Here’s an example that shows just how powerful core beliefs can be: It’s performance review time at Marvel headquarters and both T’Challa and Tony Stark get similar results. They both have mostly positive feedback with one constructive criticism. T’Challa is a bit disappointed, but confident he can improve and proud of his other accomplishments. Why? He has a core belief that his contributions are valuable. Tony, on the other hand, can’t stop thinking about his one weakness. “How could I be so stupid?” he asks himself. Tony doesn’t bother taking steps to improve, because he’s convinced that he’s the problem. His core belief is that he will never be enough. T’Challa and Tony were faced with the same situation, but their thoughts responding to it were very different. As he experiences setbacks over time, Tony might get more and more depressed as he continually sees challenges as an affirmation that he is not enough. For both superheroes and all of us regular people, beliefs fuel emotions, emotions fuel behaviour. If you think you are resilient and can overcome challenges, you’ll feel hopeful about the future, which will lead you to take steps to improve your situation. On the other hand, if you think you’re stupid and unworthy, you might feel sad and despondant, failing to take any action to better yourself or your situation. Negative core beliefs are as common as they are irrational. Here are a few popular ones that lurk behind people’s sense of self: I’m unlovable. I’m not smart enough. No relationship lasts. I’m not normal. People are bad at heart. I’m boring. I’m worthless. I need to control my environment to manage my feelings. Negative core beliefs are lies, but they are powerful unless you equip yourself with the mental agility to see beyond them. A counsellor trained in CBT will help you identify your core beliefs, challenge them, and develop new ways of thinking to help you succeed.