What are your core beliefs? (EAET)

Core beliefs are the underlying rules we live by. Many of them are shaped early in life by parents, mentors, peers, or teachers. Examples might include: I must be a good person, I have to excel at work, everyone must like me, I can never be angry, or I must never appear incompetent. While some beliefs can guide us in positive ways, others can become a major source of distress.

It is important to recognize which beliefs truly belong to us and which were inherited from others. Not all core beliefs are accurate or helpful. You might ask yourself: Does this belief still serve me? Is it adding unnecessary pressure to my system? Can I bring more flexibility to it, or even re-frame it entirely?

By examining and reshaping these beliefs, we can reduce internal pressure and create more space for self-compassion and authenticity.

Here is a list of Core Beliefs, which of these caught your attention the most?

___ I am fundamentally not worthy or worthwhile.

___ I should or must be perfect in everything that I do.

___ I should please everyone, or everyone must like me.

___ I am to blame for what another person did to me.

___ I do not deserve anything good that happens to me.

___ I must keep others from getting too close to me.

___ I cannot take care of myself; I need someone to take care of me.

___ It is my job to take care of everyone else.

___ Making decisions is risky; I must not make the wrong one.

___ I must follow the rules of my family, faith, or community.

___ I have to keep boundaries or barriers up with most people.

___ No one actually cares about or loves me.

___ I cannot trust others.

___ I cannot be a push-over or let others take advantage of me.

___ I must be a perfect parent or son / daughter.

___ I cannot make any mistakes.

___ I should never get angry.

___ I must be kind to and forgive others, even if they’ve harmed me.

___ I should forget, or not think about, my past.

___ I should only think positive thoughts.

JOURNAL PROMPT

Which of these stood out the most? What was surprising?

Is there space to be more flexible with any of these beliefs?