“A certain American businessman had ability, good sense, and high character. ... His physical and mental condition were unusually good. ... he had acquired ... a profound knowledge of the inner workings of his mind and its hidden springs ... he seemed quite rational and well-balanced with respect to other problems ... he was a good church member ... his religious convictions were very good” (Chapter 2, Big Book)
These advantages did not save the certain American businessman (CAB).
What he required was this: “... a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them,” (ibid.)
This makes life a lot easier for me. I do not need to acquire unobtainable virtues. I need merely acquire a few new ideas (‘conceptions’), namely the nothingness of self without God and God’s interest in taking charge of my life and His ability to do so, following by the adoption of new motives: the principles of the programme.
“Giving, rather than getting, will become the guiding principle.” (Chapter 9, ibid.)
“Suggest how important it is that he place the welfare of other people ahead of his own.” (Chapter 7, ibid.)
“with hearts and minds attuned to the welfare of others” (Chapter 11, ibid.)
Having adopted the conceptions and motives, a switch takes place, and rather than me employing these conceptions and motives, they, in their power, begin to dominate me.