Self-Trust Basics
This is built when you consistently do what you say you’re going to do.
What is self-trust?
This part of the brain helps with impulse control and decision-making.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This thinking pattern says, “If I can’t do it perfectly, why try?”
What is perfectionism?
One strategy for building self-trust is to start with commitments that are this.
What is small (or realistic)?
Following through often increases this feeling of pride and internal stability.
What is confidence?
In recovery, internal trust becomes the foundation for.....
long-term sobriety/ emotional stability.
This simple cycle builds confidence: Commitment → Action → Completion → _______.
What is confidence (or increased self-trust)?
Each time you choose discipline over impulse, you are doing this to your brain.
What is rewiring (or strengthening neural pathways)?
This cognitive distortion involves extremes with no middle ground.
What is all-or-nothing thinking?
This strategy means promising less so you can consistently succeed.
What is under-promising?
When you trust yourself, anxiety tends to do this.
What is decrease?
Following through is about behavior, not this feeling that often fades.
What is motivation?
In addiction, this system becomes overactivated, reinforcing impulsive behavior.
What is the brain’s reward system?
Overcommitting often leads to this emotional experience when goals aren’t met.
What is shame (or guilt)?
Visually marking completed tasks increases this brain chemical linked to reward.
What is dopamine?
Identity-based change is more sustainable than this type of change.
What is motivation-based change?
Small, consistent actions help shift identity from “I’m unreliable” to this statement.
What is “I can rely on myself”?
Following through strengthens this ability to delay immediate gratification.
What is delayed gratification?
Avoiding discomfort lowers this important recovery skill.
What is distress tolerance?
When you miss a commitment, the key is to restart quickly instead of entering this emotional spiral.
What is a shame spiral?
Completing commitments helps create this sense of internal safety.
What is emotional stability (or internal safety)?
This negative cycle occurs when commitment leads to avoidance, then guilt and self-doubt.
What is breaking trust with yourself (or the self-doubt cycle)?
This mental skill improves when you consistently complete commitments.
What is executive functioning?
Fear of this often prevents people from setting goals in the first place.
What is failure?
Self-trust is built not in perfection, but in this repeated action.
What is restarting (or consistency)?
True or False: Self-trust is built through dramatic, life-changing moments rather than small daily choices.
What is False?