One of the questions that Charlie Kirk would frequently ask students on college campuses was, “What do you believe in?”

The question most often came early in a debate with a student who had just told Charlie that everything he, Charlie, believed in was wrong. Terribly wrong as a matter of fact.

So then Charlie would ask the student what they believed in.

In virtually every case, the student would stammer, stutter, and eventually admit they didn’t really know what they believed in. After a bit more conversation, they figured out that most of what they had “heard” about Charlie was nearly totally wrong.

Charlie pursued that line of questioning because he knew if the students didn’t know specifically what they believed in, they were susceptible to believing anything. He also knew it was very common for someone of college age to not have put much thought into what they believe. But guess what? An incredibly large percentage of people of ALL ages have never put much thought into what they truly believe and they too are susceptible to believing anything.

That’s why understanding what you truly believe in is such a powerful step toward living a purposeful and authentic life. Your beliefs shape your decisions, relationships, and how you navigate the world. But in a chaotic world filled with opinions, expectations, and distractions, pinpointing your core beliefs can feel overwhelming.

Especially when so much of what we read and see online is created in China, North Korea, or some other, less-than-friendly country. Throw in the fact that it was created for the express purpose of spreading confusion and hate, and it becomes almost impossible to know what to believe. Unless you are well-grounded by what you’re certain you truly believe in.

This post offers practical steps to help you uncover what you believe in, so you can live with clarity and conviction. So, let’s get into it.

Reflect on Your Experiences

Your life experiences are a window into your beliefs. Take time to reflect on moments that shaped you—both the highs and the lows. Ask yourself:

• What moments in my life felt deeply meaningful or fulfilling? Why?

• When did I feel proud of my actions or choices?

• What situations made me feel uncomfortable or conflicted?

For example, if you felt fulfilled volunteering at a community event, you might value service or connection. If you felt uneasy when someone was treated unfairly, fairness or justice might be a core belief. Write down these moments and look for patterns.

Identify What Sparks Strong Emotions

Your emotions are clues to your beliefs. Pay attention to what makes you angry, inspired, or deeply moved. For instance:

• If you’re outraged by dishonesty in the workplace, you might value integrity.

• If you’re inspired by stories of people overcoming adversity, resilience, or courage could be central to your belief system.

Keep a journal for a week and note situations that evoke strong feelings. Over time, you’ll see recurring themes that point to your core values.

Question the “Shoulds” in Your Life

Many of us adopt beliefs from family, culture, or society without questioning them. To uncover what you believe, challenge the “shoulds” in your life. Ask:

• Why do I feel that I should pursue a certain career, lifestyle, or goal?

• Do these expectations align with who I am, or are they someone else’s values?

For example, if you feel pressure to climb the corporate ladder but find joy in creative pursuits, your belief in personal fulfillment might outweigh societal expectations of success. Be honest about what feels authentic to you. But also be practical; you do need to earn a living, so you need to find the balance between what you want to do and what you need to do. Knowing what you truly believe in helps you find that balance.

Explore Your Role Models

Think about people you admire. What qualities draw you to them? Their courage, kindness, innovation, or determination? These qualities often reflect the beliefs you hold dear. Write down:

• Who inspires me, and why?

• What specific actions or values do they embody that resonate with me?

If you admire someone who speaks out against injustice, you might believe in standing up for what’s right. Use these insights to clarify your own principles.

Test Your Beliefs in Action

Beliefs solidify when you act on them. Experiment by making choices aligned with the values you are exploring. For example:

• If you think you value patriotism, try getting involved in serving your fellow citizens. Forget about the left, right, Democrat or Republican stuff. Serve people first because it’s people who make your country great.

• If you suspect creativity is a core belief, dedicate time to a creative project.

Notice how these actions make you feel. Do they bring a sense of purpose or alignment? If not, adjust and try something else. Action helps you refine what you truly believe.

Ask Big Questions

To dig deeper, confront the big questions about life and purpose. Set aside quiet time to reflect on:

• What do I think is the purpose of life?

• What kind of person do I want to be remembered as?

• If I had one year left to live, what would I prioritize?

These questions can feel daunting, but they cut through superficial distractions and reveal what matters most to you. Write down your answers without overthinking, and revisit them later to see what stands out.

Seek Feedback from Trusted People

Sometimes, others see us more clearly than we see ourselves. Ask close friends, family, or mentors:

• What values do you see me living by?

• When have you seen me at my best?

Their answers can highlight beliefs you might not recognize in yourself. For example, a friend might point out that you’re always the first to help others, revealing a belief in kindness and community.

Embrace Change and Growth

Your beliefs aren’t set in stone. As you grow, your values may evolve. What you believed in your 20s might shift in your 30s or beyond. Stay open to reassessing your beliefs as you gain new experiences. Regularly check in with yourself:

• Do my current actions align with my beliefs? If not, why not?

• Have any of my values changed over time?

This flexibility ensures your beliefs remain authentic to who you are now, not who you once were.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what you truly believe in is a journey, not a destination. It requires curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to explore your inner world. By reflecting on your experiences, emotions, and inspirations, you can uncover the values that guide you. Test those values through action, question inherited beliefs, especially question assumed beliefs, and stay open to growth. When you live in alignment with your core beliefs, you will find greater clarity, confidence, and purpose in everything you do.

Start small today: pick one of the steps above and spend 10 minutes reflecting. What do you discover about what you believe in? Jotting down your thoughts in a journal is a great way to keep them close by. Your beliefs are your compass—let them guide you toward a life that feels true to you.