
#131: Your binary thinking is trying to tell you something
From The Academic Imperfectionist by Rebecca Roache
April 24, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 131
About this episode
The episode discusses how binary thinking can hinder personal growth and lead to negative self-perceptions.
Binary thinking is that horrible all-or-nothing approach that holds us back by convincing us that any positive change we consider will inevitably lead to disaster. You know the sort of thing: 'I should be more assertive, but if I try, I'll end up being an arrogant psychopath who everyone hates', or 'I should get out for a walk every day, but if I do, I will neglect all my duties and get fired', or 'If I show compassion towards myself I will give up and stop trying and never get anywhere in li...
People in this episode
Host: Rebecca Roache
Topics covered
- binary thinking
- self-improvement
- mental health
- assertiveness
- compassion
Keywords
- binary thinking
- self-improvement
- mental health
- assertiveness
- compassion
- all-or-nothing
- positive change
More episodes of The Academic Imperfectionist
- #134: Defeat perfectionism with one weird trick · June 4, 2026 · 25 min
- #133: Academia is just a job! · May 21, 2026 · 24 min
- #132: Backpacks, bias, and your unrealistic summer plans · May 7, 2026 · 22 min
- #130: The bonkers mental gymnastics of your writing anxiety · April 9, 2026 · 28 min
- #129: The hidden burden of decision fatigue · March 27, 2026 · 24 min
- #128: Professor Katrien Devolder on why you're wrong about laziness · March 13, 2026 · 1h 7m
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