What if the tension you’re trying to resolve holds the possibility of something better? Sometimes, making a wise choice starts with holding two opposing ideas at once.

In this episode of The Spacemakers, Daniel Sih and Matt Bain explore the miracle of both-and thinking: our capacity to hold conflicting ideas in tension and discover possibilities we might otherwise miss.

Drawing on Roger Martin’s idea of the “opposable mind”, they consider how this way of thinking can help us navigate the complexity of work and life. Career and wellbeing. Planning and spontaneity. Caring for ourselves and caring for others.

Through three memorable metaphors—a barbell, a metronome and a tightrope—they explore how to hold these tensions and make thoughtful adjustments as circumstances change. Living well requires movement, attention and a willingness to reconsider our choices.

They also unpack the habits that can narrow our thinking: settling for an unhelpful middle ground, digging deeper into our own perspective, or treating people who disagree with us as the enemy.

The episode closes with a practical reflection for the fortnight: when tension feels uncomfortable, which of these habits do you tend to drift towards? And what might become possible if you stayed open to another perspective?

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This season is made possible with support from our sponsors Bulk Nutrients and Productivity Masterclass.

This podcast is recorded and produced by Wildersound and Talon Media.

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This episode is brought to you by Productivity Masterclass — a life-changing program to help senior professionals work smarter, get organised, and take their productivity to the next level. Check out our next program at https://spacemakers.au/masterclass.

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