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

 

This one is a trick. Distinctions are usually comparisons between two ideas/things/issues which are similar, but different enough to cause an ah-ha, a greater awareness. This Distinction is a trick because the two sides of it appear to be different, but aren’t.

A truth is a truth, something which withstands scrutiny and proves to be useful. Look for and be influenced by truths. Of course sometimes that journey through truths is fraught with what initially appear to be truths, but turn out not to be. Those can sting a bit, but the learning journey is worth it.

Clichés are usually overlooked because, well, they’re clichés. Trite, too simple, old-hat, not new, too well known. But every cliché has earned its stripes because it got repeated. A lot. And that’s because it contained a truth.

Don’t rush past a cliché. Don’t wave it off “because everybody knows it’s just a cliché.” Clichés are carriers of truth.

 

Coaching Point: What is your favorite (truth-containing) cliché which you secretly admire?

 

Copyright 2017 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.