Week of February 1st

In addition to change, hope, and progress, there were events in January that reminded us of the importance of perseverance. As we thought on what it is to persevere, of course our DBT minds began to wonder, “well, what gets in the way of that in the first place?” I bet we all have an answer, and can list a number of obstacles to continuing on in the presence of difficulty. This week we would like you to consider the role judgments might play in your effort to persevere.

Judgments serve important functions when we factor in the role it plays in safety, values, and opinions. Simultaneously, chronic patterns of negative judgments of our/others problems, situations, behavior, etc., can lead us down a path of Active Passivity. Active Passivity is the opposite of perseverance in that we are avoiding being effective in problem-solving challenges. By choosing to persevere, we radically accept adversity, say ‘yes’ to problem-solving, and let go of stewing in judgments in the process.

If you were to let go of negative judgments of yourself and others, what problems could you solve? What do negative judgments help you to avoid?