Single-Axis Fallacy


Hey Reader,

Would you rather improve your fitness or spend time with family?

This looks like a reasonable question, but it's actually a false dichotomy. The question assumes you have to choose between two things that aren't actually in opposition.

You've heard of false dichotomies, but there's a subtler version of this trap that I call the Single-Axis Fallacy—where we accept that both options exist but wrongly assume that having more of one means less of the other.

The reality is that fitness and family time can both be high priorities in your life. In fact, they can reinforce each other when you stop thinking about them as competing forces.

The double-axis reality is much more empowering.

Instead of putting two valuable things at opposite ends of a single line, you can map them on separate axes. Suddenly, you're not choosing between them—you're optimizing for both.

This thinking trap shows up everywhere, especially in business decisions.

In today's article, I'll show you how to spot it, escape it, and use this framework to unlock opportunities you didn't know existed:


video preview

PODCAST

The Flywheel Concept That Will Change Your Business

If you missed it last week, the latest episode of my podcast was a solo episode on how to make your business feel like a game again.

I share how Creator Flywheels turn scattered tasks into self-sustaining systems—and how they helped me get better results with less effort.

You’ll hear:

  • 2 examples from my business
  • How to create greater results with less effort
  • The 15-minute check-in that improves the system

Watch or listen to episode »

X POST

"What it took for my team to make $100k"

Dan Mall shared what it actually took for his group coaching business to hit $100k in revenue. He breaks down which channels drove revenue and which didn't, showing his newsletter as the primary source of sales.

I always love when creators share detailed revenue breakdowns like this.

Read post »

Have a great week!

—Nathan

P.S.

Here's the link again to read my new article: Single-Axis Fallacy »

Nathan Barry

I'm a designer who turned into a writer who turned into a startup CEO. My mission is to help creators earn a living. Subscribe for essays on building an audience and earning a living as a creator.

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