Further on, clear-cut directions are given showing how we recovered. These are followed by forty-two personal experiences. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
We have found that our recovery is based on recognition of a Power greater than ourselves and active application to our lives of the principles contained in the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. (Paths to Recovery)
In a painting-by-numbers picture, since you have the outline, all you have to do is follow simple instructions, and you'll end up with a great picture. Without the outline and the instructions, a very talented and diligent painter might learn to paint great pictures, but only after years of training, and few are so naturally equipped.
The Steps, Traditions, and Concepts provide the outline and the instructions. All I have to do is follow them, and I get serviceable results rapidly.