All Episodes

February 12, 2025 11 mins

Feeling trapped between two impossible choices? Whether it’s staying in a relationship after betrayal or walking away, deciding whether to tell the full truth or keep things buried, or any other major life decision, binary thinking can make it seem like there are only two options, when, in reality, there are more.

In this episode, I explore how black-and-white thinking limits your ability to make the best decision for your future, why your brain naturally defaults to false dilemmas, and how to open up new possibilities that you might not have considered.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why binary thinking feels so real, and why it’s rarely accurate.
  • How emotions can distort the way you see your choices.
  • The impact of cognitive rigidity on decision-making, especially after infidelity.
  • How to step back and find third (or fourth) options that align better with your personal needs.
  • Practical exercises to help you break free from “either/or” thinking and make more empowered decisions.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 If you feel stuck between two extremes, it’s likely you’re missing other paths forward.

🔹 High-stakes emotions make decisions feel urgent, but taking time to explore alternative perspectives reduces pressure and increases clarity.

🔹 There are often creative, flexible solutions that don’t require you to conform to societal expectations of what “should” happen.

🔹 By expanding your perspective, you gain control over your choices rather than feeling trapped by them.

Next time you feel stuck between two options, challenge yourself to come up with at least three alternative choices. They don’t have to be perfect, but simply allowing your mind to expand beyond "this or that" can open doors to better possibilities.

🎧 Tune in now to break free from binary thinking and start making decisions that truly align with YOU.

Connect with Luke:

Join the After the Affair community at www.facebook.com/groups/aftertheaffaircommunity

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.