Many people mistakenly believe that positive thinking is only about happy thoughts and putting on a brave face in the face of adversity. However, positive thinking is much more than that. Positive thinking is rooted in positive core beliefs.

Positive core beliefs are the beliefs that you hold about yourself, others, and the world around you. They shape your view of reality and influence your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. When you have positive core beliefs, you see the world in a positive light and believe that good things will happen to you.

This sets you up for success in all areas of your life. So if you want to reap the benefits of positive thinking, start by developing positive core beliefs.

Core Beliefs – Examples Of Core Beliefs

We all have heard of the term “core beliefs” before, but what exactly are they? Core beliefs are the fundamental beliefs that we have about ourselves and the world around us. They shape our worldviews and guide our actions and decisions. 

There are four main types of core beliefs: 

• Beliefs about the self. 
• Beliefs about others. 
• Beliefs about the world. 
• Beliefs about God or a higher power. 

Most of us have a mix of all four types of core beliefs, but one or two may be more dominant for any given individual. 

For example, someone who has a strong core belief in their own abilities (beliefs about the self) may tend to take on challenging tasks and pursue their goals with confidence. Someone who believes that people are generally good and trustworthy (beliefs about others) may be more likely to help others and build close relationships. 

Our core beliefs can impact every area of our lives – from our relationships and career choices to how we react to stress and adversity. 

Understanding our core beliefs can help us to make better decisions, become more resilient in the face of challenges, and live a more fulfilling life.

Negative And Positive Core Beliefs 

We all have a set of core beliefs that guide our actions and shape our worldview. These beliefs can be either positive or negative, and they can influence everything from our relationships to our career choices. 

Some examples of positive core beliefs include things like “I am worthy of love and respect,” or “I am capable of achieving my goals.” These beliefs give us the confidence and motivation to pursue our dreams. 

Negative core beliefs, on the other hand, can hold us back and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Some examples of negative core beliefs include “I am not good enough,” or “I will never be successful.” These beliefs can box us in and make us feel like we are powerless to change our circumstances. 

The good news is that we can choose to change our core beliefs, both positive and negative. By doing this, we can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

Positive Core Beliefs About Self

Just as our bodies have a core made up of muscles, bones, and organs, we also have a core made up of our beliefs. Our beliefs are like the foundation of a house – they support everything we think, feel and do. They influence the way we see ourselves, the way we interact with others, and the choices we make in life.

It’s important to have positive core beliefs about ourselves because they act as a compass, guiding us through life. When we have clear and positive beliefs about who we are and what we’re capable of, it’s easier to make decisions that are in alignment with our values.

We’re also more likely to take risks, follow our dreams and pursue our goals. Having positive core beliefs is like having an inner cheerleader – it gives us the confidence to go after what we want in life.

Some examples of positive core beliefs about ourselves might be: “I am worthy of love and respect,” “I am capable of achieving my goals,” or “I am valuable just as I am.” What are some of your positive core beliefs about yourself?

Think about how these beliefs make you feel – powerful, confident, influential. Now imagine how your life would be different if you didn’t have these beliefs. Would you still go after your dreams? Would you still take risks? Would you still pursue your goals? 

Positive core beliefs about self involve feeling good about oneself, having high self-esteem, and believing that you are capable and competent. People with positive core beliefs about self tend to be more successful in life, as they are more likely to take risks and pursue their goals.

They are also more resilient in the face of adversity, as they believe in their ability to overcome challenges. However, it is important to remember that everyone has both positive and negative core beliefs about themselves. What matters most is how you choose to focus your attention and energy.

Positive Core Beliefs About Others

People generally have positive core beliefs about others. These might include that people are basically good, or that they are worthy of love and respect.

These beliefs provide a foundation for our interactions with others and help us to see the best in them. They also motivate us to treat others well, even when they don’t seem to deserve it.

Some common positive core beliefs about others include: 

• People are basically good. 
• People are capable of change. 
• People are worthy of respect. 
• People are deserving of love and compassion. 

These beliefs can shape our interactions in a positive way. For example, if we believe that people are basically good, then we will be more likely to see the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. If we believe that people are capable of change, then we will be more likely to encourage them and help them along their journey.

And if we believe that people are worthy of respect, then we will treat them with dignity and kindness. 

Positive core beliefs about others can make the world a better place, by helping us to act with kindness and compassion. They can also help us to build strong relationships, based on mutual trust and respect. So if you’re looking for a way to make the world a better place, start by examining your own core beliefs about others. You might be surprised at how much impact they can have.

34 Examples Of Positive Core Beliefs 

Many of our beliefs are positive and help us to lead happy and fulfilling lives. Here are some examples of positive core beliefs:

1. I am worthy of love and respect.
2. I am capable and competent.
3. I am a valuable person.
4. I am worth my weight in gold.
5. I am good enough, just as I am.
6. I have the power to create my own reality.
7. I am limitless and powerful.
8. Everything happens for a reason.
9. All is well in my world.
10. There is always a silver lining.
11. I am a good person.
12. I am worthy of happiness.
13. I deserve to be happy and fulfilled.
14. I can do anything I set my mind to.
15. My mistakes do not define me.
16. I am learning and growing every day.
17. Life is a journey, not a destination.
18. I am confident in myself and my abilities.
19. I am a good person and I do good things.
20. I am grateful for what I have.
21. Life is an adventure and I am excited to see what comes next.
22. All experience is valuable and has something to teach me.
23. Everything will work out in the end.
24. People are basically good at heart.
25. I deserve the best
26. I am in control of my own life.
27. I am able to handle whatever comes my way.
28. I am deserving of the best that life has to offer.
29. There is always something to be grateful for.
30. I am worthy of forgiveness. 
31. I am capable of change. 
32. I have control over my own destiny. 
33. My thoughts and feelings matter. 
34. I am connected to something larger than myself. 

These are just a few examples of positive core beliefs – there are many, many more. But as you can see, these beliefs all have one thing in common: they are empowering. They give us a sense of control over our lives and help us to see ourselves in a positive light. 

When we have positive core beliefs, we feel good about ourselves and our ability to cope with whatever life throws our way. We approach obstacles with confidence, knowing that we have the inner strength and resources to overcome them.

We believe in our ability to create the life we want for ourselves, and we are more likely to take risks and pursue our dreams. In short, positive core beliefs give us hope – hope for ourselves, hope for the future, and hope for humanity. And that is why they are so important.

Identifying The Positive Core Beliefs

Positive core beliefs are important because they act as a foundation for happiness and success. Everyone has them, but not everyone is aware of them. In order to identify your positive core beliefs, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. What are some things that you are absolutely confident in? 
2. What are some things that you know without a doubt make you happy? 
3. What do you love doing more than anything else? 
4. What are your biggest strengths and talents? 
5. What makes you feel most fulfilled in life?

Here are some other ways to identify your core beliefs:

• Pay attention to your self-talk: what do you say to yourself on a regular basis? 
• Notice your automatic reactions: how do you react when something happens that challenges one of your beliefs? 
• Listen to your more negative emotions: what do they tell you about what you believe? 
• Ask yourself what you would have to believe in order to feel the way you do: this can help you to get at the root of your beliefs. 

After answering these questions, you will have a better understanding of your positive core beliefs. 

Nurturing And Protecting Positive Core Beliefs: 10 Easy Ways

Once you know what they are, it’s important to nurture and protect them! Here are some tips for doing just that:

1. Make Time For Self-Reflection 

When life gets busy, it can be easy to forget what you believe in. That’s why it’s important to make time for self-reflection. Checking in with yourself on a regular basis can help you nurture and protect your positive core beliefs.

Self-reflection can take many forms.

You might journal about your values, or reflect on your positive experiences. Maybe you write down things you’re grateful for each day, or brainstorm ways to live your values more fully. Whatever approach you take, the goal is to get in touch with what matters most to you.

When you take the time to reflect on your positive core beliefs, you may find that they become even stronger. Additionally, self-reflection can help you identify any negative beliefs that may have snuck in. Once you’re aware of them, you can work on letting them go.

Making time for self-reflection is a powerful way to nurture and protect your positive core beliefs. By taking some time to check in with yourself, you can keep your values front and center in your life – no matter what challenges come your way.

2. Write Down Your Thoughts And Feelings 

It’s no secret that writing can be therapeutic. Putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper (or in a digital document) can help you to process them and make sense of them. This is especially true for positive core beliefs.

When you take the time to write down what you believe, it can help to nurture and protect those beliefs. It can be a way to reaffirm your positive view of yourself, even when outside forces might be trying to bring you down.

And it can be a reminder of what’s important to you when you feel lost or confused. Putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be a very helpful way of reinforcing your positive core beliefs. It also allows you to track your progress over time! 

3. Share your beliefs with others. 

If you have positive core beliefs, sharing them with others can help nurture and protect those beliefs. Here’s how:

• Talking about your positive core beliefs can help you clarify and better understand them. This understanding can make your beliefs stronger.
• Sharing your positive core beliefs with others can help spread those beliefs to other people. This can create a positive feedback loop, where more people believe in the same positive things, which in turn strengthens those beliefs even further.
• Discussing your positive core beliefs with others can also help you find like-minded people who can support you in living out those beliefs. Surrounding yourself with people who share your positive outlook can make it easier to maintain that outlook, even when times are tough.

When you share your positive core beliefs with others, it helps to strengthen them even further. It can also be a great way of inspiring others to find their own positive core beliefs! 

4. Acknowledge When They’re Tested 

Negative experiences can sometimes cause our positive core beliefs to be tested. When this happens, it’s important to acknowledge that these beliefs are still there, even if they’re momentarily hidden from view.

This can help us to nurture and protect our positive core beliefs, even when they’re being challenged. Here are some tips for acknowledging and protecting your positive core beliefs:

• Recognize when your positive core beliefs are being challenged. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to be aware of when your positive core beliefs are being put to the test.
• Acknowledge that your positive core beliefs are still there. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to remember that your positive core beliefs are still there, even if they’re hidden from view.
• Nurture and protect your positive core beliefs. This can be done by actively working to uphold your positive core beliefs, and by surrounding yourself with people and things that support your positive core beliefs.

5. Meditate On Your Positive Core Beliefs Daily

Believing in yourself is essential for achieving success in any area of life. When you have positive core beliefs, you’ll be more likely to take risks, persevere through setbacks, and ultimately reach your goals.

However, positive core beliefs don’t just happen – they need to be nurtured and protected.

One way to do this is by meditating on your positive core beliefs daily. This doesn’t need to be a lengthy or complicated process – simply spend a few minutes each day focusing on your positive core beliefs. As you do this, you’ll find that your positive core beliefs become stronger and more resilient.

Ultimately, meditating on your positive core beliefs is an essential practice for anyone who wants to achieve success in life.

6. Create An Affirmation Statement Based On Your Positive Core Beliefs 

We all have positive core beliefs, but sometimes they can get buried under all the negativity in the world. If you want to nurture and protect your positive core beliefs, one way to do it is to create an affirmation statement based on those beliefs.

For example, if you believe that you are a capable and competent person, your affirmation statement might be “I am confident and capable.”

Then, every day, take a few minutes to recite your affirmation statement out loud. This will help to keep your positive core beliefs at the forefront of your mind, and over time, they will become stronger and more resistant to negative influences.

7. Celebrate Your Successes

Celebrating your successes, big and small, is a great way to affirm your positive core beliefs. Doing so can help nurture and protect your positive core beliefs because it allows you to take stock of the progress you’ve made.

It can also serve as a reminder that you are capable of achieving your goals.

When you celebrate your successes, you are sending a powerful message to yourself that you are on the right track. This can be a valuable source of motivation when you encounter setbacks. This could be anything from treating yourself to a new book after finishing a project at work to taking a trip to Italy after getting tenure.

By taking the time to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, you are affirming your positive core beliefs and reminding yourself that you are capable of achieving great things. The more you do this, the stronger your positive core beliefs will become, and the more resilient you will be in the face of life’s challenges.

8. Avoid Comparing Yourself To Others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to others. We see someone who is thinner, richer, and more successful, and it can make us feel inferior. But the comparison is a dangerous game.

It can lead us to doubt our self-worth and question our positive core beliefs.

remind yourself that everyone is on their own journey and that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your own accomplishments. Surround yourself with people who build you up and make you feel good about yourself.

When you nurture and protect your positive core beliefs, you will be happier and more fulfilled.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals can help nurture and protect your positive core beliefs. It can be easy to get caught up in big dreams and forget about the smaller steps that need to be taken to get there. When you take the time to set realistic goals, you give yourself a chance to achieve success and feel good about yourself.

This, in turn, supports your positive core beliefs.

Achieving small goals also gives you a sense of forward momentum and keeps you motivated to continue working towards your larger goals. In short, setting realistic goals is an important part of protecting and nurturing your positive core beliefs.

10. Deal With Stress In A Healthy Way

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives, and it can be tough to deal with. However, did you know that how you deal with stress can actually help nurture and protect your positive core beliefs? Here’s how:

• When you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and think positive thoughts. This will help strengthen your positive core beliefs.
• Write down your positive core beliefs somewhere where you can see them every day. Reading them regularly will help remind you of what’s important to you and help keep stress in perspective.
• Talk to someone who shares your positive core beliefs. This could be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Talking about your beliefs with someone else can help reaffirm them and make them feel more real.

Dealing with stress in a healthy way can do more than just improve your mood – it can also help nurture and protect your positive core beliefs!

Tips For Changing Negative Core Beliefs Into Positive Core Beliefs

Most of us have at least one negative core belief that holds us back in life. Maybe you believe you’re not good enough, or that you’ll never amount to anything. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to realize that these beliefs are just opinions – they don’t have to define you or dictate your actions.

Here are 12 tips for changing negative core beliefs into positive ones:

1. Start by accepting that your negative core beliefs are just that: beliefs. They are not necessarily true, and you can change them if you want to.
2. Explore where the belief came from. try to trace the belief back to its origins. Was it something someone said to you? An experience you had? Once you know where it came from, you can start to question why you believe it.
3. Challenge your negative core beliefs. This means actively questioning whether they are actually true. Often, we believe our negative core beliefs without really thinking about them, so taking the time to do this is important.
4. Find evidence that contradicts your negative core beliefs. This can be challenging, but it is worth it! If you can find evidence that supports your positive core beliefs instead, that is even better.
5. Focus on positive self-talk. Replace critical thoughts about yourself with kind, supportive ones. This will help to reinforce your positive core beliefs.
6. Do something out of your comfort zone. When we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, we often surprise ourselves with what we’re capable of. This can help break down negative core beliefs and replace them with positive ones
7. Practice gratitude. Being grateful for the good things in your life helps to reinforce the idea that you deserve happiness and success.
8. Take action towards your goals. Seeing yourself make progress towards your goals will help to strengthen your positive core beliefs.
9. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and support your dreams. These people can help to reinforce your positive core beliefs and keep you motivated when things get tough.
10. Question the evidence. Take a close look at the evidence for and against your beliefs. Are there supporting facts or is it all based on assumptions?
11. Start small. You don’t have to completely overhaul your beliefs overnight. Just begin with baby steps – Challenging one small belief at a time.
12. Seek professional help. If you find that you can’t seem to shake your negative core beliefs on your own, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. With time and effort, it is possible to change negative core beliefs into positive ones. It might not happen overnight, but taking small steps in the right direction can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and your life.

Takeaway

It’s important to have positive core beliefs because they act as a foundation for our lives. They give us a sense of meaning and purpose and help us to cope with adversity. When we have positive core beliefs, we’re more likely to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

We’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growth. So if you’re looking to build a happy and fulfilling life, it’s worth cultivating positive core beliefs. If you don’t have any positive core beliefs yet, that’s OK – there’s never too late to start developing them. Why not begin today?

References

Otani, K., Suzuki, A., Matsumoto, Y., & Shirata, T. (2018). Marked differences in core beliefs about self and others, between sociotropy and autonomy: personality vulnerabilities in the cognitive model of depression. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 14, 863–866. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s161541

Osmo, F., Duran, V., Wenzel, A., Reis de Oliveira, I., Nepomuceno, S., Madeira, M., & Menezes, I. (2018). The Negative Core Beliefs Inventory: Development and Psychometric Properties. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 32(1), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.32.1.67

Dibdin, E. (2022, January 26). What Are Core Beliefs and How Do They Affect Your Health? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/core-beliefs-examples