What else could be true?

Binary thinking kills creativity. Instead ask: 'What else could be true?'

Imagine you’re stuck at a crossroads, with two signs pointing in opposite directions—either go left or go right. It’s easy to feel like that’s your only choice.

But here’s the catch: sometimes, there’s a hidden path you haven’t noticed.

What if the best answer lies somewhere in the middle or in a completely new direction altogether?

This is the trap of binary thinking—believing there are only two choices: black or white, right or wrong. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces. It feels simpler, but won't get you the picture you want.

The key to escaping this trap is to pause and ask, 'What else could be true? Is there something that could help find a path we can't yet see? Look beyond the obvious options.

Could a third option be possible?

Could you combine elements of both sides? Are there more puzzle pieces hidden from view that you can find that would create a better option.

Maybe, just maybe, there’s a path that hasn't been explored because it wasn't on the map you were given.

When you free yourself from the either-or mindset, you open the door to creative solutions and better decisions. Options to solve problems are rarely as binary as we think.