In practice, Step Six may be one of the most difficult of the Twelve Steps, because we find that saying we're entirely ready and being entirely ready to take action are two very different things. What we are entirely ready for, actually, is to have the difficulties our defects have caused us removed while we hang on to the defects themselves.

When we work Step Six, we dedicate ourselves to a lifetime of growth and change... A willingness to change is the essence of Step Six. Change is always frightening, even when it's a much-needed and long-overdue change for the better...As we work Step Six we recognize and acknowledge our human fear of change. Then, because we are willing to go to any length for recovery from compulsive eating, we move ahead with this Step anyhow.

It may sometimes occur to some among us that we could carry the message most effectively through health camps, packaged meals, or restaurants. Why not? It seems very promising at first glance. But the experience of AA has shown us the pitfalls. If the OA name is used for one outside enterprise, no matter how well-meaning, it may then be applied to many others. Inevitably, some would not be to our credit. Then, too, we might lose sight of our primary purpose, carrying the message, in building up our profits and power. Personal power drives and desire for prestige would appear, and our ego demands would cause dissension. We find it necessary to keep the profit motive firmly separated from our Twelfth-Step work at all times. Freely it is given to us, and freely we give it away.