Move up only when the current step is manageable

Advance to the next rung when peak distress on the current one is consistently below 30 SUDs — not before.

Why it works

Attempting a step that is far above current capacity produces overwhelming distress that sensitizes rather than extinguishes, and risks traumatic conditioning that makes the feared situation more aversive. Pacing preserves self-efficacy: small, completed successes build the expectation of future success (Bandura’s mastery experiences).

How to do it

1. Complete each rung at least twice, on separate days, with peak SUDs ending below 30.
2. If a rung feels too big, insert a sub-step between the current rung and the next.
3. Keep a written record of completions — the visible track record itself builds confidence.
4. Celebrate the move up; do not dismiss it as "just a small step."

Evidence

Self-efficacy theory predicts — and habituation research confirms — that mastery experiences at achievable difficulty levels increase both confidence and motivation to attempt the next challenge. (mechanistic)

The specific SUDs threshold of 30 is a clinical rule of thumb, not a precisely derived cutoff — the principle (proceed when manageable) is what matters.

Sources

• Bandura (1977), self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change, Psychological Review

Common mistake

Rushing up the ladder after a single good session, skipping to the hardest items, which then overwhelms and confirms the belief that the fear cannot be faced.