Sometimes when I bowl, I make it my goal to bowl fast and loud. I accelerate my approach, and fling the ball as fast as I can. The result? It’s really loud when the ball hits the pins (if it hits the pins) and my game ends more quickly. My score is also lower. If the goal is to be fast and loud, I win! If the goal is to win, I lose. I am efficient, but not effective.
In high school chemistry, my lab partner (Steve Uslabar, for you curious old cronies) and I had a motto: “Accuracy is not important; speed is of the essence.” We were both fairly good at chem, and would rather get a B and goof off part of the period, even though we were capable of an A. Efficient, not effective.
“Learn from your mistakes.” Nonsense!
