jotting down where I messed up and praying before bed. It took some time, and some good sponsorship, to realize they are not the same thing at all. Both are important, but they serve very different purposes in the program.

The Daily Inventory is part of Step 10. It’s not something you wait until bedtime to do. It’s a living practice of watching yourself as you go through the day. Step 10 tells us to continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it. That word “promptly” matters. If I get irritated in traffic and yell at a stranger, or if I snap at my spouse or co-worker, Step 10 gives me the tools to see it right then and there. I can pause, ask God to remove the defect, make it right if I’ve caused harm, and then turn my attention back to helping someone else. A Daily Inventory keeps the slate from filling up with unchecked resentments, fears, and self-centered behaviors. It’s how I stay spiritually balanced moment to moment.

The Evening Review, on the other hand, is part of Step 11. Step 11 is all about prayer and meditation, improving our conscious contact with God as we understand Him. The Evening Review isn’t about quick corrections during the day. It’s about reflection. It’s the time at night when I quietly look back on my day with my Higher Power. Where was I selfish? Where was I kind? Did I rely on fear or faith? Did I pause when agitated or run on self-will? The point isn’t to beat myself up but to see clearly, with God’s help, where I can grow tomorrow. The Evening Review gives me the chance to reset my spiritual condition before I close my eyes.

Here’s the key difference: Step 10 is about staying current. Step 11 is about staying connected. If I only take an Evening Review, I risk carrying a lot of wreckage all day long before I even look at it. If I only do Step 10 and skip Step 11, I might clean up mistakes but miss out on deepening my relationship with God. One keeps me clear, the other keeps me close.

Over time I’ve come to see that both are essential. Step 10 helps me not drag today’s baggage into tomorrow. Step 11 helps me live with more guidance than I can ever provide myself. Daily Inventory and Evening Review are not the same—but together, they’re part of the rhythm of a sober life.

There’s lots of AA meetings available to attend in-person or virtually. If you’re struggling with drinking, seek out the help you need, you can’t do it on your own. I know I couldn’t do it on my own and still can’t.

Find a sponsor that will take you through the steps as outlined in the book. You’ll see more of the truth about who you are and eventually it’ll change your life.

Change Your Truth, Change Your Life.

Haler Smith