Boleo

Since you asked... I am one of those bar-stool philosophers who believe we only have the illusion of self-will or self-control. Yeah, we sometimes get what we want with diligence, tenacity and assertiveness, but we just as often chase prosperity away with too much assertiveness. What the 12 steps are IMNSHO is a natural/non-assertive way of life. One where we simply do our part in the grand scheme of things. Doing "ONLY OUR PART"
- never stepping on other peoples part or our HP's role. However, I don't believe the 12 steps are the only "way" to live a natural, non-assertive or non-judgmental lifestyle. IMO what the 12 steps are, in fact, is the reinvention of the ancient art of "Wu Wei" found within Taoism:

The Tao, in the broadest sense, is the “way” the universe functions, or the “path” taken by natural events. Tao is the first-cause of the universe as opposed to the creator of it. It is characterized by spontaneous creativity and by repetitious cyclical alternations of phenomena (such as day following night) that proceed without effort. Effortless action (wu wei) may be illustrated by the conduct of water, which unresistingly accepts the lowest level and yet wears away the hardest substance. As the Tao operates without prejudice in the universe, so should mankind disavow assertive, biased or purposive action. The Taoist life is not, however, a life of total inactivity. It is rather a life of unbiased action (wu-wei).
Much of the essence of Tao is in the art of “wu wei” (action through inaction). Non-forceful, going with the grain or flexing with the wind. This does not mean, "sit on your ass and wait for everything to fall into your lap." What it really means is a practice of minimal harmonious action. It is the practice of going against the stream not by struggling but by standing still and letting the stream carry you forward. Water nourishes everything yet strives at nothing.
Taoism is based on the recognition that the reality as perceived is included within but not comprehensive of the Tao (a tree is not made of wood, a tree is wood). So long as there is a notion of ourselves as something different from the Tao, all kinds of tensions build up between “self” on the one hand and real world “experiences” on the other. Cultures which limit the definition of self to the facility of consciousness, attribute unconscious workings to an external God. To label the Tao as an unconscious energy is as much off the point as to conceive of it as a personal ruler, such as God. Tao often goes unnoticed because the true Tao wishes to remain anonymous.
Stated positively: Tao is a life expressing the "self-so" (essence of spontaneity). This allows self to manifest the simple, reduce selfishness and have few desires. Each believer's goal is to become one with the Tao. In realizing that you are one with the Tao, you automatically “manifest” the power of Tao. However, power, as with grace, is something which no one individual should lay claim to. The power lies outside the individual.
Tao people never try, they “do”. To “do” means to provide the action and let the Tao provide the results. Tao people are detached from judgment and do not waste time on self-criticism. Tao people never struggle to be great, which is how true greatness is achieved.
Just as superior Taoists do not aim at the Tao, superior virtue is not aimed at virtue. Superior virtue is not intentional virtue, intentional virtue is considered to be inferior virtue. Superior virtue uses no force yet leaves nothing left undone. Inferior virtue struggles by using force but leaves much left undone. When good deeds are accomplished, we should not claim or point to them (humility). Those who know they do not know are on the quickest road to wisdom.
Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices they will show this compassion without expecting a reward." A Taoist is kind to other individuals; largely because such an action tends to be reciprocated (what goes around comes around).
The ancient Taoists understood the “secret of art” and “the art of living”. Living with Tao is like working with wood; one must never go against the grain. To be skillful and creative, they had to have inner spiritual concentration and put aside concern with external values, such as monetary rewards, fame, and praise. The “Three Jewel Virtues” to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility. Art, like life, followed the creative path of nature, not the values of human society.