Core beliefs are hard to define because they seem interchangeable with values. They’re also like an invisible backseat driver, telling you what to do and controlling how you behave.
If you’re curious about how core beliefs have the power to shape your life, you’ve come to the right place.
What Are Core Beliefs?
Core beliefs are deeply held perceptions about yourself & how you view the world. They have the power to shape your life because they often influence how you think & behave. Let’s explore the different types of core beliefs that might be steering your life.
Extrinsic core beliefs.
A core belief can be extrinsic, which is a type of belief that can be interpreted differently from person to person. For instance, someone might appear shocked and upset to person A. But to person B, they appear surprised. Both A & B believed their personal interpretation of the facial reaction, even though they were different.
Intrinsic core beliefs.
Core beliefs can also be internal. Take, for example, a child that is raised by a very critical parent. If a parent constantly tells the child that he is not good enough, the child can internalize the idea and interpret it as truth, thus believing he is not worthy.
Positive core beliefs:
- Good things always happen to me.
- There is good in all people.
- I am smart.
- I am worthy.
- People think I’m attractive.
- The world is an interesting and awesome place.
- I am more than capable at what I do.
Negative core beliefs:
- I am not worthy.
- I fail at everything I try.
- People are so judgmental.
- I can’t trust anyone.
- No one likes me.
- I will never find anyone to love.
- I am not smart enough.
“We heal ourselves on the mental level as we become aware of our core beliefs, release those that limit us, and open to more suportive ideas and greater understanding.” – Shakti Gawain
How Core Beliefs Affect You.
When we believe that we are safe, happy, and fulfilled, our bodies respond positively, which has a positive effect on our emotions and biochemistry.
When our core beliefs are associated with something negative, it can cause stress on our bodies.
When your body is under constant stress, it can result in symptoms like:
- indigestion
- heart palpitations
- insomnia
- headaches.
This is why negative core beliefs can limit us or hold us back.
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Dever.
How Core Beliefs Are Formed.
Core beliefs are formed in the brain, where your information is processed. They are shaped, as soon as you are born, by your surroundings and the people you live with.
They are also molded through your interactions and life experiences. For example, I used to believe that I had to have other people’s approval before I could love myself for who I am.
I would be nice, agreeable, and easy to get along with, just so others would like me. I no longer believe this or accept it as my truth, proving that beliefs are malleable, even though they lead us to believe otherwise.
Why Beliefs Are Hard To Change.
I used to think that you couldn’t change your beliefs, but this is not true at all. They only seem like undeniable truths that are ingrained into our DNA.
Long-standing beliefs, whether they are positive or negative beliefs, can be hard to change.
The brain can also become so desensitized to negative beliefs that it can feel familiar and even comfortable.
For instance, if a child is told over and over that she is not worthy, she believes it and has very little self-worth.
Even if she grows up to have a successful career but still believes that she’s unworthy, she will have trouble overcoming this belief.
A belief that is formed from an early age or is ingrained into someone requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to dig into a well of emotions.
Like the brain, however, beliefs are malleable and can be changed.
“Believe something and the Universe is on its way to being changed. Because you’ve changed, by believing.” – Diane Duane
How To Change Your Core Beliefs.
When a core belief doesn’t serve you anymore, holds you back, or limits you, then it’s time to change it.
Changing core beliefs can be hard. However, it’s a common misperception that beliefs cannot be changed because they can be masked inside our reality.
We first have to be aware of our core beliefs if we want to change them. This can take time and effort, but changing your limiting belief can help rewire your brain to let go of the old belief and create new, empowering beliefs.
- First, you have to identify your core beliefs.
- When they surface, just be curious.
- Make note of any feelings attached to them.
- Allow yourself to feel any emotions that come up.
- When you’re ready, imagine the old belief dissolving or floating away.
You’re probably going to repeat these steps many times but don’t worry because it’s going to take some patience and effort to change a long-held belief system.
“The most powerful beliefs are the ones I call core beliefs, because they tell you who you are. It’s critical to hold positive core beliefs and to activate them in your daily life. The more you activate your core beliefs, the more dynamic and transformed your reality will be.” – Deepak Chopra
Closing Thoughts.
A core belief is a deeply held belief about yourself and the world. Core beliefs can become so intertwined with our reality that even if we perceive them as negative, we believe them to be true.
This is why core beliefs can be hard to change because even a negative belief that feels familiar can give you a false sense of security.
However, core beliefs, like the brain, are malleable. You can change a limiting core belief that by becoming aware of it and how it affects your life.
I hope you found these tips to manage your core beliefs helpful. If you have any tips, please share in the comments!
More Helpful Articles.
If you want to learn about limiting beliefs and how they hold you back in life, read: Limiting beliefs and how they affect your life.
