Going Beyond Values: The Power of Understanding Your Beliefs

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your destiny.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

We often hear about the importance of knowing our values—those guiding principles that shape who we are and how we show up in the world. And while values are undoubtedly powerful, they are only the beginning. Building on Gandhi’s wisdom about the journey from beliefs to destiny, let’s dig even deeper into how our beliefs drive this cycle and why they deserve our attention.

The Hidden Layer of Beliefs

Values are what we hold as important, but beliefs are the stories we tell ourselves about how these values should be lived. These stories can either empower us or hold us back. Sometimes, the beliefs we associate with our values can limit us or, in some cases, no longer serve who we are or who we want to become. These beliefs are often deeply ingrained, shaped by a lifetime of experiences, cultural conditioning, societal norms, media messages, and lessons we’ve absorbed from our families and communities.

Think about it: from a young age, we’re taught what’s acceptable, what’s safe, and what’s possible based on the environment we grow up in. For instance, if you were raised in a household where taking risks was seen as dangerous or irresponsible, you might develop the belief that staying within your comfort zone is the only way to ensure safety. Over time, this belief becomes so automatic that you don’t even question it—you just live by it.

But as we grow and evolve, we often realize that some of these beliefs no longer align with our aspirations or the person we want to become. It takes courage to look within and question these deeply embedded stories. We must ask, “Is this belief still true for me?” or “Is there a more empowering way to live out this value?” Reframing these beliefs can be emotionally challenging and may require support, such as journaling, seeking a mentor, or working with a coach. Yet, doing so can unlock new opportunities for growth, authenticity, and alignment.

Example: The Value of Safety

Let’s take a common value: safety. Two people may claim they deeply value safety, but the beliefs they hold around it can be worlds apart, leading to very different experiences.

• Person A believes, “Safety means avoiding any risk or uncertainty at all costs.” This belief may lead to a life of missed opportunities, staying in a comfort zone, and playing small. Emotionally, this person might feel anxious and stagnant, always worried about potential dangers and never experiencing the thrill of growth.
• Person B believes, “Safety means taking calculated risks to build a secure and resilient future.” This belief drives proactive behaviors, like investing in personal development or building a financial cushion while still embracing new experiences. This person likely feels more confident and adaptable, viewing challenges as opportunities rather than threats.

On the surface, both individuals value safety, but the driving thoughts and resulting actions are vastly different. Without understanding the beliefs behind their values, they might struggle to make sense of their choices or feel stuck in patterns they can’t break.

How to Begin the Journey of Reframing

Start by reflecting on your own values and asking yourself these questions to uncover the thoughts, words, actions, habits, and destiny your beliefs create:

• What do I believe about this value?
• How did I come to hold this belief?
• Is this belief rooted in a specific experience or influence from someone in my life?
• Is this belief empowering me or holding me back?

Thoughts:

• When I think about this belief, what are the immediate thoughts that come to mind?
• Are they positive and hopeful, or fear-based and limiting?

Words:

• How do I talk about this value and related situations with others?
• Do I use empowering language (“I can,” “I will”) or limiting language (“I’m not ready,” “I can’t”)?

Actions:

• How does this belief influence the choices I make in my daily life?
• Do I take action confidently, or do I hold back out of fear or uncertainty?

Habits:

• What habits have I formed as a result of this belief?
• Are these habits helping me grow and move forward, or are they keeping me stuck in the same place?

Destiny:

• If I continue holding this belief, where will it lead me in the future?
• What kind of life am I creating for myself if I keep acting on this belief?
• Does this belief still serve who I am today, or do I need to reframe it?

Reframing Limiting Beliefs

For example, if you value success, but your belief is “I need to be perfect to succeed,” you may find yourself paralyzed by fear of failure. This belief can lead to thoughts of self-doubt, words of hesitation, actions that avoid risks, habits of procrastination, and a destiny of stagnation. Reframing this belief to “Success comes from learning and growing, even if I make mistakes” can free you to take bold action, transforming your destiny into one of continuous growth and achievement.

The Courage to Evolve

Our beliefs shape our thoughts, words, actions, and ultimately, our destiny. By looking beyond the surface and examining the beliefs that drive us, we give ourselves the opportunity to live in greater alignment with our true selves. It’s not always easy, but the courage to dig deep is worth it. Some beliefs may take more time and reflection to reframe, especially if they’re tied to past trauma or significant experiences. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you do this work.

Remember: It’s not about changing your values. It’s about evolving the beliefs that empower you to live them out fully.

This newsletter is brought to you by Nayli Russo. To dive further into strategies for professional growth, visit my website and connect with me on Instagram and here on LinkedIn. ? 2024 Russo Leadership. All rights reserved.