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When attempting to understand people, it’s good to step back and take in their beliefs, values, and goals. Most people operate out of a belief system even if it’s not formalized and even if it doesn’t align with anything that “makes sense” to us.

Once we develop a framework for others’ beliefs, we can “step inside” their worldview and rationalize through their way of thinking. This exercise can remove the “shock” of unexpected behavior and can help navigate an unpredictable world.

When something shocking happens, it’s an opportunity take in new information iterate on our understanding. Some ascribe to a structured set of beliefs and actively operate out of those beliefs daily. There are others whose beliefs are driven by deep needs even they may not understand.

Lots of people say they believe one set of structured beliefs but their behavior tells us otherwise. Regardless, beliefs are still there even if they’re unknown to their holder.