This quote speaks to the idea of focusing one’s energy and efforts in the most productive way. It suggests that trying to convince colleagues, or anyone for that matter, can be a waste of time, especially if they are not open to changing their views or beliefs. Instead, it might be more beneficial to use that time to further one’s own understanding or to make progress in areas where it is more likely to have an impact.

This doesn’t mean that one should never try to persuade others or engage in a healthy debate. Rather, it underscores the importance of recognizing when such efforts are likely to be futile and, hence, a waste of time.

In the context of personal development, this quote can be interpreted as a call to focus on self-improvement rather than trying to change others. Often, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to convince others to see things our way or to change their behavior to fit our expectations. However, this is usually out of our control. What we can control is our own actions, attitudes, and beliefs. Therefore, it might be more productive to focus on improving ourselves and expanding our own knowledge and understanding.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant given the polarization and division that is prevalent in many societies. Despite the ease with which we can share information and ideas, changing someone’s deeply held beliefs is typically a complex and challenging task. Instead of wasting time and energy trying to convince others to adopt our viewpoint, it might be more beneficial to focus on understanding different perspectives, improving our own knowledge and skills, and making a positive impact in areas where we can.

Finally, it’s important to note that this quote doesn’t advocate for complacency or disengagement. Rather, it encourages us to be strategic in where we invest our time and energy, focusing on areas where we can make a real difference.