Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Ian Morgan Cron on Using the Twelve Steps for Greater Self-Awareness and Recovery

Feb 3, 2025

Ian Morgan Cron, a bestselling author and Enneagram expert, dives into his new book, The Fix, detailing how the Twelve Steps can transform anyone's life, not just those facing addiction. He shares insights on the universal nature of addiction, from workaholism to perfectionism, emphasizing that everyone has self-destructive patterns to overcome. The importance of community in healing is highlighted, as well as practical steps for personal growth, making a compelling case for living with greater clarity and joy.

45:20

Episode guests

Ian Morgan Cron

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Quick takeaways

Addiction is a universal issue encompassing various behaviors beyond substances, highlighting that everyone exists on the addiction continuum.

The Twelve Steps serve as a transformative framework for personal growth and self-awareness, beneficial for all individuals regardless of addiction status.

Deep dives

The Universality of Addiction

Addiction is defined as an unhealthy, compulsive attachment to a person, behavior, or substance that has mood-altering effects and negative consequences. This definition expands beyond traditional views of addiction, which typically focus on substances like drugs and alcohol, acknowledging that behaviors such as workaholism, social media use, and even people-pleasing can also be forms of addiction. The discussion emphasizes that everyone exists somewhere on the addiction continuum, making it an 'us problem', not just an issue for those labeled as addicts. This perspective is crucial in destigmatizing addiction, and it underscores the importance of understanding that everyone can benefit from addressing their compulsive behaviors.

Intro

2min

The 12 Steps: A Path to Universal Recovery

10min

Exploring the Twelve Steps and the Concept of a Higher Power

4min

The Transformative Power of the Twelve Steps

13min

A Journey Through Recovery and Self-Discovery

2min

Personal Stories and Recovery Insights

10min

Embracing Transformation Through the Twelve Steps

4min

I’m excited to welcome back Ian Morgan Cron to the show to discuss his new book, The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between. Ian is a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram expert, and host of the Typology podcast. His latest book explores how the Twelve Steps, originally created for addiction recovery, offer profound transformation for anyone, regardless of whether they identify as an addict.

In this conversation, we cover:

The Universal Nature of Addiction: Ian explains how addiction isn't limited to substances but extends to workaholism, social media, perfectionism, and more. He emphasizes that everyone is on the addiction continuum in some way.
The Twelve Steps for Everyone: Ian walks us through how the Twelve Steps, originally written by Bill Wilson in 1939, serve as a framework for personal growth, self-awareness, and healing.
Breaking Free from Destructive Patterns: Highlighting his own recovery journey, Ian shares how recognizing self-destructive behaviors and working the steps has transformed his life.
The Power of Community in Healing: Ian discusses the importance of connection, support, and accountability in overcoming addiction and building a more fulfilling life.
A Practical Guide to Transformation: The Fix isn’t just for those struggling with addiction—it’s a roadmap for anyone who wants to live with greater clarity, integrity, and joy. Ian also introduces The Fix Workbook, a companion guide to help readers apply the Twelve Steps to their own lives.

Whether you’ve considered the Twelve Steps before or are hearing about them in a new light, The Fix offers a compelling case for why they can be life-changing for anyone.

Learn more about Ian and his work at IanMorganCron.com

Listen to Ian's previous appearances here:

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