Turn Inward and Discover What’s Most Central, a Core Belief Exercise

Are you interested in discovering more about your authentic self?

Here’s a Belief Journaling Exercise to turn inward and discover what’s most central.  This belief exercise is powerful because our beliefs often drive how we think, feel, and behave.

Our beliefs often mirror our thought patterns. Much of the scaffolding of our lives is built on what we think about ourselves, others, and the world.  When we seek to gain more clarity about our viewpoints, we develop more agency over our reactions and behaviors. Thus, we can make more thoughtful, purposeful choices.

WHAT ARE YOUR CORE BELIEFS?

Your beliefs may have origins in your culture, the location where you were born or live, religion, spirituality, your lived experience, or your deepest desires.

The Many Types of Core Beliefs

• Self-related core beliefs such as, "I deserve to live a good life."  or  "I am resilient and can handle life's challenges."
• Other related core beliefs such as, "People are fundamentally loving and compassionate." 
• World related core beliefs such as, "Life is an adventure to be embraced."
• Morality related core beliefs such as, "Integrity is more important than success."
• Future Related Core Beliefs  such as, "Everything happens for a reason, and things work out in the end."
• Metaphysical Related Core Beliefs such as,  "My spirit guide has been my catalyst for raising my vibration."

 

Allow yourself to wonder about your beliefs while suspending any judgment.

 

This exercise involves excavating your beliefs through journaling on the following questions:

What are your convictions?

What is unshakable despite any situation and through all challenges?

What do you know to be true or what do you wish to be true?

Now, make a compilation list of personal beliefs by completing the following statements:

I believe in…

I believe that…

Take time to review your stated beliefs

What do your beliefs add to your life?

How do they influence your choices and path?.

Did any of your statements surprise you?

Are any of them positive affirmations you repeat to alter your mindset?

Are they sourced from magical or wishful thinking, or are they more practical, in other words evidence based?

How would it feel to share this list with others?

Are you open and vocal about your beliefs?

Do you keep some private?

Would you like to examine or question any in more depth?

Would you like to strengthen any of them?

Are your beliefs in alignment with who you feel you are and how you act?

This exercise is one step upon the path of coming to know and love yourself. It can also be a format for getting back in touch with self as you prepare to work through a major transition.

If you are facing a life threatening illness or faced with end of life issues, you can learn more about facing death work here.