💡 CATEGORY 1: Willingness Basics
What is willingness?
Listening to your Wise Mind and doing what works, being flexible, being open, accepting, and willing to engage when things aren't the way you want it
What is willfulness?
Refusing to accept reality or tolerate a situation or giving up completely, being inflexible.
ex - "why me?"
What does “Turning the Mind” mean?
Choosing acceptance when your mind wants to reject reality
What’s one small action that shows willingness?
Taking a deep breath, staying calm, or following directions
What’s the opposite of willfulness?
Willingness
Willingness means listening to your __________ to decide the best course of action.
Wise Mind
What are physical signs of willfulness?
Tight muscles, rolling eyes, crossed arms
What is the first step of Turning the Mind?
Notice you’re not accepting reality
What can you do when you feel yourself becoming willful?
Pause, notice it, and turn your mind toward willingness
What’s one emotion that often fuels willfulness?
Anger, resentment, or frustration
What is one way to show willingness with your body language?
Relaxed posture, half-smile, open hands
What’s a common thought that shows willfulness?
“This isn’t fair!” or “I shouldn’t have to!”
What are you doing when you “turn your mind”?
Recommitting to acceptance again and again
How does “participating fully” show willingness?
You engage in the moment without resisting or avoiding
What’s one thing you can say to yourself to practice Turning the Mind?
“I choose acceptance.” or “I can’t control this, but I can cope.”
True or False: Willingness means giving up and doing nothing.
False — it means doing what’s effective
True or False: Willfulness helps you stay calm and effective.
False — it keeps you stuck in resistance
What kind of moment is Turning the Mind compared to?
A fork in the road — choosing acceptance or rejection
What two body-based practices help increase willingness?
Half Smile and Willing Hands
What skill helps you when your mind keeps going back to rejecting reality?
Turning the Mind
Why is willingness important in DBT?
It helps you move forward, cope with distress, and reduce suffering
When you notice willfulness, what question can help you shift to willingness?
“What’s the threat?”
How can Turning the Mind reduce suffering?
It helps you stop fighting reality and focus on what you can control
What does “doing what works” mean in DBT?
Choosing the most effective action instead of reacting emotionally
How are willfulness and rejecting reality connected?
Willfulness keeps you fighting what is; acceptance helps you move forward