Values vs. Beliefs
What’s the Difference & Why It Matters
Both values and beliefs shape our decisions, behaviors, and interactions, but they aren’t the same.
Understanding the difference helps you align with what truly matters and break free from thought patterns that no longer serve you.
Let’s break it down.
What Are Values?
Values are your core principles; the foundation of how you want to live.
✓They reflect what truly matters to you.
✓They guide your decisions, relationships, and priorities.
✓They are deeply personal and often remain stable over time.
Example of Core Values:
Integrity – Always doing what’s right.
Growth – Seeking learning and self-improvement.
Connection – Prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships.
Health – Taking care of your body and mind.
Values are what you stand for, even when no one is watching.What Are Beliefs?
Beliefs are the thoughts and ideas you accept as true; whether or not they actually are.
✓ They shape your perspective of the world and yourself.
✓ They can be empowering (“I can do hard things”) or limiting (“I’m not smart enough”).
✓ They are learned from experiences, culture, and upbringing.
Example of Beliefs:
➕ Empowering Beliefs:
“Challenges make me stronger.”
“I am capable of learning anything.”
“Success is possible for me.”
➖Limiting Beliefs:
“I’m not good at relationships.”
“I’ll always struggle with money.”
“I’m too old to change.”
Beliefs aren’t facts—they are thoughts you’ve repeated until they feel like truth.
How Values & Beliefs Work Together
⟣ Your values influence your beliefs. If you value growth, you may believe “Every challenge is an opportunity to learn.”
⟣ Your beliefs can support or contradict your values. If you value health but believe “I’ll never stick to a workout routine,” your belief may hold you back from honoring your value.
⁑ When your beliefs support your values, life feels aligned. When they don’t, you feel stuck. 🔀 How to Align Your Beliefs With Your Values
◻️ Clarify Your Values – What truly matters to you? Write down your top 5 values.
◻️ Examine Your Beliefs – Are your beliefs supporting or blocking your values?
◻️ Challenge Limiting Beliefs – Ask: Where did this belief come from? Is it really true?*
◻️ Reframe & Take Action – Replace old beliefs with new ones that align with your values.
Example:
Value: Connection
Limiting Belief: “People don’t care what I have to say.” → New Belief: “I bring value to relationships, and my voice matters.”
Aligning Who You Are With What You Believe
◈ Your values define how you want to live.
◈ Your beliefs determine whether or not you feel capable of living that way.
◈ By shifting beliefs that don’t serve you, you step into alignment with your true self.
⁑ Need help aligning your values and beliefs?
DAWN 1:1 Sessions coaching can help you identify what’s holding you back and shift into a mindset that supports your growth. Book a session today or stay connected below for expert insights on self-awareness and transformation.