What are core beliefs and how can they affect you?

Past experiences can help shape our view of ourselves and the world around us. Things we learn, including during childhood, can influence how we respond to situations and what we come to expect from ourselves and others. They also help us to form our view of the world and our beliefs about ourselves, other people and the world in general - we call these core beliefs.

These beliefs can affect our behaviour, attitude to self and others, and our thoughts and feelings. As we continue through life, we have other experiences, some add to our learning, and some reinforce earlier learning and beliefs.

However, not all of what we learn is positive and empowering to us. For example, a frightening experience seen through the eyes of a small child might leave them with the feeling that the world is not a safe place. An adult might view that experience differently, but if that experience contributed to a core belief in the child, that belief may continue to influence how they interpret situations later in life. Even as an adult, they may sometimes experience an underlying sense that the world isn't safe, without immediately recognising where that feeling comes from.

There are, of course, many core beliefs relating to all aspects of life and each of us may hold a number of them. Here are some examples of unhelpful core beliefs that people may recognise in themselves... see if you recognise any of yours...

• I'm not good enough
• I'm unlovable
• I can't do this
• It's not fair
• Something bad will happen
• Life is hopeless
• I'm hopeless
• I'm insignificant
• I must be perfect to be loved
• I'm bad
• Something must change for me to be OK
• People will take advantage of me
• People are out to get me
• I'm unforgivable
• The world is a dangerous place
• I must be in control
• People are too sensitive
• I'm not capable
• People must think well of me
• I'm helpless

We all have our own core beliefs, and some may influence how we interpret present-day situations and, at times, make it harder to respond in the way we'd like.

Try to notice when an unhelpful core belief might be influencing how you're interpreting a situation, and consider whether there could be another way of looking at it. With practice, you may find it gets easier.

If you would like support exploring beliefs that may be affecting your current goals, confidence or decisions, life coaching can provide space for reflection and help you consider different perspectives.