This Will Make You Question Everything You Thought You Knew

When was the last time you examined your core beliefs? The values you hold dictate not only your decisions and actions but also the way you view the world around you. Without a clear sense of what you stand for, it’s easy to drift and be swept along by others rather than creating your own path. As someone once said, “What you believe is the lens through which you see the world, and the lens will color everything you see.” What if everything you knew could be seen in a new light?

The following is a collection of beliefs that could serve as a compass, helping you navigate life with intention, authenticity, and strength. While some may challenge you, others may inspire you to reevaluate your priorities and discover what truly drives you.

Habits. Saying “please” and “thank you” might seem like trivial courtesies, but neglecting these small gestures carries more weight than you realize. Making the effort to do small things well increases the likelihood of doing big things well. Taking pride in your actions forms habits that shape how you approach other aspects of life.

Gratitude. Most people are so busy chasing what they don’t have that they overlook what they do. Taking people or things for granted puts them at risk. Once they’re gone, no effort can undo the neglect. Appreciate what you have before it becomes what you had.

Pride. Autograph your work with pride. You don’t have to be the best, but you should always do your best. If you’re not proud of what you’ve finished, you’re not done.

Priorities. Progress isn’t about completing a to-do list; it’s about focusing on what really matters. When you spend time on unimportant things, you deprive yourself of what genuinely counts. Make your priorities a priority.

Friendships. Some pride themselves on the number of friends they have, treating popularity as self-worth. Others value the depth of their friendships, knowing that genuine relationships are life’s true treasures. Don’t count your friends — count on them. While many friends may feed your ego, they won’t satisfy your heart.

Fairness. Before judging any situation, consider how you’d feel if the roles were reversed. Ask yourself if things are fair and equitable, then take steps to make things right.

Personal development. The best investment you can make is in yourself. Some claim they’re too busy for personal growth, but it won’t feel urgent unless prioritized. Though it may not always be convenient or immediately rewarding, every step brings you closer to your potential.

Feedback. Some believe not knowing your weaknesses means you don’t have any. But no matter how experienced you are, there’s always room to grow. Embrace feedback as a gift, not as a slap in the face. What you don’t know can hurt you.

Standards. Stay true to yourself. Don’t let the bad habits, weak character, or immoral behavior of others influence you. The problem with compromising your principles is that everyone may like you except yourself. Remember, no one can make you do anything without your consent.

Nurturing. Coddling weakens confidence and creates a cycle of dependency. In contrast, nurturing helps children grow into confident, self-reliant individuals by building self-esteem, fostering independence, and encouraging personal responsibility.

Relationships. Winning doesn’t have to come at someone’s expense. Instead of focusing solely on your needs, focus on mutual benefit — think win-win rather than winner takes all. A win-win mindset creates no-lose opportunities.

Choices. Your life is defined by the sum of the choices you make. Each choice is an either-or moment, where choosing one path means forgoing another. While choices may seem easy, living with them can be the hard part.

Judgment. It’s natural to seek instant gratification, act on impulse, or yield to temptation — we’re only human. Yet, these short-lived pleasures can carry long-term costs. A fleeting moment of happiness can lead to lasting regret.

Frugality. Money should never define you or become the cornerstone of your life. Frugal people understand the value of a dollar and make thoughtful, informed decisions, while cheap people spend as little as possible. While frugal people prioritize value, cheap people simply seek the lowest price.

Tradition. Traditions are a vital part of our culture, forming the foundation of our families and society. They link us to our past, shape who we are today, and guide who we will become. If we abandon our traditions, we risk waking up to a world we no longer recognize.

Control. Some things are beyond your control. Worrying about what you can’t change only wastes time and energy. Focus on what you can control and move forward.

Leadership. Real power doesn’t come from controlling others but from empowering them and fostering genuine commitment. By its very nature, there’s no need to force people into compliance. When people follow orders, they go through the motions. But when they have a vested interest in the outcome, they follow their heart.

Giving. Giving something away doesn’t mean you’re giving something up. When you give of yourself, you gain something invaluable in return — the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped someone in need, brightened their day, or made a difference in their life.

Free speech. You don’t win a debate by suppressing discussion; you win it by presenting a better argument. Open, vigorous debate fosters innovation, bold ideas, and meaningful solutions. It encourages participation, sharpens understanding, and leads to better outcomes.

Virtue. It’s not about demanding more of others; it’s about expecting more from yourself. Rather than fixating on others’ flaws, focus on bettering yourself. The only person you’re truly qualified to judge is yourself. When you compete with yourself, you both win.

I understand life can feel overwhelming and taking time to examine your beliefs and values might not seem pressing. Yet, what is more essential than knowing what defines you?

Your values are like a ship’s anchor — they keep you grounded, providing stability even when the waters around you are rough and unpredictable. Without them, you risk drifting, and being carried wherever the currents of life take you. Values guide your decisions, clarify your priorities, and keep you focused on what truly matters. In the end, your beliefs drive your actions, and your values shape the person you become.

This post is Part 2 of a series. For more beliefs and values, check out If You Don’t Stand for Something, You’ll Fall for Anything (Part 1)

Check out Frank’s latest book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose