Core beliefs and why they matter

With my background as a nurse and midwife, and particularly my experience working in the early parenting space, I am very aware of how influential the early years are and how our earliest experiences in life can shape who we become. The research surrounding “The First 1000 Days” emphasises this, highlighting the critical period from conception to a child’s second birthday. Essentially this research shows that what happens during this time can impact and shape health and wellbeing right through to adulthood.

And then interestingly when I went on to study hypnotherapy, one of the main principles here reflects the neuroscience that our core belief systems are formed by the age of seven. Core beliefs refer to how we perceive the world, how we perceive the people around us and how we perceive ourselves. Our core beliefs are more than just thoughts or ideas; they are the lens through which we interpret every experience and make sense of our lives.

What Are Core Beliefs?

Core beliefs are fundamental truths that we hold about ourselves, others and the world around us. They are often so deeply ingrained that we don't even recognise them as beliefs; we simply see them as the truth and "the way things are."

Examples of core beliefs might include:

• "The world is dangerous."

• "I can’t make mistakes."

• "I’m not good enough."

• "I can’t trust myself."

• "I’m not worthy."

• "I can’t rely on others."

• "I don’t deserve good things."

These beliefs aren't just passing thoughts, they form the foundation of our identity and guide our daily decisions, behaviours, and interactions.

But where do these beliefs come from, and why do they matter so much?

The Formation of Core Beliefs

Core beliefs are formed early in life, typically before the age of seven. During these formative years, our brains are like sponges, absorbing everything around us. We take in the words, actions, and attitudes of those closest to us—parents, caregivers, teachers—and from these, we construct our understanding of the world.

At this stage, we are highly impressionable, and our young minds are working hard to make sense of the world. If a child is consistently praised and encouraged, they may develop a core belief that they are capable and valued. On the other hand, if a child is frequently criticised or neglected, they may form beliefs that they are unworthy or inadequate.

These beliefs are not formed consciously; rather, they are absorbed and internalised by the subconscious mind. And once these beliefs take root, they can be incredibly difficult to change because they become the framework through which we interpret all future experiences.

The Power of the Subconscious Mind

I’m sure you have come across the concept that we live 95% of our lives from our subconscious mind and only 5% from our conscious mind. This means that the vast majority of our day-to-day thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by these subconscious beliefs, even if we aren't consciously aware of them.

Our subconscious mind is like a computer running countless programs in the background, guiding our behaviour without us even realising it. And the core beliefs we’ve developed are the programs that dictate how we respond to the world around us.

For example, if you hold a core belief that “I’m not good enough,” you might find yourself avoiding challenges, sabotaging your success, or feeling a constant sense of inadequacy—even if, on a conscious level, you know you’re capable and deserving. 

Confirmation Bias and Core Beliefs

And to really embed these core beliefs is confirmation bias which refers to the brain’s tendency to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our existing beliefs. In other words, once we have a core belief, our brain is constantly scanning the environment for evidence that supports it, while ignoring or discounting evidence that contradicts it.

If you believe “I can’t trust myself,” for example, you might focus on the times when you made a mistake or failed to follow through on something, while overlooking all the instances when you made good decisions or trusted your instincts successfully. This selective perception reinforces the belief, making it even more entrenched.

Why Change Is So Difficult

Given the power of the subconscious mind and the reinforcement of confirmation bias, it’s no wonder that change can be so incredibly hard. When we attempt to make changes—whether it’s adopting healthier habits, improving our relationships, or pursuing new goals—we often do so from our conscious mind. We set intentions, make plans, and muster our willpower, yet we find ourselves falling back into old patterns.

This happens because our conscious efforts are often at odds with the subconscious beliefs that are really running the show from behind the scenes. You might consciously want to be more confident, but if your core belief is “I’m not good enough,” your subconscious mind will continue to sabotage your efforts, pulling you back into familiar feelings of doubt and insecurity.

The Role of Hypnotherapy in Transforming Core Beliefs

So it makes sense that to really achieve change, that we need to address the subconscious mind. And this is where hypnotherapy and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) can play a pivotal role. Through hypnosis, we can bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious, where these core beliefs reside.

In a hypnotherapy session, we work to identify the limiting beliefs that are holding you back—those deeply ingrained perceptions that are no longer serving you. Once these beliefs are brought to light, we can begin the process of reframing, upgrading, and reprogramming them.

For example, a belief like “I’m not worthy” can be transformed into “I am deserving of love and success.” By replacing limiting beliefs with supportive and beneficial ones, we open the door to profound healing and transformation. This process doesn’t just change how you think; it changes what you believe about yourself, how you feel, how you behave, and how you experience the world.

Embracing Change and Healing

So, if you are ready for change—ready to break free from the patterns and beliefs that have been holding you back—I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can explore the subconscious landscape of your mind, uncover the limiting beliefs that are holding you back, and transform them into supportive beliefs that empower you to live the life you want. 

Because it is so incredibly powerful when you can align your subconscious mind with your conscious desires. 

This is what leads to lasting transformation.