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


Only one letter different; a world of difference. I experience this as one of the most important life distinctions.

Content means nothing in and of itself. Nothing. Only when one views content through the lens of a context does it gain meaning.

All data, information, things, stuff, and situations are content. Example – the temperature outside is 60 degrees is content. “It sure is hot.” “It sure is cold.” At the Arctic Circle or the Equator, each observer has its own context.

Unawareness of context is a significant cause of discord. In politics, for instance, the same data looks different to each side. Each side interprets it based on its own context. The same data, same content, wildly different meanings.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming context. People who have clarity of context know how to assess content.


Coaching point: Do you look for context when evaluating content?


Copyright 2026 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.