CORE STORY AND BELIEFS

Something that we touched on when we were discussing motivation was ‘Thoughts’, and part of that was something we call our core story and core beliefs. Your core story and core beliefs are related concepts that contribute to your identity, but they differ in focus and scope.

Core Story

A core story is the overarching narrative that shapes your identity, comprising significant life experiences and personal reflections. Similar to a book’s narrative or the unique colours in a painting, your core story influences your beliefs, values, and perspectives on life.

Your core story emphasises the broader context of your life and includes a range of experiences, encounters, and impactful moments that have shaped your identity, beliefs, fears, and hopes.

It provides a comprehensive understanding of your life journey, offering insights into the development of your core beliefs.

Use the worksheet to help you map out the important moments in your early life.

Core Beliefs

Core beliefs are deeply ingrained convictions that shape your worldview, values, and perspectives on life. Developed in response to significant life experiences, both positive and challenging, these beliefs serve as lenses through which you interpret the world.

Formed in early childhood, they may be influenced by family, friends, teachers, and the media. Core beliefs can be helpful, unhelpful, or neutral, impacting mental health and overall life satisfaction. Often rigid and inflexible, they may not align with reason or evidence, affecting daily life by influencing choices, responses to situations, and overall mental well-being. Understanding and challenging core beliefs can lead to personal growth and positive change.

Use the worksheet to help you recognise themes in your core story and identify the core beliefs that have developed.

In summary, your core story is the overarching narrative of your life, encompassing a broad range of experiences, while core beliefs are specific, deeply held convictions that stem from these experiences and shape how you perceive and interact with the world.