Are Beliefs and Values the Same?

Beliefs and Values

While often considered to be almost the same thing, beliefs and values are actually very different. The primary difference between beliefs and values is:

Beliefs are assumptions or positions held by a person, while values are principles that guide the behaviors of the person.

A person’s beliefs are an acceptance that a statement is true, a trusting that something exists, faith, or confidence in someone or something, which is very different compared to a person’s values.

A person’s values are their principles or standards of behavior. They are their judgment of what is important in life. Values help guide behavior and thought, while beliefs are the things, we think to be true.

Here is an example of a belief and a value:

Belief-

“I believe in global warming.”

Value-

“I recycle because we all need to do our part to fight global warming.”

Notice that both of the statements indicate that the speaker holds the idea that global warming is factual. However, the first statement is simply an acknowledgment of the opinion of the speaker. While the value statement indicates a behavior.

What are the significant differences between a core value and a belief?

There is a major difference between a core value and a belief. It is a core value is a deeply held principle that sets a standard. One by which actions or behaviors are judged. A belief is merely a thought that someone or something is assumed to be true.

You may be at this point asking what the difference between a core value and a regular value is. A core value is one that is thought to be so strongly embedded in one’s psyche that it is unchangeable. Whereas a regular value is one that is believed to be important yet still malleable.

The similarity that exists between core values and beliefs is that neither requires factual or logical proof for the bearer of either. Both of these are things that are felt by the person to be accurate. Although very often they are only “true” for the person who holds them.

Why is it important to be aware of your own values and beliefs?

It is important to be aware of our values and beliefs. Firstly, it helps us to: identify the reasons we do what we are doing. It gives us an indicator of what we think is important and necessary. Knowing and being aware of these allow us to recognize our point of view. Not to mention, understand where we are coming from.

The second reason it is important for us to be aware of each is so that we can more easily change the ones we no longer agree with. Without knowing or being aware of our beliefs and values it is difficult to amend them or change them. Especially when they are no longer beneficial to us.

Why is it important to respect other people’s personal values and beliefs?

Once we know what we value and believe we can more easily make space for understanding other people. Just understanding other people’s values and beliefs in no way diminishes our own. It is simply a measure of maturity to see that other people have different points of view. That they value different things and hold true to an alternate way of believing.

Very often people believe that when they accept other people’s beliefs as being true for them, they somehow relinquish their own beliefs. I do not subscribe to that way of thinking because we all see the world differently. We all have different points of view and biases that influence our perception of reality.

Shift your perception for a fraction of the retail cost. A $499 value for only $1 right now on THE 3-DAY NON-WORKSHOP VIDEO EXPERIENCE. Just use coupon code INEEDTHIS at checkout. This is a limited-time offer, so use the coupon before it is gone.