What is the difference between core beliefs and core values, and how can uncovering your values help you create a more meaningful life?
Creating change in your life involves adopting and maintaining new mental and behavioural habits that correspond with your inner values and interests (Ryan & Deci, 2000). This matters because people more often follow through with behaviours driven by intrinsic motivations that align with their true selves and fulfil these internal needs. A recent study found that concentrating on recognizing and behaving in line with your values improved well-being, increased self-awareness, fostered a sense of coherence, and emphasized meaning, which lowered symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (Russo-Netzer & Atad, 2024).
So, what are core beliefs and core values?
1. Core Beliefs: Core beliefs are assumptions or convictions about ourselves, others, and the world, which can influence how we interpret experiences, make judgments, and view reality. They often operate without awareness and have the power to influence thoughts, feelings, and actions, either in a positive and supportive way or a negative and harmful one. Core beliefs focus on the self (for example, I am capable or I am not capable), others (such as people can or cannot be trusted), and the world (the world is or is not fair). These are often shaped by personal experiences, culture, upbringing, and education. They can be flexible and evolve over time as we gain new insights and experiences. Reflecting on and challenging unhelpful core beliefs can improve decision-making, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
2. Core Values: Core values are principles or standards that guide behavior and decision-making. They are what we consider important, meaningful, or worthwhile in life, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, or loyalty. Values guide us in prioritising actions and making decisions that reflect our personal purpose, serving as a lasting compass for staying true to ourselves. As individuals encounter different viewpoints and life experiences, their values may shift.
Key Differences:
· Beliefs are assumptions about reality, whereas values are deeply held principles for action; i.e. believing in the importance of honesty is a core belief, where consistently practicing honesty in daily life reflects a core value.
· Beliefs often underpin values and can affect how we think about ourselves and the world, whereas values can directly guide behaviour and decision-making.
· Beliefs are your opinions on what’s true—they vary with context, can evolve, and rely on information whereas values are core principles that define what matters to you
· Inherited or internalized beliefs from others should not be confused with authentic personal values. It can be exhausting trying to live someone’s else’s values.
· Beliefs can support or block living by your values. For example, if you value connection but believe you are unlikable it may hinder you from meeting people.
· Beliefs can change with new evidence or experiences. Values are more stable and enduring and central to your identity.
Relationship Between Beliefs and Values
There is a strong connection between beliefs and values. Our beliefs often underpin our values. For example, believing creativity is essential may lead to valuing innovation and originality. Values can reinforce certain beliefs by guiding the choices we make and the behaviours we prioritize. Together they form the foundation of our identity, influencing our interactions, goals, and sense of fulfillment.
Practical Implications
Understanding the distinction between beliefs and values can enhance self-awareness and personal growth. By identifying core beliefs, we can recognize limiting assumptions and challenge them if necessary. Clarifying core values helps us decide aligned with what truly matters, leading to greater purpose, satisfaction and authenticity in life. Essentially, beliefs provide the foundation of a worldview, while values eliminate the path for our actions, creating a coherent framework for living intentionally and meaningfully.
Living in alignment with core beliefs and values promotes authenticity, reduce internal conflict, and enhances psychological well-being. Identifying your core values can clarify priorities, guide goal setting, and foster personal growth. Example: a value like compassion may lead to volunteering or helping others, or if health is a core value, may prioritize health and nutrition.
Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Determine What Your Values Are:
· Does this value energize me or exhaust me?
· Is it something that feels naturally motivating or more like a duty?
· Am I able to explain why I possess this value, or did I merely internalize it?
The Values and Beliefs Chart: This is a tool to organize visually your personal principles, ideals, and priorities. Allows you to reflect on what matters most, group similar values, and narrow them down to a core set that guides your behaviour, decisions, and life goals.
To create your chart:
1. List potential values, start with a broad list.
2. Categorize values, group similar values together. For example, you can group adventures, fun, and excitement under joy and exploration.
3. Prioritize core values. Narrow your list to 5 to 10 core values that best represent who you are or aspire to be.
4. Reflect on beliefs. Note the beliefs or principles that support it. For example, growth is a value; a supportive belief might be that learning improves life satisfaction.
| Value | Belief / Principle | Action Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Integrity | Honesty builds trust and respect | Speak truthfully, keep promises |
| Compassion | Helping others improves community and self | Volunteer, listen actively, mentor |
| Courage | Facing challenges strengthens character | Take calculated risks, speak up |
| Growth | Continuous learning leads to personal success | Read daily, take courses, reflect weekly |
Resources: There are many free values exploration sites you can explore such as:
References:
Russo-Netzer, P. & Atad, O. (2024). Activating values intervention: An integrative pathway to well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1375237. https://10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1375237
Ryan, R. & Deci, E. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Cathy Jackson
Registered Provisional Psychologist
