(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Your world is full of valid information. That is to say, it’s accurate, correct, and beyond dispute. Whatever you are planning to do, of course be sure to get valid information. Many of your problems in life may have been caused by your failure to do so.

For example, to say that your checking account is overdrawn because someone at the bank made a mistake may be a valid piece of information. But the relevant point is that you’ve got checks bouncing and vendors unhappy. In this example the relevant thing to focus on is quickly repairing the relationships with your vendors.

Just because something is valid does not mean it’s also relevant. Information is relevant if it’s useful, if it advances things. Always be willing to rise above the facts in order to be able to see the bigger picture, in order to see what is relevant.

 

Copyright 1999 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.