Are Your Core Beliefs Helpful or Harmful?

Core beliefs are the deeply held assumptions we carry about ourselves, others, and the world. They shape how we interpret experiences, respond to challenges, and make decisions. While some core beliefs can empower us—such as “I am capable of overcoming challenges”—others may be limiting, like “I will never be good enough.” Understanding whether your core beliefs are helpful or harmful is an important step toward improving mental health and emotional well-being.

Helpful core beliefs promote confidence, resilience, and positive self-worth. They guide you to take healthy risks, maintain supportive relationships, and face obstacles with determination. On the other hand, harmful core beliefs often lead to negative thinking patterns, anxiety, depression, or feelings of inadequacy. These beliefs can form from early life experiences, trauma, or repeated negative feedback, but the good news is—they can be changed.

A simple way to assess your core beliefs is to pay attention to your self-talk. When you face a setback, do you tell yourself, “I can learn from this,” or “I always fail”? Helpful beliefs encourage growth and problem-solving, while harmful ones reinforce fear and self-doubt. Identifying these patterns is the first step in replacing limiting beliefs with healthier, more supportive ones.

Working with a therapist can be especially beneficial in reshaping harmful core beliefs. Through approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you can challenge distorted thinking, reframe negative patterns, and build a more empowering mindset. By recognizing which beliefs hold you back and strengthening the ones that lift you up, you can cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

Lisa Landry specializes in discovering your core beliefs, understanding them, and changing them.