This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
Would you rather be covered in fur or covered in scales?
Either you are a winner or you are a loser.
If I don't pass the test, I am stupid.
These are all examples of either/or thinking.
Only Two Choices?
Either or thinking is a logical fallacy that creates a false dilemma.
It presents only two choices, often two extremes.
Yet there are almost always more options.
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT an example of either-or thinking?
"She is partly right and partly wrong" shows that multiple ideas can exist together. The other statements present only two choices.
Both/And Thinking
Change either/or to both/and to expand the possibilities!
Both/and thinking opens your mind to additional questions and options.
What if you just forgot to study for the test?
What if you don't get married because you are not ready to settle down?
The Perils Of Either/Or Thinking
Oblivious self-interest
EITHER she gets her way OR I do.
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?
Collaboration, Connection, and Cooperation all suggest an openness to options and choice. But competition can lead to an us/them, all/nothing mindset.
Did you know?
Take Action
Next time you think you only have two choices ask yourself:
Can you use and or both instead of either/or?
What if there are many options?
This Byte has been authored by
Janet Hoffman
Learner and Designer