Module 3. Emotion Regulation: (Discussion #4) ABC PLEASE - Build Mastery ("B")
DBTuesday is a series of posts where we explore skills and concepts from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
What is building mastery
The second emotion regulation skill in ABC PLEASE for reducing vulnerability to negative emotions is building mastery.
This means doing things you enjoy that give you a feeling of competence.
Benefits of building mastery
Improved self-esteem
Building mastery allows you to have some accomplishments that you can feel proud of. If you’re doing things that allow you to feel capable, it can counter thoughts that might say “I’m bad at everything” or “I’m worthless”.
Increased resilience
If you do happen to make a mistake or have an experience that causes you to feel unhappy with yourself, building mastery can buffer or protect you from the effects of that. You’ll have some positive things you can point to and remind yourself of.
Increased confidence
The more often you’re able to pursue and succeed at goals, the more likely you are to have confidence in succeeding at other future goals.
More likely to pursue opportunities
The more confidence you have and the more capable you believe you are, the more likely you are to pursue valuable opportunities when they are available.
Can use as a coping activity
If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or just bored, building mastery represents an activity that you can channel your energy into and fall back on as a distraction.
Tips for building mastery
Tap into existing hobbies
If there are things you are already talented at and interested in, those might be good options for building mastery.
Try something new
On the other hand, you could also try something completely new. 😊
Do it regularly
Similar to accumulating positive experiences, the more often you do it the more of an effect it will have. One possible suggestion might be 10 minutes daily.
Do things that are challenging
If you are doing something that is really easy or effortless, then succeeding at it won’t give you much of a boost in your sense of confidence, competence, or accomplishment.
Do things that aren’t impossible
Try to set reasonable goals and gradually increase them over time. If you have a big long-term goal, split it into smaller short-term goals.
If you’re feeling depressed, maybe just getting out of bed is a small but challenging goal that could be considered an accomplishment.
Give yourself credit
If you are accomplishing things, notice it and acknowledge it!
Reflection
What is a regular activity that can give you a sense of mastery?
Sources:
https://eymtherapy.com/blog/improve-self-esteem-and-confidence-by-building-mastery/
https://bayareadbtcc.com/22-build-mastery-cope-ahead/
https://dbt.tools/emotional_regulation/build-mastery.php
https://sunrisertc.com/abc-please-skills/
