A cartoon character lies in bed. The text reads:

Do you ever tell yourself...

  • "Either you're a winner or you're a loser."

  • "If I don't pass the test, I'm stupid."

Only two choices?

These are all examples of either/or thinking — a logical fallacy that creates a false dilemma. It presents only two choices, often two extremes.

Yet there are almost always more options.

A confident woman says,

The Perils Of Either/Or Thinking

A person looks into a volcano. The text reads:

Sometimes either/or thinking is caused by old, unexamined ways of thinking, or bad habits. It can trap you into:

  • Oblivious self-interest: "Either she gets her way or I do."

  • Having no room for alternatives: "Either you’re with me or you’re against me."

  • Negative self-talk: "If I don't lose 10 pounds, no one will like me."

Quiz

Which characteristic can contribute to either/or thinking?

Both/And or What If? Thinking

A girl asks,

Change either/or to both/and to expand the possibilities!

Charlie Brown asks,

Both/and thinking opens your mind to additional questions and options like "what if":

  • "What if you just forgot to study for the test?" instead of, "I didn't pass so I'm stupid."

  • "What if you don't get married because you're not ready to settle down?" instead of, "I'll be lonely and single forever."

Quiz

Which of the following is NOT an example of either/or thinking?

Take Action

Cookie Monster from Sesame Street decides between a cookie and a plate of fruit.

Next time you think you only have two choices, ask yourself:

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