People are not the most valuable resource.

Being effective at everything is not a worthwhile skill.

Initially, you might disagree with these statements. I certainly would have a few weeks ago.

However, I now fully agree with the above statements because of a secret weapon: distinctions.

These distinctions have helped me to stop pouring resources like my time, effort and energy into unproductive areas.

Firstly, it is not people that are the most valuable resource but the right people that are.

Have you ever encountered someone who was a drain on you? The “people are the most valuable resource” mindset would keep investing in those people.

This is a devastation and a waste.

The opposing mindset “the right people are the most valuable resource” eliminates the feeling of obligation to invest in the wrong people.

It’s silly to take on the belief that everyone is going to be of benefit to you. Some people simply aren’t the right fit, and that is OK. Of course, I’m not advocating for treatment of the wrong people to be less civil or polite just realize that you don’t need to continue to hang on to the connection.

This distinction was first brought to my attention in the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Where he addressses the importance of first getting the right people on your ship and then heading in the right direction.

Since becoming aware of that distinction I have noticed it as a key and reoccurring theme in successful teams, workplaces and friend groups.

Secondly, in the book, the “Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris, being efficient is a major talking point. Everyone feels as though their time is important. So believing that being efficient in everything would save you time seems like a simple solution.

But there is a major flaw in being efficient in EVERYTHING. Not every task you do is going to be worth your time. So instead of being efficient in everything, just focus on being efficient in the valuable activities in your life and eliminate the tasks that are not worthwhile.

These distinctions are simple but can dramatically change your life.